Kevyn Adams’ assessment, Sabres offseason

After missing the playoffs by one point in 2022-23, the Buffalo Sabres have regressed to 84 points in 2023-24. A roster overhaul began at the trade deadline, as the Sabres acquired defenseman Bowen Byram in exchange for forward Casey Mittelstadt to reallocate assets. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams decided to replace Mittelstadt this offseason with a third-line center, add a top-six scorer and restock their depth on defense and goaltending.

So how did he do? It’s time to review each phase of Buffalo’s offseason, starting with the draft.

Sabers Project

Despite all the hopes of success and potential trades on the first day of the NHL Draft, the Sabres, like every other team, did not make a pick for a player trade. Instead, Buffalo drafted 14th overall after a trade from 11th overall and selected center Konsta Helenius.

Helenius immediately impressed in development camp and his long-term outlook looks promising. He ranks among the top prospects in Buffalo’s pipeline.

The second-round pick acquired in the trade gave the Sabres two points, which led to a trade for forward Beck Malenstyn. Malenstyn was the first addition of speed and physicality that foreshadowed the trades to come. Trading a second-round pick for a fourth-line player eliminates the possibility of growth potential, but Buffalo needed roster players more than new NHL prospects.

As for the rest of the draft picks, time will tell. Brodie Ziemer has shown he can put the puck in the back of the net against his peers, and Adam Kleber and Luke Osburn are solid prospects on the blue line. The draft class adds to an already crowded group of prospects, making this a quantity-over-quality situation.

Draft Grade: B-

Additional Draft Analysis: Sabres 2024 NHL Draft Recap

Jeff Skinner buyout

The rumors that Jeff Skinner was not part of the Sabres’ plans date back to the trade deadline. The Sabres obviously couldn’t sell his $9 million salary during the season, but his regression was worrisome. By then, Skinner had already been demoted from the first line and was no longer getting along with the others.

The Sabres finally began the buyout process after the draft. The presumed intention was to allocate the money saved to pay a top forward and a third-line center. Losing Skinner’s offensive talent hurts, but his poor defensive play and misplaced role hurt the team even more.

At this point, it doesn’t appear the Sabres will use all of the cap space they’ve created. They failed to complete a trade for another top scorer, which many consider the final piece missing from a true playoff team.

Redemption grade: D+

More Skinner: Report: Sabres considering buying out Jeff Skinner

Sabres Free Agency

Veteran Jason Zucker has been the highlight of the Sabres’ free-agent signings. He’s a former 30-goal scorer in the league after a 14-goal season. He scored 27 goals two years ago in Pittsburgh, suggesting he can still produce with the right teammates.

Buffalo’s other signings have been fourth-line and depth on defense and goaltending. Sam Lafferty and Nicolas Aube-Kubel bring more speed and physicality to the team and pair with Malenstyn. Dennis Gilbert and the re-signing of Jacob Bryson take some pressure off Ryan Johnson, who is entering his second professional season.

James Reimer and Felix Sandstrom make up the Sabres’ goaltending quartet, each with NHL experience. Reimer started last season as a backup in Detroit and Sandstrom did the same in Philadelphia at various times during the season.

The big free agents all signed early in the season, and the Sabres were never really in contention for any of them. Free agent contracts are notorious for being regrettable toward the end of their lifespan, so not getting locked into a bad long-term deal is a good thing.

So far, the Sabres have filled needs, improved their depth and given themselves a new identity. However, they still had two major holes after their new signings were announced.

Free Agency Grade: B-

Free Agent Analysis: Reports: Sabres sign Zucker, Lafferty in free agency

Ryan McLeod Trade

Throughout the offseason, there was a lot of talk about the Sabres wanting to part ways with a prospect in exchange for a player who could help the team next season. Yet when the Sabres selected Matthew Savoie, it was a shock. Savoie was Buffalo’s most-drafted player who didn’t play in the NHL.

Savoie’s return from the Edmonton Oilers was the third-line pivot the Sabres needed in Ryan McLeod. The Sabres also acquired prospect Tyler Tullio, who appears unlikely to make the NHL at this point.

McLeod adds a key piece to the Sabres’ third line, fits into the team’s age bracket and has offensive potential. He’ll also remain under team control after the season. Losing a top prospect for a third-line center seems ideal, but given Buffalo’s situation, this trade made perfect sense.

Commercial category: B+

Must Read: Evaluating New Sabres Forward Ryan McLeod

Total off-season score

It’s been a busy offseason for Kevyn Adams and Buffalo management, but there’s still a glaring hole. The Sabres failed to sign a top-tier forward and are leaving unnecessary salary cap space on the table because of it.

There is still time to make another trade, but it requires two willing participants. The other 31 NHL teams are nearly finished building their rosters, and parting with a key player would leave them with a void to fill as well.

Some teams are struggling with the salary cap, which could open the door to a trade. The other option would be a position swap, trading a defenseman for a forward.

So far, the Sabres’ offseason grade is incomplete. If this is the final list, then the grade is much less flattering than it could be with the addition of a top-six forward.

Off-season grade: C+