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Ranking the top 5 moves of the Buffalo Sabres 2023 offseason (so far)

By Sion Fawkes

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 15: Ilya Lyubushkin #46 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period of the game at Capital One Arena on March 15, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 15: Ilya Lyubushkin #46 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period of the game at Capital One Arena on March 15, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
Jan 21, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs (19) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

1 – Abstaining from making a blockbuster trade for a goaltender

That’s right, the Buffalo Sabres best move of the 2023 offseason so far involved not making a move at this point. There were many pulling for a potential trade for Connor Hellebuyck or John Gibson, but both came with unnecessary risks at the potential expense of high end draft picks and prospects.

Hellebuyck would have cost a fortune, and there was no guarantee he would stick around following a single season in Buffalo had such a trade occurred unless he re-signed. But that would have gotten in the way of the Sabres long-term plans if they planned on keeping more from their young nucleus. Then there was Gibson, who at this point, I’m still unsure what redeeming qualities he has following four average to below-average seasons in Anaheim.

Related Story. Breaking down the Buffalo Sabres 2023 offseason moves. light

While I didn’t believe Adams would make such a trade, it would have been rash to rule out the possibility. But by going with presumably Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in 2023-24, it gives a young duo a fair chance to be the long-term answer in the net. And it’s something we were never going to find out had Adams made such a rash trade.

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