Atlantic Division Offseasons Ranked: Where the Buffalo Sabres stand
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?
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.
6 – Detroit Red Wings
I’ll let everyone else overrate the Detroit Red Wings following their big trade for Alex DeBrincat. But until the Yzer-plan actually produces a winner in the Motor City, I’m not giving them a high grade, even if DeBrincat makes their forward unit look stellar on paper.
5 – Ottawa Senators
Joonas Korpisalo was a good pickup, and the 29-year-old could provide stability at goaltender for the Ottawa Senators. They also got a 2024 first round pick and Dominik Kubalik in the DeBrincat trade, along with an NHL-caliber prospect in Donovan Sebrango, and a 2024 fourth rounder.
Overall, I’m giving Ottawa the early edge in this trade, considering DeBrincat’s so-so season north of the border and the fact they added a few building blocks for the future. But time will ultimately tell us whether the Sens or the Red Wings won out on this deal, and if DeBrincat performs better in the Motor City.
4- Boston Bruins
Don’t expect the Boston Bruins to go anywhere fast, as they are working to bring back young talent in Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic, while retaining Jakub Lauko. They also rounded out their group with Morgan Geekie, Milan Lucic, and James van Riemsdyk, all of which will help the Bruins once again fare as serious playoff contenders.
3 – Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers didn’t escape the offseason unscathed, as they traded Anthony Duclair and let Radko Gudas walk. But they also compensated for their losses with Rasmus Asplund, Dmitriy Kulikov, Evan Rodrigues, Mike Reilly, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Meaning you shouldn’t expect them to miss a beat when the 2023-24 season is in full swing.
2 – Montreal Canadiens
Kudos to the Montreal Canadiens for avoiding rash decisions this year, and instead continued to build a young core through trades, signings, and re-signings. Notable players who either became or will remain part of the organization include Alex Newhook, David Reinbacher, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, and Michael Pezzetta.
1 – Buffalo Sabres
When you’re Kevyn Adams and your plan has so far worked, why would you make any unnecessary moves? Sure, the Buffalo Sabres were linked to several players via trade, and at the time of this writing, they are still linked.
Related Story. Sabres: 3 things to expect for the rest of 2023 offseason. light
But as I’ve mentioned in previous pieces: If the method to the genius approach isn’t broken, then why bother trying to fix it? Conventional wisdom says you shouldn’t, and Adams understands that more than just about everyone in NHL circles. Which is why he beefed up the blue line this season without overspending, and it will help the Blue and Gold snag an eventual playoff berth.
Source: NHL free-agency report card: Grades for each team’s early offseason moves by The Athletic NHL Staff, TheAthletic.com
(Transaction information provided by ESPN.com)