3 weakest links Buffalo Sabres should promptly get rid of ft. Kevyn Adams

The Buffalo Sabres head into another offseason following a disappointing playoff miss. It’s been 14 seasons since the Sabres last made it to the postseason, and it looks doubtful they will break that dubious distinction in 2025-26.

Despite a solid core and up-and-coming talent, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves in a turbulent period as the club looks to find an identity.

With that in mind, here’s a look at three weak links that the club must address at once this offseason.

3 weakest links Buffalo Sabres should promptly get rid of

#3 Sam Lafferty

Sam Lafferty's cap hit could be too high for Buffalo this season - Source: Imagn

Sam Lafferty was signed as a depth forward in the 2024 offseason. He was coming off a 24-point season with the Vancouver Canucks in which he showed toughness and versatility during the team’s successful campaign.

However, Lafferty was unable to translate that momentum into success in Buffalo. Lafferty scored seven points in 60 games this past season. His $2 million could be too much for the Buffalo Sabres to pay this upcoming season.

The Sabres will be looking to move on, if possible, from Lafferty’s cap hit.

#2 Lindy Ruff

Ruff failed to turn things around for the Sabres this season - Source: Imagn

The Buffalo Sabres hired Lindy Ruff last offseason, hoping a second stint with the team could rekindle a playoff run.

Instead, the Sabres were mired in a 13-game losing streak. The team barely escaped the Atlantic Division cellar, only because the Boston Bruins had an even worse season.

Ruff’s second tenure has gotten off to a rough start, proving he’s not the coach the Sabres need moving forward. The team doesn’t look to be interested in firing Ruff. But if the club has another weak start, Ruff could find himself on the hot seat sooner rather than later.

#1 Kevyn Adams

Kevyn Adams has been the subject of widespread speculation - Source: Imagn

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has been at the forefront of controversial moves during his tenure with the team. Moves such as contract extensions, trades, and signings have been met with mixed reactions.

His most recent trade, the JJ Peterka deal with the Utah Mammoth, was considered a fleecing by most around the league. Similarly, Adams faces increasing pressure from RFAs like Bowen Byram, who don’t seem keen on re-signing.

The Mattias Samuelsson signing was met with plenty of criticism, amid the deal’s length and onerous cap hit.

Adams signed a multi-year extension in 2022 and doesn’t seem to be on the hot seat. However, another season missing the playoffs could prompt ownership to seek answers moving forward.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan