Buffalo Sabres’ Offseason Moves and What’s Next: A Look at the Upcoming Summer
Buffalo Sabres offseason moves and what’s next. A look at the upcoming summer. The Buffalo Sabres are preparing for another summer of high stakes decisions. As the NHL season approaches and the team faces critical choices to shape its future. With the dog days of summer in full swing, the Sabres have already made waves by strengthening their roster through trades, the NHL draft, and free agency. General manager Kevin Adams has been busy trading star forward JJ Purka to the Utah Mammoth and extending a new deal with defenseman Bowen Byum. These moves aim to build depth and improve their chances of competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, the work isn’t done yet. The Sabres currently have $59 million in salary cap space according to Puckedia which could help them acquire talent. But the trade of Purka, a restricted free agent, sparked debate. While his $ 38.5 million 5-year contract with Utah was expected, many analysts questioned the return, especially since the team saved money to bring in players like goalender Alex Lion or defender Connor Timonss. This is just a temporary fix, though. Next summer will test the team’s ability to retain key players. One major challenge comes with Alex Tuck, a cornerstone of the franchise since his return from the Jack Eel trade to Las Vegas. At 29, Tuck has taken on a leadership role, scoring a career-high 36 goals last season and adding 31 assists. His contract is set to expire next July. And if no agreement is reached, he’ll become a focal point in trade rumors. If the Sabres aren’t contending for a playoff spot, Tuck could be the biggest name on the market. Meanwhile, recent acquisitions like Josh Don and Michael Kessle Ring are entering their final seasons under current deals. Doan, a former Arizona Coyote’s second round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance, including a standout performance in the hockey world championships with Team USA. Kessle Ring, a versatile right-handed defender, has emerged as a key player, posting careerhighs in goals, seven, and points, 29 last season. Both players could command significant salaries, with Kessle Ring likely leading the way due to his $1.4 million annual earnings. Another key player, Zack Benson, the 13th overall draft pick in 2023, is poised to make an impact in his final year of entry-level contract. Making $950,000, Benson has already scored 21 goals at 20 years old and could see topline minutes this season. His production will be crucial in determining whether the Sabres stay in the playoffs until late April. The NHL’s rising salary cap ceiling could give Adams more flexibility in building the roster, but this summer is just the beginning of a long journey. The Sabres face tough decisions ahead. Will they lock up Tuck before the trade deadline? Will they invest in young stars like Don and Benson? And what happens if they fail to secure key players? The answer to these questions will define the future of this franchise. What do you think the Sabres should prioritize in their next moves? Let us know in the comments. Buffalo Sabres three worst contracts for 202526. A deep dive. Imagine being an NHL general manager tasked with the daunting job of finding the perfect balance between talent and budget. It’s a tricky game and sometimes even the best laid plans go ary. Now, let’s dive into the Buffalo Sabres 202526 season and identify the three contracts that might just give fans and management a few sleepless nights. But here’s where it gets controversial. Some might argue that these players still have the potential to turn things around. So, let’s break it down. Josh Norris, 8 years, $63.60 million, $7.95 million AAV. The trade that saw Dylan Kosen’s head to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Josh Norris has been dissected and debated to no end. On the surface, it seemed like a fair swap with both players bringing their own unique strengths to the table. Norris known for his defensive prowess and a standout 35 goal season appeared to be a solid addition. However, his Achilles heel is a concerning injury history which has left many questioning the wisdom of this deal. When healthy, Norris can certainly be the top tier center the Savers have been searching for. His offensive capabilities and defensive awareness make him a valuable asset. Yet, his frequent trips to the sidelines raise red flags. Is he worth the hefty price tag? And this is the part most people miss. His long-term contract adds a layer of risk that the savers may regret. Matias Samuelson, 7 years, $30 million, 4.2 29 million AAV. No conversation about the Sabres problematic contracts would be complete without mentioning Matias Samuelson. When he signed his deal, there was a collective sigh of relief. Fans and management alike believed they were securing a physically imposing, defensively reliable defenseman at a bargain price. Fast forward to today and the reality is far less rosy. Samuelson’s performance has been marred by injuries and subpar play. Despite playing a career-high 62 games in the 202425 season, he has struggled with sloppy defense and a noticeable lack of physicality. At 25, he still has time to improve, but the odds are stacked against him. Staying healthy and finding a consistent role in the lineup are crucial steps, though they seem increasingly unlikely. Jordan Greenway, 2 years, $8 million, $4 million, AAV. Jordan Greenway is a player who leaves many scratching their heads. On one hand, his size and speed make him a formidable forcheer capable of shifting momentum in a game. On the other hand, his inconsistency is a major drawback. Paying $4 million per season for a player who isn’t a guaranteed third line contributor is a tough pill to swallow. Injuries have also plagued Greenway, limiting his impact on the ice. Since his rookie season in 2018-19, he hasn’t played more than 67 games in a single season. At 28, it’s becoming clear that he has reached his peak. While he can be a solid fourthline player, his contract