Buffalo Sabres: Best Addition And Worst Subtraction Of The Summer

Now that the off-season seems to be slowing down, we have a pretty good idea of every team's roster heading into this upcoming year. In this segment, we will be going over the best addition and worst subtraction for each of them. Something important to note is that players who were re-signed or given extensions will not be eligible for the "best addition" section. The same applies for 2021 draft picks.

In this piece, we will be focusing on the Buffalo Sabres. What is there to say about this team? They are blowing up their roster once again after a horrendous season. They have lost a number of key players, but they also were able to draft a potential top-pair defenseman in Owen Power. Maybe they will turn it around in the future, but it certainly will not occur this upcoming season based on the way their roster looks currently.

Best Addition: Vinnie Hinostroza C/RW

Vinnie Hinostroza could be an underrated addition for the Sabres. After recording zero points in nine games with the Florida Panthers this past season, he scored four goals and had 12 points in 17 games after being dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks. If he can continue to produce at that pace in Buffalo, he would a solid piece for Buffalo. He also had a very good 2018-19 season with the Arizona Coyotes, as he recorded 39 points in 72 games. Overall, he's not a bad player to sign at only $1.05 million.

Goaltenders Craig Anderson and Devon Levi are honorable mentions. Anderson is a veteran goaltender who could be a good influence on Buffalo's young players. Levi is a prospect the Sabres acquired in the Sam Reinhart deal from the Florida Panthers. He could have a bright future in the league.

Worst Subtraction: Sam Reinhart C/RW (for now)

For now, Sam Reinhart is the player the Sabres will miss the most next season. One could argue Rasmus Ristolainen is, but Reinhart is coming off of a fantastic season and was a restricted free agent. In 54 games, he scored a notable 25 goals and recorded 40 points. This was on a Buffalo team that was historically bad, as evidenced by their 18-game losing streak. However, once the team inevitably trades Jack Eichel, he will take over this spot. Yet, at the end of the day, already losing both Reinhart and Ristolainen is rough. Also, the departures of Linus Ullmark and Jake McCabe sting, too.

Check out our last piece on the Vegas Golden Knights here. In our next installment, we will be discussing the Vancouver Canucks.