Playoffs Over, Draft Fast Approaching, Jarmo Will Be Busy and Tested
Today we examine seven points of interest for Sabres fans as business will ramp up for the team and the NHL over the next several weeks. Buffalo has areas of concern they must handle correctly. Opinions in this article are my own, it would be a boring world if we all thought as one.
1. Alex Tuch
Mr. Buffalo Sabre himself is the big topic of the offseason for Buffalo. At this point, it feels like he will most assuredly test the free agent market. Some still feel like a last minute deal could be hammered out with the Sabres. No matter what happens, color me disappointed that one of the biggest faces of the franchise is going this route. I know it is his right and by NHL standards he is looking to maximize his earnings and it’s his career path and all that jazz. I’m just not seeing any compromise from Tuch’s camp. Pressing for more money when there is life-changing millions on the table already just never sits well with me. The Sabres presented a fair offer I feel, and they are surely willing to inch it up a little bit more to keep him. Tuch and his upstart teammates are in a good spot with Buffalo now, ending the curse and putting the kibosh on the dreadful playoff drought at long last. The future looks bright and Alex could be a well paid part of it, but his exit could really set the team back. There should be some concessions on both sides to get a deal done. For an average Joe struggling in today’s world, with skyrocketing expenses, it’s difficult to sympathize with millionaire negotiations. Sorry, that’s just me and my perspective. By all accounts, Buffalo is prepared to double Tuch’s salary at 9 to 9.5 million and offer him 7 years of term at least. That doesn’t seem good enough to Alex and his agent right now. If his family/living status is a part of this decision, well, there is not much Buffalo can do besides overpay wildly to keep him. That might not even do it. Growing up in nearby Syracuse and being a fan of the team as a child does not seem like a factor any more. The money and the term is paramount, along with his family. (with his west-coast wife being a possible influence)
Please don’t get me wrong, I love having Alex Tuch on the team and I hope they can sign him. It’s the staggering amount of money involved to retain our player and his apparent stubberness to not bend just a little that rubs me the wrong way. It’s not just Tuch for the record, he is just the current big name player in this position. Buffalo is a blue-collar town that just emerged from 14 years of misery with a division championship. You would think Mr. Sabre himself would want to remain a part of the resurgence and figure this out for the good of both sides.
General manager Jarmo Kekäläinen has his work cut out for him. How the Tuch situation plays out will directly effect Buffalo’s other moves. That will lay the groundwork for the Sabres’ off season. With Jeff Skinner’s biggest buyout hiccup coming in 2026-27, managing next year while fitting Tuch in is Jarmo’s biggest hurtle. If he can work it, Tuch’s new contract won’t be as much of a hindrance after that. Especially with the NHL’s salary cap going up more and more. Next season is the biggest and toughest obstacle for the new Buffalo GM.
In today’s NHL climate, teams must generally overpay for free agents, including their own. Not many players do the hometown discount anymore, even in ideal conditions. If the Sabres retain Tuch’s services, the likelyhood of him earning that money probably tops off at 5 more years. That is something Buffalo will have to deal with down the road. For now, what gives you the best chance to continue to win? Alex Tuch, most assuredly. But paying and keeping one of your own top players means enduring the loss of others teammates to make it happen. The BIG MONEY/sometimes overpaid stars of the league don’t seem to realize this or seem to care. Your team will take a hit to the talent on the roster in order to pay you mega-bucks to make sure you are happy, so I hope you are happy. Or is letting Tuch go at this point and exploring other options through trade or in-house promotions the move to make? That money saved can be used elsewhere if Jarmo can swing a deal. Buffalo had an eye out for a number one center upgrade already, adding a suitable replacement for number 89 as well will be a monumental task.
2. Benny, Beck, Byram and Krebs
These four players all require attention too, with Benson, Malenstyn and Krebs needing new contracts and Bowen Byram needing a contract extention. Any deal with Bo will thankfully not impact this year’s salary cap. Hopefully Double B liked the progression of the team and his role among the other players and is willing to extend. Otherwise, he is likely a main trade piece to aquire other top talent.
