Did the Buffalo Sabres make the right offseason moves to contend again?

The Buffalo Sabres came close to punching a ticket into the playoffs this past season. Did they make the right moves to contend again for 2023-24?

Even though we’re almost at the end of July, NHL training camps, the Prospects Challenge, and preseason will be here before you know it! Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams made some moves in the offseason to make the team better, specifically on the blue line.

On the first day of free agency, I believe the Sabres got better defensively as they signed defenseman Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton. Other than that, they didn’t make any major additions...yet. With that being said, it begs the question: Did the Sabres do enough and did they make the right moves to contend once more for the postseason this year?

Earlier on before the offseason got started, I wrote an article telling Sabres fans that they should expect Buffalo to get a goaltender. It seems like that will not happen and even though I feel dumb for writing something that wasn’t true, I believe in Ukko Pekka Luukkonen, Eric Comrie, and Devon Levi.

It seems like Buffalo will roll with a three man rotation between the pipes. Going back to last season, the Sabres weak spot hands down was defense. Regardless of who was in net, there were times where Buffalo broke down and left their goaltender out to dry.

With the additions of Clifton and Johnson, I do think all three goalies are going to be better behind this defense. On paper, it’s improved, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens before the regular season gets started.

Buffalo Sabres did enough defensively, but what about at forward?

Then there’s the forwards. Buffalo was one of the highest scoring offenses in the NHL and barring some move, I think the Sabres forward group is good to go. I know it’s unfortunate Jack Quinn will be out for a bit, but this team is still good offensively.

I don’t think they will sign a big name forward such as Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko, but if they do sign a forward, it will be a depth piece but once again, we’ll see what happens. So, to wrap it up, I think the Buffalo Sabres did do enough to again contend for the postseason.

They have a stacked unit on offense, got better defensively and have some young goaltenders who have good potential. Another reason why I don’t expect them to make any more moves is because they need to save money for possible Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power contract extensions. I’m looking forward to seeing what this team can do this season and I have a great feeling that they can make a push to end the playoff drought.