The Buffalo Sabres currently have 15 forwards set to battle for 13 roster spots next season, and that projection doesn't even include veteran Conor Sheary or fast-rising prospect Jake Richard, who will both be looking to make a strong impression at training camp.
It's an overabundance of options that's driving much of the Sabres conversation right now amid speculation the organization may still make another blockbuster move or two this summer. Trading for Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck or signing Buffalo native Patrick Kane have both been heavily rumored over the past few weeks.
Sabres insider Paul Hamilton thinks the issue may be getting blown a little bit out of proportion, as he explained Tuesday during an appearance on WGR 550 Radio.
"Before everybody panics here about what we're talking about, the chances of everybody being healthy on Opening Night are not all that good," Hamilton said. "I mean, everybody we're looking at right now, I'd be shocked if everybody is healthy. That's just not the way sports goes, especially through training camp. So, it probably is not going to be a problem they're gonna have to deal with, but it could be."
There's certainly an element of truth there, and Buffalo learned the importance of depth last season when Jiri Kulich missed a vast majority of the campaign with a blood clot and Josh Norris was once again sidelined a few different times as part of his injury-plagued career.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff was forced to juggle his forward lines quite a bit and Peyton Krebs ended up on the first line for an extended stretch. Although Krebs is a reliable, team-first player, he shouldn't be skating on the top line for a club with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations.
So, while a marquee move that clears out the logjam over the next few months is possible, it wouldn't be a total shock if general manager Jarmo Kekalainen decides to enter camp with the current group and let the chips fall where they may.
If injuries don't arise, Buffalo could place Justin Danforth and Tyson Kozak on waivers to get back down to 13 forwards without risking a high-impact player. Or perhaps the organization decides its best to give Kulich a little time with the AHL's Rochester Americans to get back up to full speed.
Things tend to work themselves out before a significant roster-altering decision is required.
Exploring the underlying issue with the Buffalo Sabres' forward situation
Yes, even without a substantial deal, the Sabres can get back down to 13 forwards before the puck drops on a new season in late September. (The NHL is moving to an 84-game regular-season schedule, which is leading to an earlier start in 2026-27.)
That's not the only problem in play, though.
Buffalo also has one too many top-nine forwards. It's another issue than can be alleviated by sending Kulich to Rochester, but that's not a long-term solution. The organization isn't going to simply keep him in the minors until an injury arises, if he even heads to the Amerks at all.
At some point, someone like Jack Quinn or Jason Zucker will probably have to get moved. Josh Norris and Ryan McLeod are also options, though less likely for a variety of reasons.
Again, it's a situation where the Sabres could hypothetically kick the can down the road, even if Kulich is deemed ready for Opening Night. They could skate Noah Ostlund on the fourth line with Peyton Krebs and Beck Malenstyn, but it's not preferable through a long-term lens.
It's these different equations that continue to suggest another move if coming.
Dealing a couple roster forwards in a Hellebuyck trade would eliminate these mathematical question marks while also giving the Sabres a clear upgrade between the pipes. It almost makes too much sense, though it's clear Buffalo's front office won't overpay to make the move.
Doing so would also create a potential avenue to sign Kane if it's two top-nine forwards heading to Winnipeg. Here's a look at a possible lineup if Quinn and McLeod were sent to the Jets and the future Hockey Hall of Fame winger was added:
Left Wing | Center | Right Wing |
|---|---|---|
Zach Benson | Tage Thompson | Josh Doan |
Jason Zucker | Josh Norris | Patrick Kane |
Noah Ostlund | Jiri Kulich | Konsta Helenius |
Peyton Krebs | Sam Carrick | Beck Malenstyn |
Ruff would also have plenty of flexibility, too. If he wanted to play Thompson on the wing, which has typically been the veteran coach's preference when the Sabres' center depth wasn't depleted, he could shift Norris up with Helenius or Ostlund moving to a middle-six center role.
Is that how everything will play out? Probably not. The Jets are seemingly playing hardball with Hellebuyck and Kane isn't going to wait forever being making a decision about where to sign.
It does illustrate how the puzzle pieces fit together better with a couple more moves, though. It may not be Hellebuyck and Kane specifically, but a few additions and subtractions by Kekalainen could put these roster uncertainties in the rearview mirror.
If nothing else, it makes for an interesting finish to the offseason for Buffalo.
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