Buffalo Sabres’ 3 Worst Contracts for 2025-26
Buffalo Sabres three worst contracts for 202526. Navigating the NHL’s treacherous waters of contract negotiations can often feel like a game of highstakes poker where one wrong move can cost you dearly. Today we’re diving into the Buffalo Sabres three most questionable contracts for the 202526 season and why they might be causing headaches for the team’s management. Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Josh Norris 8 years 63.60 million 7.95 million AAV. Remember the Dylan Kosen’s trade? It’s hard to forget considering how much ink has been spilled over it. While the Sabres hoped Josh Norris would be the answer to their prayers, his lengthy injury history has cast a shadow over his potential impact. Norris boasts a 35 goal season under his belt and shows promise defensively. But can he stay healthy enough to justify his hefty price tag? That’s the milliondoll question, or rather the 63 60 million question. Matias Samuelson 7 years 30 million4.29 million AAV. Some players just seem to attract controversy and Matias Samuelson is one of them. When he inked his deal, expectations were skyhigh. Fans and management alike saw a young defenseman with the potential to anchor the top four at a bargain price. Fast forward to today, and Samuelson’s injury woes and subpar performance have left many wondering if he’ll ever live up to his potential. Can a third pairing role help him focus on his strengths, or is he destined to remain a disappointment? Jordan Greenway, 2 years, 8 million, 4 million AAV. Greenway’s story is a tale of unfulfilled potential. His size and speed make him a formidable presence on the ice, but inconsistency plagues him. At $4 million per season, he’s a pricey investment for someone who isn’t even a guaranteed third liner. Add in his injury history, and you’ve got a recipe for frustration. Is it too late for Greenway to turn things around, or has he already reached his ceiling? The bright side. While the Sabres have stumbled in some areas, GM Kevin Adams deserves credit for his overall contract management. Players like Taage Thompson, Ryan Mloud, and Alex Tuck are shining examples of smart signings. However, the real test will come next summer when Adams has to resign Tuck, Zack Benson, and Michael Keslering. Will he continue to find value or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell. So, dear readers, what are your thoughts on these contracts? Are they as bad as they seem or is there hope for redemption? Share your insights in the comments below. Buffalo Sabres front office shakeup new additions to end playoff drought. The Buffalo Sabres are on a mission to shatter their NHL record 14 season Stanley Cup playoff drought. And they’re banking on some fresh faces in the front office and on the ice to make it happen. But here’s where it gets interesting. Will the addition of two hockey heavyweights, Eric Stall and Yarmmo Keane, be enough to bring postseason hockey back to Buffalo for the first time since 2011? The Sabres general manager, Kevin Adams, is counting on Stall’s wealth of experience to bring stability to the organization. As a 40-year-old assistant to the GM, Stall will be involved in all aspects of the Sabres hockey department, including scouting and direct involvement with players and prospects. And let’s not forget his impressive resume, 1,63 points in 1,365 games, a Stanley Cup championship with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, and a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. But Stall isn’t the only newcomer with a winning pedigree. Kalinan, the Sabres new senior adviser, boasts an impressive track record as the first European GM of an NHL team, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to five playoff appearances in his first seven full seasons. He’s also had a hand in drafting some bigname players, including Arti Panaran, Sergey Babrovski, and Johnny Gadro. The question on everyone’s mind is, can this dynamic duo help the Sabres turn their fortunes around? With veteran coach Lindy Ruff returning for a second season, the experienced Brain Trust will be looking to find a way to improve on last season’s 36, 39, and 7 record. And that means cutting down on goals against a whopping 289, including shootout deciding goals, which was one of the highest in the league. So, what’s the plan to shore up the Sabres defense? Enter Michael Kessler, a 6’5, 215 lb right-hand shot who had an NHL career-high 29 points last season. The 25-year-old is expected to partner with 22-year-old Owen Power, who’s looking to tough his NHL careerhigh 40 points. And with the addition of sandpaper forward Josh Don, the Sabres are hoping to add some much needed grit to their lineup. But here’s the part that might raise some eyebrows. The Sabres traded away 23-year-old JJ Purka who had 68 points in 77 games to acquire Kessle Ring and Don. Was it a fair trade? Only time will tell, but Adams is confident that the return will prove to be worth the price. In goal, the Sabres have added some competition for number one goalie Uko Pekka Lucinan with the signing of Alex Lion to a 2-year contract. And with 23-year-old Devin Levi waiting in the wings, the Sabres are hoping to have a solid goalending core to back up their revamped def. One thing’s for sure, with the addition of Stall and Keelen, the Sabres are all in on making a playoff push. But what do you think, Sabres fans? Do you think this team has what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs? Let us know in the comments. Buffalo Sabres busy summer, key moves, and what’s next? Warning sign for Sabres fans. Next summer’s contract conundrum looms large. As the NHL season