On the same day that it was announced that he would sign a one-day contract to retire as an Ottawa Senators, the Buffalo Sabres announced that former goalie Craig Anderson would be joining the club as a team liaison to their young netminding corps.
The 42-year-old played 57 games with the Sabres over the last two seasons and served as a role model and mentor to youngsters Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi.
“Craig Anderson’s voice, experience, and love for the game have been invaluable components to our team’s growth over the past two seasons. Our players have benefited greatly from the habits and lessons he picked up during his accomplished 20-year career.” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said in a press release. “We are thrilled that Craig will continue to be a guiding presence for the Sabres.”
The Park Ridge, IL native was originally drafted by Calgary in 1999 and after not signing with the Flames was redrafted by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks in 2001. After stints with the Hawks, Florida, and Colorado, he was traded to Ottawa in 2011 and played 435 games over nine seasons. He signed with Washington as a taxi squad goalie in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, before signing with Buffalo in July 2021.
Anderson is tied for 31st among goaltenders in NHL history with 319 career wins, won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance in 2017, and was the Sabres nominee for the same honor last season.
LATEST THN BUFFALO STORIES