Sabres Expected to Have Big Offseason

The Buffalo Sabres made a significant move before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline passed, acquiring Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche for Casey Mittelstadt. With this move, the Sabres added a significant boost to their blue line but also gave up their previous top scorer to do it. 

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman discussed the Byram/Mittelstadt trade in his most recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. The NHL insider had this to say about the Sabres making the move: "It's like the first step. You can see there is going to be more here from Buffalo."

Given the Sabres' current situation, this is a fair assumption. The Sabres are entering the offseason with over $22 million of cap space and the hunger to finally end their postseason drought. 

This year's free agency class offers some pretty exciting forwards, such as Jake Guentzel, Sam Reinhart, Elias Lindholm, Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, and Tyler Toffoli. Some right-shot defensemen who could be available in free agency include Brett Pesce, Brandon Montour, Dylan Demelo, Chris Tanev, and Sean Walker.

The Sabres could also look to bring in a veteran goalie to allow Levi the chance to grow his game in the AHL a little longer. Cam Talbot, Anthony Stolarz, and Laurent Brossoit are a few goalies who could hit the market this summer. 

The Sabres also have many notable prospects, so they could take advantage of that and bring in high-impact players through the trade market. Additionally, some veterans who could get moved this offseason include Jeff Skinner and Jordan Greenway.

It should be a big summer for the Sabres, as they are in a position to make some splashes. We will need to wait and see what Buffalo does after the season from here.