Keys to Success: #30 The Buffalo Sabres

Welcome to “Keys to Success” a series in which I will discuss the biggest needs of each team, not only for the present but also the future. This series will go in a different order than most, I will start from the bottom of the regular season standings from the previous season and work my way up to the President’s Trophy winning New York Rangers. Today we look at #30 The Buffalo Sabres.

By William Espy

 

The Buffalo Sabres have had a very interesting off-season under GM Tim Murray. The addition of Ryan O’Reilly and then subsequently signing him to a massive questionable contract will help the team at least in the short run. The issue there may come in a few seasons when names like Ristolainen and Eichel need a big contract. Speaking of Eichel, much like O’Reilly he will be a main part of the Sabres forward core for quite a while.

NEED #1: RELIABLE GOALTENDER

This need was also addressed to an extent in the off-season, Murray acquired G Robin Lehner (as well as forward David Legwand) from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 21^st overall pick in the 2015 draft (Colin White). This does not completely solve the problem though. Lehner can be a solid goaltender and has potential to be an elite net-minder at some point in his career, however along with his flashes of brilliance come his horrifying defeats. He is wildly inconsistent at this point in his career, but he is only twenty four years old which leaves him much room to grow. Odds are Lehner will breakout with the Sabres and have many successful years, but it is too early to say he will be their next Ryan Miller. The Sabres need a reliable backup plan in-case the worst is to happen with Lehner.

NEED #2: TOP DEFENSEMAN

The top defenseman they need is likely already in their system. With players like Bogosian, Ristolainen and even Pysyk, the Sabres are primed to have a top defensive core for years to come when they finally reach their prime. However, if you look at teams who have been winning Cups they all have their #1 guy defensively. Chicago has Keith, LA has Drew Doughty and before those two started trading Cups; Boston had Chara and so on. If Buffalo is going to be a Cup winning team, they also will likely need one. Ristolainen seems like the most likely option to break out and take that role, however don’t count out people in the system like McCabe.

Overall, the Sabres have a deep prospect pool, a few solid top six forwards and a very young defensive core. With these additions, they could easily be a top team in the NHL for many years.