The Buffalo Sabres fan base can't be an optimistic bunch heading into free agency. You can argue they've lost way more than they've won so far, and trading JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth last week turned out to be the tip of a massive iceberg.
So far, Buffalo has watched the Detroit Red Wings trade for a halfway decent netminder, the Florida Panthers essentially bring their entire team back, the Toronto Maple Leafs bring back John Tavares (though they did lose Mitch Marner to Vegas), and the Montreal Canadiens trade for Noah Dobson.
Yeah, you can argue the Sabres could be the lowest of the bunch right now in the Atlantic unless if something big happens when the 12 p.m. hour kicks off. Oh, but if you want more fun, look at how many big names are already gone.
Yeah, there will still be a free agent frenzy since a few big names are on the board as I write this. But right now, who's looking to play for a team located in a small market that hasn't won in forever? Especially when they just proved to be the NHL's farm system with the Peterka trade?
Buffalo Sabres need to make something happen when the clock strikes 12
For the sake of Sabres fans, let's hope that general manager Kevyn Adams has something unforeseen up his sleeve and this article will be old news by the end of the day. It would be great if I can pen something a little more optimistic than what I'm writing right now, but the Peterka trade especially was beyond underwhelming.
Oh, and as I was editing this piece, the Bruins got in on the action with trade discussions for Viktor Arvidsson.
Should the Blue and Gold find a way to make a move today, it still doesn't mean they'll even be remote playoff contenders. Even a potential blockbuster trade would mean a big name agreeing to waive a no-trade clause, which could instantly nix a trade the minute they find out where they're headed. Or, could be headed.
Not only that, as the headline of this piece indicates, the Sabres are dealing with an underrated goaltending duo in Hockeytown, a brewing blue line in Montreal that's slowly becoming star-studded, a Maple Leafs team that could have a Core Four again if Matthew Knies makes anoher jump, and a Panthers team looking for a three-peat.
It's bleak, and heading into 2025-26, unless something big happens today, the Sabres only real chance for a winning season and a playoff appearance may be to pull off unsuspecting wins and rise up to 'surprise team' status. Yeah, it's a long shot.
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