Sabres Experience Offseason Changes

With the season about to get underway, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Buffalo Sabres are looking to continue being one of the league's best teams and defend their title. For the most part, the team looks almost the same as it did last year, with a few changes that are sure to have an impact.

Chris Tanev - Departure via Free Agency

This is a departure that GM Martucci was not thrilled about. He knows the impact Tanev had on the club last year and he did not want to lose that type of asset. "He's a guy that can eat a ton of very difficult minutes. When you want things to be shut down and you need to mark your opponent's best players, you want him on the ice". He was an integral part to the blueline, so it will be interesting to see how the Sabres manage without someone with his skillset.

Linus Ullmark / Jacob Trouba Trade

While Linus Ullmark was one of the best goalies in the leauge for the Sabres, it just didn't seem likely that they would be able to hold on to him. With his contract coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, it was a risky decision to hold on to him an potentially lose him for nothing. They decided it would make the most sense to move him to Calgary and get veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba in return (along with Mark Kastelic and a 2026 2nd). Losing Tanev meant finding another solution on defense, which is where Trouba currently fits in. He will be relied on to play some big defensive minutes and hopefully is ready for the challenge. "I wish Chris (Tanev) nothing but the absolute best. He has been around this organization for a long time and has gone through some tough years. I would have loved for him to stay with us, but I'm glad we were able to send him off with a ring".

Jordan Binnington - Signed via Free Agency

Knowing that Ullmark was likely not suiting up for the Sabres this year, they went on and got themselves a goalie in FA. Binnington was one of the better goalies available and someone who was eyeing another opportunity after playing behind Connor Hellebuyck in Colorado. "We knew the crease situation in Colorado and after speaking to Jordan (Binnington) we saw he wanted an opportunity to be a starter again and show what he is capable of. I am looking forward to seeing him on the ice". 

Coaching Switch

In a bizarre turn of events, Pete DeBoer decided this offseason that he wanted to test the market and coach elsewhere. After being the bench boss for the Sabres for the past 6 years he wanted another challenge. DeBoer began the upswing of the team and eventually saw it pay dividends, with 4 straight 50+ win seasons and ultimately a Stanley Cup, his pedigree behind the bench speaks for itself. "Nothing but a class act around this organization. Pete (DeBoer) was a great coach and he was a key part in getting this team to that next level. We had a lot of issues when I first took over and he really helped these players find their rhythm and get the most of out everyone". While Roberto had nothing but positive things to say about his now ex-coach, he was visibly upset when he got the news that he was testing the market.

The Sabres turned around quickly and brought in Gerard Gallant, who has been coaching the Flyers these past 3 seasons. "We've played against him a lot these past few years and we know what he brings behind the bench. I am looking forward to seeing how he implements his ideas with this group". This could potentially be one of the biggest changes to impact this team, and who knows how it will factor in to the team's performance this year.

The Sabres are still considered one of the league's better teams, and will want to have another deep playoff run, but it remains to be seen how these changes will affect their play. Will they still be the dominant offensive team the league has known over the past few years, or will these changes cause some bumps in the road? There will be some adversity and the division continues to get stronger, so it will be up to them to step up and continue playing like they're the team to beat. 

Happy New Year to all and wishing everyone success in this upcoming season!