Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The buzz around the league is growing faster and faster. Regardless of the Stanley Cup Final still going, the other 30 teams are in offseason mode. One team that’s letting the teams across the NHL know its open for business is the Buffalo Sabres and General Manager Kevyn Adams and it is causing a stir with rumours. Adams has suggested that anything is on the table ahead of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Rumours: The Buffalo Sabres Are Open for Business
Rumour: Adams is interested in trading the 11th overall pick in the draft. Adams told NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman:
“I’ve told every team in the league that we are wide-open to considering moving pick 11. We’re wide-open to consider anything, to be honest, prospects if we think it’s going to help our team. We’d even look to move up. I think we have the assets to do that. We’re very open to moving back, depending on how the draft slides and where guys are going. All of that is on the table.”
Analysis: Sabres Could Get Decent Haul for the 11th Pick
This upcoming 2024 draft is not as deep as last year’s was. This could work in Adams’ favour. Teams may be more willing to pay a higher price for the higher pick. The return in a trade would depend on the team. However, prospects or NHL ready players would certainly help a Sabre team looking to right the ship.
Adams Is on a Misson to Bring the Sabres Back to the Playoffs
The Buffalo Sabres have not made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season. The 13-year drought is the longest stretch in the NHL without a playoff appearance. In that time, many Sabres stars have moved on. Some, such as Ryan O’Reilly and Jack Eichel, have gone on to win the Stanley Cup with their new team. It’s now time that Adams would like to create new stars and new success. With elite players like Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson in your lineup, it is not hard to see the potential is there to be competitive.
The Sabres Have a Deep Prospect Pool and Money to Spend
The Sabres have drafted eighth, first, ninth, and 13th overall since Adams became the general manager in 2020. They have selected Jack Quinn, Owen Power, Matthew Savoie, and Zach Benson with those picks. Each of which bring a solid ceiling with them still.
Furthermore, the Sabres will have about $23 million in available cap space to spend this offseason. In spite of still having to construct their roster, with only 13 players signed. Moreover, the money gives them flexibility to access their options and make the best choice.
Can This Be the Offseason the Sabres Turn Things Around?
No Sabres fan can question Adams’ commitment to fixing things in Buffalo. With money to spend, a deep prospect pool, and willingness to engage in trade discussions, this offseason could be an interesting one for the Buffalo Sabres.
Main photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