Meanwhile, Zach Benson is a must to sign. Buffalo would be wise to lock him up in a long term deal of at least six years. I originally had Taz signing a deal a little north of Josh Doan’s recent new contract. I think now it will be even more north than that after his playoffs. Even with the added expense, Benny is worth it. I like to imagine the second half of his deal being a bargain for the results he will put forth in four to six years.
Beck Malenstyn is a must signing to me as well. Something in the neighborhood of 3 years and 3.25 million per for Buffalo’s stud 4th liner. The guy is a workhorse and a great shot blocker. He is also physical and lays the body and it’s his efforts that make the 4th line go, even with interchangeable parts. I very much hope to retain Beck and his services. Buffalo has some solid bottom line pieces as cheap labor to offset his contract in Tyson Kozak, Justin Danforth and Sam Carrick.
Peyton Krebs is always a polarizing player around here but I love the guy. He enjoys being a Buffalo Sabre, he has a great work ethic and is an underrated leader for this team. I would like to see him in a third line role, as we saw some solid offensive production this past year. He has a strong two way game and is a key piece of the puzzle to me. Where his contract negotiations go, I don’t really know. He has been a solid, inexpensive worker-bee these past four years and deserves a raise. Hopefully that bump up in pay is still affordable for the team.
3. Sacrifices
If Tuch and company are to be signed, some of the higher priced, expendable players will need to be moved. Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway are two top candidates, unfortunately. Between them, that is almost 9 million in cap space that could be cleared out for Tuch in particular. Both would be a jolting loss for the team, though not irreplaceable. Zucker may have been one of former GM Kevyn Adams’ best ever signing. The veteran winger scored 45 goals and nearly 100 points in two seasons with the Blue and Gold. He is also a power play specialist on a team with a much maligned man advantage. Zucker would surely be missed but Buffalo has young replacement players in house to fill his skates.
Jordan Greenway could also be on his way out if the Sabres can find somebody to manage his contract. The big man is a strong penalty killer, sound defensively and is Buffalo’s only real legitimate fighter. I’m sure the Sabres would love to keep him, at a more reasonable 2.5 million a year and not the hefty 4 million he currently makes. Alex Tuch’s stance and the RFAs will make that near impossible.
Another potential casualty could be center Ryan McLeod and his 5 million per season deal. I don’t even want to discuss this option because McLeod to me is a vital part of the team. Elite quickness in his skating, solid two-way play and over 100 points for Buffalo in Ryan’s first two seasons. The Sabres paid up for him too with a strong prospect in Matthew Savoie sent back to Edmonton in return. I don’t want to see McLeod dispatched so quickly. I believe he still has a part to play in the Sabres’ resurgence.
4. The Draft (First round, Friday, June 26th)
The live event is to be held in Buffalo again (first time since 2016) but the hometown team might not even have a selection in round one. Or round two either. (already traded to Ottawa) It all depends on Jarmo Kekäläinen’s wheelings and dealings. If the Sabres press hard for a number one center which has been speculated, Buffalo’s first overall selection in the draft will surely be in play. It is safe to say the team is in WIN NOW mode so Jarmo’s motives will no doubt reflect that. The GM nearly dealt 2025 first rounder Radim Mrtka already and could use him as trade bait again.
Buffalo’s big splash on draft day may well be a big trade for an experienced here and now player. I would estimate there is better than a 50-50 chance of that happening. But the deal might not be there, or the cost too great. Perhaps a move is made before or after the draft, anything is possible. While Buffalo’s 1st rounder may be up for grabs, there is an interesting variety of players that could be available if they keep the pick.
Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa (OHL) The hulking forward is Tage Thompson sized at 6’7″ but uses his big frame more to his advantage than TNT does. He is tough to defend, especially around the net and rarely loses puck battles. Rogowski had 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 46 games this season and is committed to play at Michigan State this Fall.
Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL) The right-handed shot, high-end forward had 58 points (20 goals, 38 assists) in 59 games this season. Hextall is more of a playmaker, but he did find the net more often as the season went on. He has a strong two-way game already which should serve him well in the pros. The 6 foot, 188 pounder is also committed to Michigan State next season.
Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec (QMJHL) If this talented and sometimes physical player is still avalable, Buffalo should highly consider him. He will almost assuredly be snatched up by Montreal with the next selection if the Sabres should pass. In 62 games, the 18 year old had 62 points (30 goals, 32 assists) with an impressive 25 power play points. Dagenais projects to be a solid number 2 center in the NHL.
Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Russia (KHL) This 6’3″ 200 pound Russian winger strikes fear into his opponents, literally. They are highly aware when he is on the ice and must keep their heads on a swivel. This power forward has a physical dominance not often seen these days as heavy contact is a big part of his game. He is not without skill, but he is more of a crash the net type of player. (never a bad thing) He is projected as a late first, early second round selection that Buffalo should have on their radar. Pugachyov is one of those players every other team craves and I really feel like the Sabres should take a closer look here.
5. Trading Places
A number one center and/or a possible Tuch replacement are the biggest upgrades/needs for the Sabres that will require dealing outside of the organization. Robert Thomas of the Blues seems to still be a favorite potential acquisition for Buffalo fans. St. Louis seemingly put a stop to the Thomas rumor mill, stating he would still be on the Blues’ roster in the Fall. They are NOT actively shopping him. Frankly, we have heard things like that before from teams with available players. Doing that relaxes one of your own and drives up the potential price tag, in theory. I feel St. Louis is still listening and the right offer could land the first round pick from 2017. Thomas turns 27 next month and has loads of experience and success. Through 530 NHL games, the Blues center has scored 460 points. His career high for goals is only 26 but he has notched 60 assists in a season twice.
Also in St. Louis, right winger Jordan Kyrou remains a possibility as a Tuch replacement, should he depart. Kyrou has scored 70 plus points 3 of the past 5 years and is a pretty consistent offensive threat. He doesn’t have Tuch’s defense and penalty killing ability though, so his overall game in not on the same level. Kyrou is a year older than Thomas and more likely to be moved.
Elsewhere, center Mason McTavish of the Ducks could be an option. McTavish had a falling off this season in points and with the team in general. He is a talented 23 year old, with 181 points through 304 NHL games. He had a career high 52 points the previous season (22g, 30a) but dropped off to 42 this past year. He still has room to grow and might benefit from a new enviroment. His defensive game also needs some improvement.
Another recent idea involves New Jersey stud Nico Hischier. The 27 year old center has been a leader for the Devils for years now. He has good history with Lindy Ruff, who named him team captain. Hischier has nearly 500 points through just over 600 NHL games. He is signed for one more year with a cap hit of $7,250,000. That could work for next season, with some salary going back New Jersey’s way in any transaction. If the Sabres were to acquire Hischier though, it would need to be a sign and trade acquisition, with him agreeing to a new contract with Buffalo. A substantial one. Any new Nico Hischier deal will be north of 11 million per season. Maybe even 12 or more. The Sabres would have a full year to make it work as that contract won’t kick in until 2027-28. They would avoid Jeff Skinnner’s biggest year of payout too. Hischier could also be a good mentor/influence on our young up and coming European players as well.
There is also a chance Jarmo goes off the board and is after a player nobody has in mind. That might actually be wise, as he would have little to no competition in bargaining. If he shocks us like that, we all hope it is a good shocking.
