NHL
Rebuilding
Just as the 76ers have done in Philly, the Sabres are trusting their own process in rebuilding.
Between 2008 and 2012, they had between 89 and 100 points each year; still struggling to manage but couldn’t manage to get past the first round of the playoffs. Management decided it was time to go into full rebuild mode; Instead of making moves to further their aging group.
Internal Movement
Since then, the Sabres have had three lottery picks and haven’t had a pick lower than #8. With each of those six picks, they’ve selected future building blocks.
The young offensive core of 1st rounders including Eichel (2015), Reinhart (2014), and Middlestadt (2016) to pair with Ristolainen (2013) and just recently, Dahlin (2018), they look to have a very bright future. It looks like 2018 may be the year everything comes together, especially with some other moves they made.
Acquisitions
Right before the free agency period opened up, the Sabres made a move that brought in Connor Sheary from the Penguins. Sheary was part of the Penguins when they made their Stanley Cup visits in 2016 and 2017 and could be the veteran with playoff experience they need in the locker room.
Carter Hutton signed with the Sabres once free agency opened up. Last year he posted a .931 save percentage and a 2.09 GAA (both being career numbers) in 32 games. Given that Hutton is 32 years old, he’s not a future goalie in the net but he provides stability. It also allows for Linus Ullmark to gain his NHL footing, who is expected to be the future goalie in Buffalo.
On only the second day of free agency, the Sabres also sent Ryan O’Reilly for a package of depth players as well as a first and second-round pick. With the hopes that Middlestadt would move into the second line center position, this move does not hurt the Sabres too much. Two of the depth pieces (Sobotka, Berglund) acquired from St Louis can be moved onto their third line and the 20-year-old Tage Thompson from St Louis could make the move to a daily NHL player within the year as well.
Predictions
It’s not for certain as to whether or not 2018 is their coming out year. Yet, the Sabres are certainly going to be difficult to deal with soon. My early prediction is that we are going to be looking at them in the playoffs this upcoming year.
