If there is anything to expect from the Sabres this offseason, it's that the front office will do what it takes to get them back to the postseason. With Kevyn Adams' job on the line, I expect that he will make some big moves and call-ups to keep his superiors happy.
The Sabres aren’t looking to rebuild again, especially with the firepower they have on offense going into next season. If the Sabres retool their roster, however, these three players could find themselves without a role for the 25-26 season.
Jordan Greenway
I think Adams made a mistake signing Greenway to a two-year extension, with a four million dollar cap hit each season. Greenway has been constantly injured, and couldn’t find a role on the team this year, which leads me to believe he will be stuck without one next year.
Greenway was on the third line when he returned this season, putting him with Dylan Cozens and Ryan McLeod. Cozens was traded, and McLeod was moved up to the second line. Greenway then missed the rest of the season with another injury.
Greenway was mediocre at best offensively last year, and unless they stick him on the fourth line as an enforcer, I just don’t see any playing time for Greenway in the future.
Sam Lafferty
Lafferty signed a two-year deal with the Sabres going into the 24-25 season, after his campaign last year with the Vancouver Canucks. He put up great numbers for the Canucks with 13 goals, 11 assists, and a plus-minus of +4.
His time in Buffalo so far, not so much. In 60 games this season, Lafferty failed to record 10 points. Lafferty had four goals, three assists, and an abysmal plus-minus of -15.
With young talent in Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen, and Tyson Kozak set to return to the Sabres next year, I don’t see a fit for Lafferty. He is set to make another two million next season, so look for the Sabres to buy out Lafferty in order to save some salary cap for free agency.
Beck Malenstyn
After a career year with the Washington Capitals, Malenstyn also came over to the Sabres this past summer. Malenstyn had 21 points in 81 games on the Capitals' fourth line. The Sabres hoped he would do the same.
However, in his 76 games, Malenstyn only managed 10 total points. He also had a plus-minus of -16, as he and Lafferty struggled immensely on that fourth line.
Malenstyn is set to make 1.35 million next season, and I think the Sabres would be better off moving on from him. He could be a reserve at best, but as mentioned before, with the young talent that they possess in Rochester, Malenstyn wouldn’t have a role.