Buffalo Sabres Roster Changes
In a measured move on July 1, the Buffalo Sabres reinforced their roster by acquiring forward Justin Danforth and goaltender Alex Lyon, each signing two-year contracts. However, the team continues to grapple with the reality of missing the playoffs for an unprecedented 15 seasons.
Former Sabres Find New Homes
During the early phase of the free agency period, a few former Sabres made headlines with new contracts. Defenseman Henri Jokiharju secured a three-year, $9 million extension with the Boston Bruins, while forward Tyson Jost agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Several other players with ties to Buffalo also found new placements. Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who had previously recorded only one goal in 19 appearances with the Sabres, is now a Minnesota Wild player under a one-year deal valued at $775,000/$500,000. After joining Buffalo from the Washington Capitals, Aube-Kubel was eventually traded to the NY Rangers in exchange for defenseman Erik Brannstrom, who subsequently played for the AHL’s Rochester Americans and later moved to Europe.
Another notable move involved Dennis Gilbert, a Buffalo native, who signed with the Philadelphia Flyers on a one-year contract worth $875,000. Gilbert contributed physicality to the Sabres’ blue line but faced challenges, including a trade at the deadline to Ottawa alongside Dylan Cozens.
Additionally, Jacob Bernard-Docker, who entered Buffalo as part of the Cozens deal, played 15 games for the Sabres but ultimately did not receive a qualifying offer. He will now be on the Detroit roster under a one-year contract worth $875,000.
Other Notable Transactions
Moving to the west, Curtis Lazar signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers after enduring a dip in performance last season, scoring just five points in 48 games with New Jersey following a career-best previous season.
Riley Stillman, who spent his last season in the Sabres’ organization, has also secured a deal with Edmonton worth $1.55 million over two years, providing depth on defense after playing mainly for the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
Last but not least, Joel Armia, a former first-round draft pick by the Sabres, has found a new home with the Los Angeles Kings, signing a two-year deal that pays him an average of $2.5 million annually. Coming off a solid season with the Montreal Canadiens, where he notched 29 points, Armia is expected to contribute to the Kings’ forward depth.
Looking Ahead
As the Sabres enter another offseason, the transition continues, marked by player movements and a need to reinvigorate their prospect of making a playoff run.
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