and injury history make him a questionable investment. Adams has done well with contracts for the most part. Despite the criticism GM Kevin Adams often faces, he has a track record of making savvy contract decisions. Taage Thompson’s deal is arguably one of the best in the league, and Ryan Mloud’s $5 million salary could prove to be a steal if he develops into the team’s true number two center. Alex Tuck, meanwhile, is entering the final year of a team-friendly contract. Adams has demonstrated a knack for navigating contract negotiations effectively. However, the real test lies ahead as he prepares to resign key players like Tuck, Zack Benson, and Michael Kessler. Balancing the budget while maintaining a competitive roster will be a significant challenge. So, what do you think? Are these contracts truly as problematic as they seem, or do you see potential for a turnaround? Share your thoughts in the comments below. The 202526 Buffalo Sabres preseason schedule, a new era, or more of the same. Imagine being a fan of the Buffalo Sabres, eagerly awaiting the start of a new season, only to be met with the harsh reality that your team has missed the playoffs for a record 14 consecutive years. The disappointment is palpable, and the pressure is mounting on the franchise to turn things around. But here’s the question. Will the 202526 season be the year the Sabres finally break the curse or will it be more of the same? The recent trade of young forward JJ Purka to Utah has sent shock waves through the league, leaving many to wonder about the direction of the team. As an expert in NHL rumors, I can tell you that the Sabres have a talented young core. But they have yet to gel and become a cohesive unit. The upcoming preseason schedule offers a glimpse into what could be a make orb breakak season for the Sabres with a mix of familiar foes and tough opponents. This preseason will be crucial in building chemistry and establishing an identity for the team. But here’s where it gets interesting. The Sabres have a long way to go before they can be considered a contending team and the pressure is on to perform. And this is the part most people miss. The Savers top six lineup is still a work in progress and until they solidify it, they will struggle to make a deep playoff run. The 202526 preseason schedule has been released and it’s packed with exciting matchups that will put the Sabres to the test. The schedule includes games against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, all of which will provide a good indicator of where the team stands. Here is the complete Buffalo Sabres preeason schedule for the 2025 2026 NHL season. Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at Columbus Blue Jackets, 700 p.m. EDT Nationwide Arena. Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 versus Columbus Blue Jackets, 700 p.m. EDT, Key Bank Center. Thursday, September 25th, 2025 at Detroit Red Wings, 700 p.m. EDT, Little Caesar’s Arena. Saturday, September 27th, 2025 versus Detroit Red Wings, 300 p.m. EDT, Key Bank Center. Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 versus Pittsburgh Penguins, 700 p.m. EDT, Key Bank Center. and Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at Pittsburgh Penguins, 700 p.m. EDT, PPG Paints Arena. The Sabres will have their work cut out for them, but this preseason could be the start of something special, or it could be another false dawn. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, all eyes will be on Buffalo this fall. So, the question remains, will the Sabres finally turn the corner and become a contending team, or will they continue to struggle? We want to hear from you. Do you think the Sabres have what it takes to make a deep playoff run, or are they still a few years away from being a legitimate contender? Let us know in the comments. For the latest Buffalo Sabres news, office hockey pools for cash prizes, and information on how to watch the Sabres game on TV today. Be sure to check out nhltraderrum.com and sign up for our newsletter.
00:00 – Buffalo Sabres’ Offseason Moves and What’s Next: A Look at the Upcoming Summer
03:33 – Buffalo Sabres’ 3 Worst Contracts for 2025-26: A Deep Dive
07:57 – The 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres Preseason Schedule: A New Era or More of the Same?
1. Buffalo Sabres’ Offseason Moves and What’s Next: A Look at the Upcoming Summer
The Buffalo Sabres have had a busy summer, making moves to strengthen their roster. General Manager Kevyn Adams has been active, trading JJ Peterka and signing Bowen Byram. With a limited salary cap, the Sabres have made some strategic additions. However, the real test lies ahead as core players like Alex Tuch and Josh Doan approach the end of their contracts. We delve into the upcoming summer and the crucial decisions the Sabres will face. Will they be able to retain their key players? Find out more in this video.
2. Buffalo Sabres’ 3 Worst Contracts for 2025-26: A Deep Dive
In this video, we analyze the Buffalo Sabres’ three worst contracts for the 2025-26 NHL season.
– Discover why Josh Norris, Mattias Samuelsson, and Jordan Greenway are under scrutiny.
– We discuss their performance, injury histories, and the implications for the team’s future.
– Join us as we break down the value of these contracts and what it means for the Sabres moving forward.
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3. The 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres Preseason Schedule: A New Era or More of the Same?
The Buffalo Sabres have been reeling from a historic NHL record loss, with their 14-year absence potentially leading to 15 straight playoff misses. They traded young forward JJ Peterka to Utah, leaving them vulnerable until they solidify their top-six. This preseason schedule offers a glimpse into what could define their season—will this be the year they finally turn the corner, or will fans await more? Experts note the pressure is on, with the Sabres’ young core still developing. The schedule blends familiar foes and tough opponents, testing their chemistry.
