Failing to address the bottom-six
The Sabres need to improve this area of the lineup, and while a complete overhaul isn’t in order, Buffalo must acquire more talent here if they want to win more games and ultimately make the playoffs. This isn’t to say they didn’t have some useful players, as we already talked about Zemgus Girgensons and the value he brought. Peyton Krebs is another one who should return, and it’s a foregone conclusion Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway will be back.
Krebs, at the absolute worst, is a fair 13th or 14th forward, but his defense is just outstanding, evidenced by the fact he was on the ice for just 30 goals allowed and a 92.4 on-ice save percentage at even strength despite a 36.6 xGA. Greenway was on the ice for 50 goals at even strength, and, of course, Benson’s defensive play and his scoring surge late in the year make him a shoo-in to return instead of going back to the WHL.
But the Sabres need to find at least two more quality players for the bottom-six, ideally, a defensive-minded center who would double as a solid depth scorer. They could fill this void with someone from Rochester, but at this point, Adams would be much better off bringing in more established talent.
The Blue and Gold still aren’t physical enough, so a hard-hitting winger would add more of an edge to a lineup that averaged just 21.79 hits per game.