Adams indicates Ruff will have input on player decisions
The Buffalo Sabres offseason has already been busy with the dismissal of Don Granato and the hiring of Lindy Ruff, and the summer promises to bring more changes with the Sabres looking to get back in the postseason for the first time since Ruff led them there in 2011.
GM Kevyn Adams was collaborative in roster decisions with Granato over his three-plus years in Buffalo, bringing in players with ties to the US National Development Program like Alex Tuch, Jordan Greenway, and Connor Clifton, and that is not likely to change with Ruff.
"It's my style to surround myself with people that are really challenging me. I always (tell) our staff, it's not about being right, it's about getting it right." Adams said. "When you're talking about the roster, you're going to debate and Lindy's going to have a big voice in that because you need to be on the same page."
It is unclear how exactly those changes will manifest themselves before next season. Ruff indicated in his press availability on Tuesday that he is confident in the quality of the Sabres goaltending tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, and will likely take advantage of the offensive talent on the blueline with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram, but where Adams will be concentrating his efforts is to improve the depth and physicality up front.
There has been some speculation that the Sabres may look to buy out the last three years of veteran winger Jeff Skinner's contract. The 31-year-old winger scored 24 goals in his sixth season with Buffalo, but he found himself demoted from the top line late in the season. Skinner has a no-movement clause in his contract, and it is unlikely that the Toronto native would waive it to be moved to another club.
LATEST THN BUFFALO STORIES
Sabres Say They Are Ready For Accountability