Even though the Buffalo Sabres have missed the postseason for the 13th straight year, they do have a good foundation to end the playoff drought. There is no denying that they have the talent but yet, Buffalo still can't get over the hump. They do have one positive however and that's the top six.
Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka are just a few of the names who consist of the top six. When it comes to the weaknesses, there are a couple of them. One glaring issue is the blue line but that has been an issue for a while now. Another issue is the team's bottom six. While they have a good foundation, the depth remains an issue.
That's why general manager Kevyn Adams needs to improve the bottom six in the offseason. Whether it's free agency or trades, Adams has to renovate his depth. When it comes to forwards, there are some names the Sabres could target.
With that being said, Adams could also have some of their prospects fill in. While I think they should use free agency to improve in the bottom six, Buffalo needs to get younger and faster in that department. This is just another reason why this offseason will be critical for Adams.
Looking at some of the players who were in the bottom six this season, they include Zemgus Girgensons, Peyton Krebs, Eric Robinson, Tyson Jost and Victor Olofsson. There will be some players in the free agency pool who will be taken, but there will be options on the table for Buffalo as well.
There is still work to be done but the Sabres depth needs improvement in the offseason. It truly does feel like this Summer will make or break Adams but with how disappointing of a season it was, change needs to happen and it needs to happen fast.