The next few weeks are going to be a big test for Jarmo Kekalainen as the new general manager for the Buffalo Sabres. One of the top players on the roster, Alex Tuch, is in the final year of his contract, and the Sabres could go in a number of different directions, from re-signing to a long-term deal to trading him before the deadline or keeping him to help a playoff run, but almost certainly losing him in free agency with nothing in return.
That decision is going to have an impact not only on this season but on future seasons for the franchise. It is a huge decision and certainly is the first thing he has to do, but it won't be the only thing.
If the Sabres re-sign Tuch or just keep him for their playoff run, there aren't many glaring weaknesses on this roster. With how good they are playing, and with the return of players like Josh Norris, Justin Danforth, and Conor Timmins, they don't necessarily need to be desperate or make big splashes.
At this point in the season before the Olympic break, these are the two areas Jarmo Kekalainen might be looking to improve for the Buffalo Sabres.
Blueline depth for the Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have had more than their fair share of injuries among their defensemen as of late, which has seen them call up a number of players from Rochester. Michael Kesselring recently returned but has had two stints on injured reserve, which have limited him to only 20 games this season.
In addition to Kesselring, Conor Timmins has been out since December 18th after suffering a broken leg. Hopefully, he can be back after the Olympic break, which will help because recently Lindy Ruff has leaned heavily on his Top 4 on the blue line, with all of them close, if not over 25 minutes per game.
It would make sense for the Buffalo Sabres to look for a veteran defenseman who can rotate in when everyone is healthy as that seventh defenseman. However, if they do have more injuries down the stretch, it could give Lindy Ruff confidence to balance the minutes more across three pairs.
Buffalo Sabres middling power play
The other potential area the Buffalo Sabres could look to add to is the power play unit. They ranked 20th in the league with 29 power play goals and a power play percentage 19.2% entering their game against the Los Angeles Kings.
There is no question that a more dynamic power play unit could help the Buffalo Sabres, especially in the playoffs. The reason it is a potential need is that it might not be the players that is the problem. Seth Appert has been responsible for the Sabres' power play the past two seasons, and neither season has been particularly good.
The idea of adding another player who excels on the power play makes sense and shouldn't stop Jarmo Kekalainen from exploring what might be out there. However, it remains to be seen how much it would approve in Appert's system.