After missing the playoffs by one point in 2022-2023, the Buffalo Sabres dropped to 84 points in 2023-2024. A roster overhaul began at the trade deadline, when the Sabres traded defenseman Bowen Byram for winger Casey Mittelstadt to reallocate assets. This offseason, Sabers General Manager Kevin Adams aimed to replace Mittelstadt with a third-line center, add a top-six scorer, and bolster the defense and goaltender depth.

So, how did he do? It’s time to grade every aspect of Buffalo’s offseason, beginning with the draft.

Despite all of the hype about pyrotechnics and prospective trades on Day One of the NHL Draft, the Sabres, like every other team, did not make a pick for player exchange. Instead, Buffalo traded down from 11th to 14th overall, selecting center Konsta Helenius.

Helenius impressed instantly during the development camp, and his long-term prospects are bright. He is among the top prospects in Buffalo’s pipeline.

The second-round draft pick gained in the trade-down gave the Sabres two, prompting a trade for forward Beck Malenstyn. Malenstyn was the first infusion of speed and physicality, foreshadowing subsequent moves. Trading a second-rounder for a fourth-line player eliminates the possibility of upside, but Buffalo needed roster players more than NHL hopeful

What happens with the remaining draft picks remains to be seen. Brodie Ziemer shown his ability to put the puck in the net against his peers, while Adam Kleber and Luke Osburn are promising large blueline prospects. The draft class adds to an already overcrowded pool of prospects, resulting in a “quantity over quality” situation.

Jeff Skinner Buyout
The whispers about Jeff Skinner not being part of the Sabres’ plans date back to the trade deadline. The Sabres were unable to move his $9 million cap cost throughout the season, but his decline was concerning. Skinner had already been relegated from the first line and wasn’t getting along with anyone else.

Following the draft, the Sabres initiated the buyout procedure. The money saved was presumably intended to be used to pay a top-six forward and a third-line center. Losing Skinner’s scoring ability is unfortunate, but his terrible defensive performance and wrong role are far more detrimental to the squad.

At this moment, it appears that the Sabres will not use nearly all of the cap space they have produced. They’ve failed to pull off a deal for another top-tier scorer, which many believe is the final missing piece to a legitimate playoff squad.

Sabres’ Free Agency
The Sabres signed a host of free agents, with veteran Jason Zucker standing out. He’s a former 30-goal scorer in the league who just had a season with 14 goals. He is two years removed from 27 goals in Pittsburgh, indicating that he can still contribute with the appropriate linemates.

The remaining Buffalo additions addressed the fourth line and added depth on defense and in goal. Sam Lafferty and Nicolas Aube-Kubel provide extra speed and physicality to the team, joining forces with Malenstyn. Dennis Gilbert and Jacob Bryson’s re-signing relieve the load on Ryan Johnson, who is entering his second professional season.

With James Reimer and Felix Sandstrom, the Sabres now have four goaltenders with NHL experience. Last season, Reimer started as Detroit’s backup, and Sandstrom did the same in Philadelphia at times.

The big free-agent names all signed early, and the Sabres were never truly in the running for any of them. Free-agent contracts are known to be regrettable near the end, so not being forced into a bad long-term agreement is a positive thing.

To date, the Sabres’ offseason has filled needs, addressed depth issues, and given the team a new identity. They still had two key gaps after announcing their new arrivals.

Ryan McLeod Trade
Throughout the winter, there was speculation that the Sabres were willing to trade a prospect for a player who could help the team next season. Even yet, the Sabres’ decision to make Matthew Savoie was unexpected. Savoie was Buffalo’s most highly picked non-NHL player.

Buffalo’s return for Savoie from the Edmonton Oilers included Ryan McLeod, the third-line center they needed. The Sabres also acquired prospect Tyler Tullio, who appears to be a long shot to make the NHL at this time.

McLeod strengthens the Sabres’ third line, fits inside the team’s age group, and has scoring potential. He will also stay under team control when the season ends. Losing a top The potential of a third-line center appears great at first glance, but given Buffalo’s current predicament, this move makes a lot of sense.

Total Offseason Grade
Kevyn Adams and Buffalo’s front office had a busy summer, but there is still one major vacancy. The Sabres failed to sign a top-six forward, resulting in needless cap space.

There is still plenty of time to complete another deal, but it requires two willing parties. The other 31 NHL teams have nearly finished building their rosters, and losing a key player would leave them with a void to fill as well.

There are teams with cap issues, which could indicate a trade opportunity. The second alternative would be to swap a defenseman for a forward.

Until then, the Sabres’ offseason assessment remains incomplete. If this is the final roster, the grade is far lower than it could be with a top-six forward added.