Don't expect these Sabres players to be back in Buffalo next season.
The Buffalo Sabres' playoff chances have significantly dropped due to their recent struggles. This was supposed to be the season where they took that next step, but it appears that they are in for another long summer.
Due to this, there is an expectation that the Sabres will be making some changes to their group during the offseason. Three specific players who are unlikely to return include Victor Olofsson, Tyson Jost, and Eric Comrie. Let's discuss why now.
Victor Olofsson
Olofsson, 28, was the subject of trade rumors since the offseason, but his high cap hit and struggles this season led to him sticking with the Sabres for the remainder of the campaign. When noting that the club scratched him on several occasions this season, they are expected to let him walk straight into free agency.
Victor OlofssonIn 44 games this season, Olofsson has seven goals, 15 points, and a plus-1 rating. While it has been a hard season for him, he should get some interest in free agency, as he has three 20-goal and three 40-point seasons on his resume.
Tyson Jost
Jost, 26, has had a challenging season, and the Sabres are very likely not going to re-sign him because of it. While he found success last season with Buffalo, this season has been a different story. In 36 games with the Sabres, he has just two goals and two assists. He also was waived and sent down to the AHL earlier this season, where he had four goals and 14 points in 25 games.
Tyson JostGiven Jost's struggles and pending UFA status, it would be surprising if the Sabres elected to bring him back. He also may benefit from a change of scenery at this juncture.
Eric Comrie
After an impressive 2021-22 season as the Winnipeg Jets' backup, Comrie landed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with the Sabres that offseason. That experiment failed, as Comrie has struggled immensely since joining Buffalo. This season has been particularly tough for him, as he has a 1-7-0 record, a .864 SV%, and a 3.91 GAA in nine games with Buffalo. He also has spent time in the AHL this season.
Eric Comrie The Sabres will look for a goalie upgrade from Comrie this offseason and let him walk. In 28 games with the Sabres over two seasons, he has a 10-16-1 record, a .880 SV%, and a 3.74 GAA.