beckons, the Buffalo Sabres can finally catch their breath after a whirlwind summer. General manager Kevin Adams has been busy bolstering the roster. https/sabernoise.com/buffaloers projected. up after trades, NHL draft, and free agency for a potential Stanley Cup playoffs push. However, amidst the optimism, a daunting reality awaits. Next summer’s contract negotiations, a temporary reprieve this summer’s additions. with 5,190,319 in available salary cap space per puckpedia httpuckpedia.com/team/buffalo savers. Adams has maneuvered to enhance the team’s depth. The departure of JJ Purka to the Utah Mammoth, although expected, sparked debate among experts. Purka’s new 5-year, $ 38.5 million contract, $7.7 million annual cap hit with Utah has significant implications for the Sabres. While the saved cap space facilitated the acquisition of depth pieces like goalender Alex Lion and defender Connor Timonss, as well as the retention of defenseman Bowen Bum. This relief is short-lived. The ticking time bomb. Alex Tuck’s expanding contract. Fast forward to next summer when core player Alex Tuck’s contract will dominate the headlines. Unlike other key players with expiring deals, Tuck is an unrestricted free agent, giving him the upper hand. If a new agreement isn’t reached during the season, he’ll hit the open market in July. As a pivotal piece acquired in the Jack Eel trade with Las Vegas, Tuck has thrived in Buffalo, assuming a leadership role while surpassing production expectations. His 36 goal, 31 assist performance last season tied a careerhigh. Will the Sabres be able to afford Tux’s likely Purka- S contract demands? Restricted free agents, the other shoes waiting to drop. Josh Don acquired in the Purka trade. Don, a former second round draft pick, brings a responsible checking game. Much like his father, Shane Don. With only 62 career NHL games under his belt, Don’s offensive potential remains largely untapped. A salary under $2 million is anticipated unless he has a breakout season. This versatile, right-handed defenseman is poised for a significant pay raise from his current $1.4 million annual salary. Fresh from winning gold with Team USA in the Hockey World Championships, Kessle Ring’s value to the team is undeniable. Zack Benson. The 20-year-old winger, a former 13th overall draft pick, is entering the final year of his entrylevel contract with a modest $950,000 salary. Benson’s next contract will heavily depend on his performance this season. Can he seize topline minutes and propel the Sabres into late April contention? The silver lining, a projected salary cap increase. As the NHL anticipates a salary cap ceiling boost, Adams will have more flexibility to shape the roster. Nevertheless, this summer’s maneuvers were merely the opening act in a series of highstakes summers for the Buffalo Sabres. Now it’s your turn. Do you think the Sabres can afford to retain Alex Touque without sacrificing other key players? Which restricted free agent do you believe will have the most significant impact on the team’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
00:00 – Buffalo Sabres’ 3 Worst Contracts for 2025-26
03:08 – Buffalo Sabres: Front Office Shakeup & New Additions to End Playoff Drought
06:51 – Buffalo Sabres’ Busy Summer: Key Moves and What’s Next
1. Buffalo Sabres’ 3 Worst Contracts for 2025-26
This video dives into the three most questionable contracts on the Buffalo Sabres’ roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. We analyze the terms, player performance, and injury histories of Josh Norris, Mattias Samuelsson, and Jordan Greenway, explaining why these deals may not be delivering the expected value to the team. Key factors such as term length, average annual value (AAV), and player production are discussed in depth. Despite the Sabres’ general manager, Kevyn Adams, having a track record of successful contract negotiations, these three players highlight the challenges in assessing long-term player value in the NHL. Don’t miss this critical look at the Sabres’ roster and the tough decisions facing the team’s management.
2. Buffalo Sabres: Front Office Shakeup & New Additions to End Playoff Drought
The Buffalo Sabres are making big moves to end their record-breaking Stanley Cup Playoff drought. With new additions to the front office and roster, the team is hoping for a fresh start. Eric Staal and Jarmo Kekalainen bring their winning experience to the Sabres, aiming to bring stability and success. We dive into their roles and the impact they could have on the team’s future.
Additionally, the Sabres have acquired some key players, including defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan, who are expected to bring a harder, more competitive edge to the team. We explore these trades and their potential impact on the Sabres’ performance.
Join us as we take an inside look at the Buffalo Sabres’ off-season moves and analyze their chances of breaking their playoff drought. Will these changes be enough to bring postseason hockey back to Buffalo? Find out in this in-depth analysis.
3. Buffalo Sabres’ Busy Summer: Key Moves and What’s Next
The Buffalo Sabres had a busy summer with significant trades, including the deal of JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. General Manager Kevyn Adams has been working hard to solidify the roster for the upcoming NHL season. This video discusses the key moves made by the Sabres, the impact on their salary cap, and what to expect next summer as several core players face contract negotiations. Learn about the prospects of Alex Tuch, Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring, and Zach Benson, and how these decisions could shape the future of the team.
