Updated: Jun 3
The Buffalo Sabres find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination for the 14th straight season, and after another frustrating and tiring year for Sabres fans, here is exactly why they are now known as one of the worst run organisations in hockey.
The Sabres front office will have some serious challenges on their hands this offseason, as yet another sad season comes to an end. But what measures exactly do Buffalo take to become a playoff team once again.
It's without a doubt that the Sabres have some legitimate talent, and do have the means necessary to become a playoff team, but it is the things behind the scenes that are causing Buffalo’s constant downfall. One key aspect as to why they have earned themselves this reputation as a badly run team is their poor trade activity, one thing that has been haunting Sabres fans for years.
It is safe to say over the years the Sabres have had some tear shedding trades, arguably two this year that has halted their success, and has proven to be extremely bad business. Earlier in the year, they traded their former ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft, highly anticipated prospect Matthew Savoie to Edmonton in return for Ryan McLeod. Savoie was tipped to be one of the best prospects to come out of the 2022 draft, and his speed, playmaking, and goal scoring ability were mouth watering abilities for Sabres fans, that's until he was traded for McLeod. While Savoie is still one of the most highly rated prospects in the country, McLeod has only put up a disappointing 46 points this year for the Sabres, and has not proven to be the goal scorer they traded for.
But that isn't where it ends for Buffalo. This year's trade deadline saw the Sabres make some moves involving another former first round pick, Dylan Cozens, a medium level player with some burrowing potential, and a lot of trade value. In the end, Cozens found himself traded to Ottawa, while Buffalo only managed to grab themselves Josh Norris, a top six centre with low production, and a horrible contract, another terribly put together trade, which only sums up a fraction of Buffalo’s failures.
Despite this year being a year of unforgettable trades for Buffalo (and not good ones), it is clear something needs to change, but that something could be everything. It seems the coaching staff, front office, and even some of the players have tested their patience in Buffalo for too long, and with no signs of progression or success with the current operation, it could be time for a complete overhaul in Buffalo. Players like Owen Power and JJ Peterka have had their names floated around the trade block for too long now, and it could be the right time for them to cash in on their high value, and restart with a fresh perspective. Buffalo for sure have multiple great players, but with the chemistry between their elite players not clicking, a much needed makeover is needed. Head coach Lindy Ruff may see himself on the chopping block as well, with new coaching perspectives and philosophies tempting the front office. And finally, the front office as a whole. These terrible trades, contract management, prospect management, and bad roster moves cannot be ignored for much longer, and needs to be addressed. I'm sure a lot of people would love top see Buffalo back in the playoffs, but sacrifices need to be made, and if it means sacrificing some of the team's best players to facilitate a better future, the team needs serious talks ASAP.
Comments