Busy Offseason in Buffalo

BUFFALO, NY – The 2018 offseason has been a little busier for the Sabres, something fans and the EHE may not be familiar with. The main headline coming in to the offseason was Drew Doughty and his pursuit of a new team. It was no secret every team in the league would be after Doughty, however only one team could sign him. For the Sabres hopeful and their dreams of getting Doughty in a Sabres jersey, it just wasn’t meant to be as he signed a 3-year contract with division rivals Montreal Canadiens.

While the Sabres may have missed out on signing Doughty, the 2018 UFA class was much deeper than those of previous years. Roberto, who has normally been very passive in his previous offseason signings, decided this was the year to bring in some additional talent to the Sabres roster.

Semyon Varlamov – 3 Years / $7,250,000 per season / $7,000,000 Signing Bonus

The Sabres’ biggest offseason signing came with a hefty price tag. However, this was a signing Roberto was looking closely at and is extremely glad he made it happen. It’s been a while since the Sabres have had some stability in the crease, which may be something of the past. Varlamov will be the main guy in the crease and will help this young team grow and become better. 

Kari Lehtonen – 1 Year / $4,250,000 per season

A second goaltending signing this offseason sees Lehtonen come in and to be Varlamov’s backup. Although Varlamov is poised to be the starter, Lehtonen could challenge for the starting job throughout the course of the season. Although a one year deal, the Sabres have finally stabilized their goaltending uncertainties over the years.

Kevin Shattenkirk – 3 Years / $4,750,000 per season / $2,000,000 Signing Bonus

Another position of weakness for the Sabres over the years has been the blueline, and Shattenkirk comes in to give this D corps some immediate help. “We like what Kevin brings to the table, and we hope he can play a big part in being a mentor for our younger players. We have a few younger guys on the back end and I think with proper guidance, we can significantly improve our players’ development”

Michael Del Zotto – 3 Years / $4,000,000 per season

Once again the Sabres double up on a position this offseason by bringing in a second defenseman. Del Zotto is another veteran which will immediately come in an aid a Sabres blueline which has been suffering for many seasons. Del Zotto will help Shattenkirk be a positive role model for the young Sabres defensemen, namely Miro Heiskanen.

Chris Wagner – 4 Years / $2,000,000 per year

Lastly, Chris Wagner is Roberto’s final NHL signing this offseason. “Wagner is still in the prime of his career, ad we think giving him this contract will be beneficial to both parties. I truly believe he will be an integral part to our depth and helping us improve over the coming seasons.” Similarly to the blueline, the Sabres forwards group is exceptionally young, and Wagner will play an important part in ensuring discipline and good habits amongst players.

Other Notable Signing: Peter DeBoer

While yet to be official, it is presumed that the Buffalo Sabres have gotten themselves a new bench boss in Peter DeBoer. Todd Richards’ contract came to an end this season, and while he would have liked to stay around in Buffalo, the Sabres opted to go in a different direction. There were plenty of coaching options available, but Roberto was very fond of DeBoer. “We really like what Peter brings to the table. He has a tremendous amount of experience and that’s just what we need to help our players. It’s no secret that we have a lot of young players, and I think Peter will be the perfect guy for the job. He’s been around the game for many years and we look forward to seeing how he puts his stamp on this team.”

Plenty of movement in Buffalo this offseason, which seems to be the beginning of a new age with this organization. There is still plenty of work to be done, but it looks as though Roberto’s plan of rebuilding this team is finally coming to fruition. The Sabres have plenty of young players and prospects and now the influx of UFAs sees a mix of talent the Sabres haven’t had in a while. It will be intriguing to see this team try to turn this around after another dismal season.