Buffalo Sabres
· 2026-07-03
The Buffalo Sabres were relatively quiet as free agency opened Wednesday, signing four depth players likely ticketed for the minors and trading goalie Devon Levi.
The Sabres' general manager Jarmo Kekalainen stated that the team is "still open for business" but acknowledged that the roster might be pretty much set.
The team will miss winger Alex Tuch, who was traded to the Washington Capitals last week in a sign-and-trade deal.
Kekalainen believes that young forwards Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, and Noah Ostlund will keep developing and fill the void created by Tuch's departure.
The Sabres' current standing is 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a 50-23 record, on a L1 streak, as of the latest update.
The Sabres acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger, who will replace Bowen Byram, traded to the Chicago Blackhawks last week.
Kekalainen refused to confirm reports that the Sabres pursued Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, the 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner.
The team parted with Levi, sending him and a seventh-round pick in 2028 to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a third-round pick in 2028.
Kekalainen stated that the team has three goalies and Levi would have been sent back to Rochester, where he would have needed waivers.
The Sabres brought back two old friends as depth players, according to general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
The team's defense will be led by Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, and Owen Power, who Kekalainen believes are a luxury to have.
Kekalainen's approach to free agency has been cautious, focusing on signing depth players rather than making big moves.
The Sabres' quiet free agency period may be a sign that the team is confident in their current roster.
The team's young forwards will be key to filling the void left by Tuch's departure.
Kekalainen's experience and knowledge of the team's needs will be crucial in making future moves.
The Sabres' fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs in the upcoming season.
The team's current roster has a good balance of veteran players and young talent.
The Sabres' defense has been strengthened with the addition of Zellweger.
The team's goalie situation is still uncertain, with Levi's departure and the arrival of new goalies.
The Sabres' free agency period may not be over yet, as Kekalainen stated that the team is still open for business.