There were many questions about what new general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen would do at the NHL trade deadline. The new head honcho for the Buffalo Sabres had many decisions to make, even after the remarkable run the team has gone on.
Now, it seems he's gotten huge value from one of his most recent trades. Before the deadline, he traded away two draft picks (third- and sixth-rounders) for New York Rangers veteran center Sam Carrick.
Sam Carrick is signed through 2027, and value is crucial for a Sabres team facing key financial questions this summer
Currently, the center's contract has a slight cap hit of $1 million and it's the same next season. It is a bargain for a veteran. More importantly, it shows that the new Sabres brass does not need to overpay for pieces that can add to the team.
He currently has six points in nine games since he came to Western New York. For a player to make as high an impact in a short time prove the value of bringing him on. If he continues strong play, he'll provide more bang for the buck than a vast majority of NHL players.
The contract also makes it easy for Carrick himself. He has a chance to play his way to a new deal but, unlike other Sabres free agents over the next two years, the market value wouldn't be as high if the front office wants to retain him.
The Sabres seem to finally be breaking through to the postseason but that comes with a risk in later ways. The success of the team will lead to players looking for better contracts or other teams in the NHL looking to take their valued pieces.
Now Kekäläinen will have to grapple with that as he enters his first offseason with the team. Looking for the right pieces that do not put them into a salary-cap hole as they enter next season.
Having a veteran fourth-line center for at least two seasons that the Sabres do not need to worry about having to pay too high a price for him to be on the ice. It is one step for the team, not only now but also looking toward 2026-27.
Getting to the playoffs this season is the first step toward turning the organization completely around. They will need to spend money to continue to be in the postseason on a perennial basis. That money needs to be spent wisely, though.
Carrick has proven Buffalo's rebuilt front office knows what it's doing. Once the offseason begins, Kekäläinen and his staff will have even more time to show the Sabres fanbase even more value moves.