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Atlantic Division Offseasons Ranked: Where the Buffalo Sabres stand

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 4, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) moves the puck during the third period against the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) moves the puck during the third period against the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres had a good offseason so far in 2023, but how do they fare when compared with the rest of the Atlantic Division?

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams continues to steadily build the Blue and Gold, and so far this offseason, he’s continued making all the right and necessary moves. So how did his offseason stack up with the other seven teams in the Atlantic Division?

Today, we will find out in the first power ranking of the 2023-24 season. However, this power ranking is different from more traditional ones. I’m not listing each team by how talented they are, or where they currently stand. Instead, I’m ranking them based on how well their offseason has gone at this point.

Therefore, the most talented team in the Atlantic may or may not be ranked at the top, and the least talented team may not find themselves at the bottom. So where do the Sabres stand vs. their Atlantic Division rivals in this first of what will be many power rankings?

Buffalo Sabres
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 05: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Buffalo Sabres scores a goal on Brian Elliott #1 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during a game at Amalie Arena on November 05, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

How have the Buffalo Sabres fared vs. the Atlantic Division this offseason?

8 – Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been one of the NHL’s most successful franchises over the last half of the 2010s and into the 2020s, but now, they could be starting to backslide. Financial constraints kept this team from getting any younger, and their biggest moves involved signing a trio of aging forwards.

7 – Toronto Maple Leafs

If one team had a solid but unspectacular offseason in 2023, it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs. They signed serviceable pieces in Tyler Bertuzzi, John Klingberg, and journeyman Max Domi. The Leafs also signed Ryan Reaves to a three-year deal, which is curious considering his age, and it’ll be more interesting to see if he sticks around for the duration.

Overall, Toronto’s offseason is one of those that would’ve looked great on paper five years ago. In 2023, it could work in their favor, but it will be interesting to see if this eclectic band can help the Leafs take another step.

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