Following the firing of Don Granato and others, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams needs to make sure this offseason is going to be a good one. Letting go of Granato, assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith is just the start of what he needs to do to improve the team.
During his press conference, Adams said he wants the next head coach to have tons of experience so that all but should take Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert out of the equation. Just from the press conference alone, Adams sounds like someone who knows what he wants and that's great news to the fanbase.
It's not just the coaching staff that needs a renovation, it's the roster itself. This is why I think this offseason will make or break Kevyn. He needs to improve Buffalo's blue line and bottom six. With how good Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was this year, the Sabres also have Devon Levi, which makes me think they won't target a goaltender.
As for the bottom six, it needs to be revamped. I believe the top six are all set because of the talent they have. Whether it's free agency, a trade or some of the players in Rochester, they need to bring in new blood for the bottom six of the lineup. The Sabres need to get better and faster, which is one reason why this offseason will be crucial for Kevyn.
Going by what he had to say, I think we're going to have an eventful offseason. Just like you, I'm frustrated and fed up. I can only imagine how Adams feels, but it sounds like he has a plan. At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. In the words of Elvis Presley, "A little less conversation, a little more action."
We will see what the upcoming weeks and months have in store, but it feels like Adams knows this is his last shot. His words had me feeling good, but now it's time to execute and I'm excited to see what he has in mind.