Sabres head coach must utilize their talent-laden blueline
The Buffalo Sabres will likely see changes this summer with the return of Lindy Ruff if they are serious about snapping their lengthy playoff drought and getting back to the postseason for the first time since 2011. There seems to be some stability in goal with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, and an area that will likely see only slight tweaks after a major addition just before the trade deadline will be on the blueline.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams opted to make tinkering moves last summer instead of expending young assets to bring in a top-four defender. Adding veteran Erik Johnson on a one-year deal and Connor Clifton for bottom pairing depth was only partially successful. The deal acquiring Bowen Byram from Colorado was an admission that a major miscalculation was made.
Ruff indicated at his introductory presser last week that the prospect of coaching a defense corps with young talents like Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Byram, Mattias Samuelsson, and Henri Jokiharju was enticing, but there will need to be a sizable improvement defensively for the Sabres to make the jump to a playoff-caliber squad.
Jokiharju is a restricted free agent and one of two right-handed shooters on the projected roster for next season. Rookie Ryan Johnson was given a healthy chunk of playing time with Samuelsson out for the year.
With Clifton likely occupying one of the bottom pairing spots, the most likely area of potential change is moving out Jokiharju if Adams is not interested in extending him long-term. While Johnson could potentially get a permanent NHL spot next season, there is a need for more physicality and size on the back end, which fits Ruff’s modus operandi.
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