May 13, 2024 | 10:47am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SAMUELSSON HAS DRAWN INTEREST FROM SEVERAL TEAMS

Mattias Samuelsson, defenceman

As the Buffalo Sabres begin to kickstart their off-season planning, having now finalized their coaching staff, General Manager Kevyn Adams will be looking at improving his roster for the 2024-25 season.

On Monday, the Sabres announced the completion of their coaching hires, with head coach Lindy Ruff rounding out his staff, and now the attention shifts to the roster.

Forwards Victor Olofsson, Zemgus Girgensons, Eric Robinson and Tyson Jost are all eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1 and for now it seems like all four will hit the open market. The Sabres have just over $23.2 million in available salary cap space to play with this summer.

Adams will surely explore both the free agent pool and the trade market for upgrades and that will also result in teams calling on some of his players – something that has already occurred.

According to multiple sources, TFP has learned several teams have poked around on the potential availability of defencemen Mattias Samuelsson.

Samuelsson, 24, is going to enter the second year of a seven-year, $30 million contract and comes with a healthy salary cap hit of just over $4.285 million per season.

While teams have inquired, Adams has told them he is not interest in parting with the young blueliner.

A number of NHL clubs are trying to upgrade or augment their defensive corps this off-season and have been exploring their options. Similarly, as TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on Sunday, Montreal has generated interest in rearguard Arber Xhekaj, but the Canadiens are not interested in moving him, either.

The Sabres are expected to pursue adding a third line centre this summer, as well as a top-six winger, but moving Samuelsson is not expected.