3 Offseason Targets For Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have extended their NHL record streak of missing the playoffs and once again have to go into the offseason figuring out how to change the tides. After losing so much and collecting good young players, their team is coming together, but either need breakouts and everything to come together, or a couple of additions in important places.

Frederik Andersen

The goaltending of the Sabres was poor and goals against was the main reason this team didn't make the playoffs or were ever in contention. They had a late season push, but that is only because James Reimer held things together in net down the stretch. He just had a tough game, but he had recently won seven games in a row and has a .900 SV%. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi struggled this season and Levi can still stay in the minors without waivers for more time.

I don't think Reimer is a solution for next season and Luukkonen needs to take a step back. This is where bringing in an established veteran with a great track record of great play in net would make a big difference. If Frederik Andersen is signed for 1-2 years, the Sabres will be right in the mix with their offense. He will likely be injured at times, but that's why Levi is a great safety net without much pressure. He's still very young and can't be judged too harshly yet. So giving the young duo some relief and someone to learn from in Andersen should help.

Patrick Kane

Many believe that Patrick Kane should return home and sign with the Sabres before his career is over. It is clear he wants to win, but the Detroit Red Wings have been stuck on the outside looking in for both years he's played there. Buffalo had a great scoring ability this season and have a lot of young talent, but Kane is still playing well and can produce. It's never a bad thing to have more offense as sometimes a team needs to outscore their opponents in high scoring games. That's what the Sabres have had to do.

Nic Dowd

The Sabres need to keep more pucks out of their net. This doesn't just fall on goaltending. The defense and forwards have to contribute, so this is where I think the team will look at a depth forward keen on defense. That would be Nic Dowd. He would be a strong fourth line option and is known for how well he plays without the puck. He won't get a big contract, but there will be interested teams. The Sabres can offer more if they are in the market for a player that plays that style of game.