In a matter of 10 days, the Buffalo Sabres drafted 11 players, inked Victor Olofsson and Vinnie Hinostroza to new contracts, signed two key free agents and held their first development camp since 2019.
Training camp won’t open for another six weeks – the first preseason game isn’t until Sept. 25 – and the games don’t start to count in the standings until the season opener Oct. 13.
You can only analyze and project so much without watching this club on the ice, but there are so many storylines to discuss following that whirlwind two weeks around the NHL.
Now is a good time for another Sabres mailbag, featuring questions submitted by readers on Twitter and via email.
Liam Canadian: If Patrick Kane is interested in signing with the Sabres next summer, should they bring him to Buffalo?
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Lysowski: If the circumstances are right. The Sabres must have a need and available roster spots. It would likely require them to move someone out – potentially Olofsson, whose contract will expire following 2023-24 – and decrease the ice time of a young winger. But Kane is still an elite player who would fit perfectly on the ice. Don Granato coached him in Chicago and General Manager Kevyn Adams roomed with Kane at the South Buffalo native’s first NHL training camp. For this to work next summer, Kane must be willing to come on a short-term contract that doesn’t take away precious cap space in future seasons.
And to address all the chatter on social media, Kane isn’t a fit for Buffalo this summer. Even if the Blackhawks decide to move him, any trade requires a haul of draft picks and prospects. The Sabres don’t want to part with those yet.
Robert Bates: What are the odds the Sabres sign Devon Levi, Erik Portillo and Ryan Johnson?
Lysowski: I’ll rank the three in order of most likely to sign: Levi, Johnson, then Portillo.
When asked at development camp about his decision to return to Northeastern, Levi gave an insightful explanation about his desire to improve and face expectations. Johnson handled his news conference gracefully by expressing his admiration for the Sabres. His situation will come down to opportunity, given the club is well-stocked at left-shot…
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