Entering this offseason, Buffalo Sabres fans weren't really sure what they might expect, as it was the first offseason led by Jarmo Kekalainen. He joined the organization last offseason but was named general manager in December as the replacement for Kevyn Adams.
The hope was that the Sabres would be able to add to the roster and build on the excitement they had from finally reaching the playoffs and ending the drought. While it wasn't the offseason many expected, it was still an excellent job by Jarmo Kekalainen while keeping the door open for chances to add to the roster.
Grade for the Buffalo Sabres 2026 offseason: A-
A majority of the trades made by Jarmo Kekalainen were for future assets as he acquired three picks as part of the trades involving Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch. There is an argument to be made that the Sabres' roster isn't better today than it was when they ended the season.
However, the Sabres weren't in a position with their salary cap to bring back Tuch and extend Byram to the type of contract he signed while also extending Zach Benson with a new seven-year contract and reaching new contracts with restricted free agents Peyton Krebs and Olen Zellweger. The fact that they didn't lose Byram and Tuch for nothing is a win and a credit to the job Kekalainen did.
What would give the Buffalo Sabres an A+?
While most of the offseason moves are done, there is still plenty of time between now and the start of the 2026-27 season. Jarmo Kekalainen showed leading up to the NHL Draft that he is not afraid to be aggressive and make moves when they make sense for the Sabres.
The one move that is still out there that would make this an A+ offseason is if they can trade for goalie Connor Hellebuyck. The rumors have not slowed down; in fact, they seemingly have only picked up, and it is hard to imagine that Hellebuyck is back with the Jets next season.
If the Sabres are able to add Hellebuyck and not give up Konsta Helenius or even Noah Ostlund, that would be a huge win and put Buffalo right back in the discussion for winning a tough Atlantic Division.
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