Report: Sabres Tried & Failed To Acquire Several Big-Name Players

Monday, December 30, 2024

The Buffalo Sabres made ambitious attempts to acquire several high-profile players over the summer but were unable to finalize any deals, according to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News. 

Among the targets was Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, with speculation that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams had expressed strong interest. 

However, an NHL source indicated Necas "never had a deal to ponder with Buffalo," adding that Columbus or Winnipeg were more plausible destinations outside Carolina. 

Necas ultimately signed a two-year extension with the Hurricanes, leaving the Sabres without a key offensive addition.

The Sabres also reportedly pursued Calgary Flames winger Andrew Mangiapane, who was later traded to the Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, whose offseason trade rumors never materialized into a deal. 

Another potential acquisition was Yegor Sharangovich, who had a breakout 31-goal season but signed a five-year, $28.75 million contract with Calgary before struggling this season with only six goals to date. 

Harrington mentioned Adams’ cryptic reference to a failed summer deal, where the GM admitted he "wondered if he was going to be called out for overpaying," though the specifics remain unclear.

These failed pursuits coincide with a disastrous season for the Sabres, who were recently mired in a lengthy winless streak and sit near the bottom of the standings.

Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has faltered after a promising start, and the team ranks 29th in the league in save percentage. 

Despite sporadic standout performances, the Sabres’ ineffective power play, penalty kill, and lack of top-tier talent have fueled their struggles. As Harrington put it, “This franchise is in utter crisis, and not remotely close to normal day-to-day times.”

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images



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