The Buffalo Sabres are heading into the offseason coming off the clubs 13th straight year of missing the playoffs. After the best season in a long time in 2022/2023, it was a step back year for the Sabres in 2023/2024. What will it take for the playoff drought to come to an end?
With frustration boiling over within the fanbase, general manager Kevyn Adams knows this offseason is going to make-or-break his tenure as general manager. After firing Don Granato, Adams brought back Lindy Ruff to be the head coach of Buffalo.
In the couple of press conferences that were held in the offseason, both Ruff and Adams preached that the time for change is now. There is no question the Sabres need to improve in the offseason. Whether it's with the draft or free agency, change has to happen.
Many fans, including myself, thought this season was going to be one they broke the drought. Back in 1968, the great Elvis Presley recorded and released a song called, "A Little Less Conversation". The main tag line in the song is "A little less conversation, a little more action". That lyric could not be more relevant than right now.
The time for talk is over, it's time for the action part. We've heard the "ready to take the next step" and "the work begins now" phrases. For the last 13 years, fans have been subjected to those conversations. Even if previous management has tried, it has failed.
If there is an offseason for the Sabres to go all out, it's this one. The vibe is that Adams knows this could be his last chance to turn things around. For example, Kevyn gave us a rundown of what he wants to do in the offseason. Let's hope that he comes through whether it's trading the first-round pick for a NHL proven player or making a splash in free agency.
The time for action is now.