6. The Young Core
The trio of Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius all have a good chance of being in Buffalo’s top nine in the Fall of 2026. As far as I’m concernned, Ostlund has already graduated to the big club. In 60 games last season, he registered 27 points and was a +11. Noah looked the part with elite playmaking abilities and shifty stickhandling. I can see him scoring 50 points this year. The Sabres really missed him in the playoffs after he fell with injury just three games in against Boston. Ostlund should be right back on the team this season from my perspective. Kulich graduated too in my eyes, playing 62 games in 2024-25 (with 24 points) and starting last season in Buffalo as well before being pulled out of the lineup with his blood clot issues. By all accounts, he underwent a successful procedure at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and is doing well now. He anticipates making a full return to the lineup for the upcoming season. As some have suggested, Jiri might spend some time with the Amerks to really get back in professional shape again. That is possible. But he has summer training and Sabres’ training camp to show he is ready to go. I think he will be.
Now, onto Konsta Helenius. While Kulich and Ostlund seem to have spots waiting for them, Konsta may have forced his way in with his strong post season cameo. (and his play in Rochester) That would make three talented wiz kids on the roster. By appearing in the playoffs for Buffalo, (and providing a needed spark) his entry-level contract (ELC) year was officially burned. As a result, the clock on his contract advanced, meaning he will reach restricted free agency one year earlier than if he had stayed in the minors. (or just didn’t play) So as far as I’m concerned, that means his time is now. Ostlund and Kulich have the better NHL experience but Helenius has the highest ceiling in my opinion. As we saw against Montreal in the post season, he looks NHL ready. Having all three in the lineup not only injects youthful talent, it also helps Buffalo save on cap space. That will be huge, depending on what happens with Tuch and the RFA’s. Plus any big trade that might go down, bringing in a high salary player. Zucker, Greenway, maybe even Jack Quinn might be involved in Jarmo’s dealings. The wiz kids provide adequate replacement level talent on the cheap, for this season anyway.
Of course, GMJK could also involve one of the youngins’ I have just discussed here in a trade too. I sure hope not, I have high hopes for all three. Helenius should be off the table for sure, Jarmo!
7. Free Agency
Lastly, we come to free agency. One of the best players available is one of Buffalo’s own. And by recent reports, the Sabres and Tuch’s camp are still far apart. Unless there is a last minute miracle or Buffalo is able to pull off a sign and trade deal for some value back, Alex could depart with the Sabres having nothing to show for it. The 2026 free agency class is widely considered to be one of the weakest and shallowest in recent memory. I don’t see many good options for the Blue and Gold. You can expect many GMs to hand out major contracts to older players who arguably do not deserve lengthy, high-money deals, leading some teams to pursue blockbuster trades rather than overpaying free agents. That is where the Sabres probably fall.
If Buffalo does trade out a valuable but highly paid player like Greenway, the Sabres could use free agency to pick up a gritty, hard-hitting and willing to drop the gloves player for a savings. They especially might do this if the team passes on the physical Josh Dunne too, who is a UFA. If these two are gone next season, the Sabres would be very low on players who can handle themself when sh*t goes down. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like fighting in the game or not, every team needs at least one guy for the occasion.
Ross Johnston fits the bill for Buffalo. He is a 6’5″ 230 pound winger who played for the Ducks the last two seasons after many years with the Islanders. Johnston is a tough hombre’ who had four official fights last season, with many other skirmishes. The veteran is 32 years old. Another option is the monster that is Curtis Douglas. The 26 year old is 6’9″ and 242 pounds. He made his NHL debut last season, spliting time with the Canucks and goon-squad Tampa Bay Lightning. Douglas had a whopping 10 fights last season in only 43 games and would certainly be an intimidation factor. Neither of these gritty, tough guys would be regular players in the lineup, I imagine. But they would make solid, plug and play players used to face the right team though. Either bruiser could be had for the low-low price of $1.5 to $1.75 million per season.
Beyond some fill-in grit, I don’t see the Sabres making a big splash in free agency. In fact, I mostly hope they avoid it. The right big deal via a trade or two is the way to go, if Jarmo can swing it. And with that last thought, this b*tch of an article is now over. Those are your biggest areas of concern for Buffalo, a full plate for the team to handle this summer if they want a return visit to the playoffs. Commence the discussion.