April 17, 2024 | 1:15pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SABRES WILL LOOK TO UPGRADE ROSTER IN SUMMER

Tage Thompson, forward

As Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams begins his search for a new head coach, he is also tasked with upgrading his roster for the 2024-25 campaign.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Adams acknowledged that the team needs to “be better” and their overall performance simply was not good enough to compete in the NHL.

With just over $23 million in salary cap space for next season, Adams is expected to make some significant additions to his team this summer, with upgrading his forward corps at the top of his to-do list.

“We just didn’t play well enough. Period. We did not play well enough,” Adams said Tuesday. “From Day 1 of training camp, I don’t think we had our standards high enough. Our expectations inside the room need to be raised and there needs to be accountability across the board, and that starts with me.”

Forwards Victor Olofsson, Zegmus Girgensons, Tyson Jost and Eric Robinson are all eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1. The Sabres may not bring any of them back.

The Sabres are believed to be interested in adding a top-six scoring winger and a third-line centre to their roster this off-season, either via trades or free agency. It is unclear whom Adams may specifically target, at this point, but after laying some groundwork ahead of the trade deadline, he could pick up where he left off in the coming weeks.

The NHL Draft Lottery, which will take place on May 6 or May 7, could help provide a clearer picture for Buffalo and the team could use their first-round selection in a move to bolster their offence.