The Buffalo Sabres mercifully ended their season this past week with a 1-0 loss to Pittsburgh. It will go down as one of the worst in recent history in the NHL and of course an unacceptable season for any hockey franchise. The only positive being the Sabres again will have the best chance at the first pick of the NHL draft.
What do we know?
The current edition of the Sabres definitely performs and competes better without Jack Eichel in the lineup. It has now become obvious that the best scenario for the future of the Sabres does not include Jack Eichel. Now that Jack himself has questioned his own future here in the Queen City, let’s make it easy on him and trade him while he has value and regain a large sum of money to be utilized for appropriate future considerations.
The goalie situation has not been settled but at least Ullmark and Luukkonen could be a possible solution for the Sabres moving forward. As shared previously on this blog the simple recipe of putting together a competitive NHL franchise starts with a backstop that is consistent and dependable. Ullmark and Luukkonen could fit the bill but maybe a known goalie entity could be gained through a proper trade for Eichel while he has solid value.
Reinhart and Ristolainen both show no real desire to stay or leave, which could be problematic moving into next season, but both still can be very productive and helpful for the Sabres in years to come. The critical piece of the lineup is the continued development of Cozens, Thompson, Mittelstadt, Dahlin, and Asplund. With this group of youngsters and a new influx of talent from a proper trade and prudent internal evaluation, the Sabres could be competitive next year. It may be a long shot, but it is possible with good management.
Good management is a moronic statement in Sabreland these days. However, Kevyn Adams and his staff do have a golden opportunity to take a lemon and make lemonade. Yes, this old axiom is corny but considering the current circumstances some positive mojo could go a long way in turning around the fortunes of a franchise with a great fan base and nice history.
First of all, the Pegula’s do need to execute the same philosophy they have now adopted for the Buffalo Bills. They need to properly put hockey personnel in place and let them do their job without interference from the owners’ box or the business side of the operation.
One thing that could be done immediately to gain credibility in the league and usher in a fresh new start is the following: John Davidson is available for a president of Hockey Operations position which would immediately give some credibility back to an organization that has had no identity other than being a perennial last place team. Additionally, instead of finding some new coach with no NHL experience and letting them take a stab at a bad situation, John Tortorella is now available as well. Davidson and Tortorella took a young somewhat mediocre squad in Columbus to the playoffs several times and even won a series. Sabres fans might riot if the Sabres actually participated in a playoff series. Torts also has a Stanley Cup to his name and a few Finals appearances as well. Why not go with a tried and true method instead of building the plane while flying it. The combination of these two men added to the Sabres mix is much better than today’s version of the Sabres and Kevyn Adams could still stay on as GM.
Next season has to be better than the last two for the Buffalo Sabres. This is a critical time for a city that loves its hockey team, but the base of die-hard fans is close to being damaged forever if improvement is not seen expediently. Kevyn Adams is unfortunately on the hot seat and it is not all of his doing, but the facts are simple. Adams is leading a team that has not participated in the playoffs for a decade. Anything but a push to punch a ticket to the playoffs is unacceptable at this point.
Let’s hope ownership and hockey operations can get on the same page soon. The summer of 2021 has to be a special one for the Sabres. First priority, to find a new home for Eichel and gain something truly valuable in return. Secondly, plug the gap that has been an issue in the back end and find a goalie who can lead a team through a season. Finally, put together a hockey operations department with credibility and ability. Hire a proper scouting team and start making hockey decisions not business decisions.
Praying for a colossal turnaround in Buffalo. Wishing for meaningful hockey back in a special hockey city that has lost its luster in recent years.
Anything is possible…..
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