Buffalo Sabres Waive Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev
The Buffalo Sabres have placed goaltender Alexandar Georgiev on waivers with the aim of terminating his contract, marking a significant turn in his career. Following a challenging period in the NHL, this decision paves the way for Georgiev to become a free agent and transition back to the KHL, where he is expected to play for Spartak Moscow.
Georgiev’s NHL Journey
When he initially joined the Sabres in September, Georgiev aspired to regain his status as a starting goalie in the NHL. Previously, he had been the primary goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche, where he posted impressive figures during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons with a total of 62 starts, achieving a record of 78 wins, 34 losses, and 11 overtime losses.
However, Georgiev’s performance suffered dramatically after he was traded to the San Jose Sharks early last season. His record plummeted to 7 wins, 19 losses, and 4 OT losses, and he struggled with a goals-against average of 3.88 and a save percentage of .875. Faced with the reality of being a free agent this summer, he found little interest from NHL teams, leading him to join the Sabres in search of a fresh opportunity.
Challenges with the Sabres
Unfortunately, even with a new team, Georgiev struggled to find a solid footing, as he was competing with several other goalies, including Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon, along with prospects like Colten Ellis, who had just been acquired. This crowded depth chart rendered his chances of playing significantly limited, prompting the eventual decision to waive him.
The Ruthless Goaltending Landscape
The goaltending landscape can be quite ruthless, exemplified by recent events involving other NHL-caliber goalies like Ilya Samsonov, who also signed a KHL contract after failing to secure one in North America. While Samsonov has found success in the KHL, boasting a solid .931 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average in his five games with Sochi, Georgiev’s prospects appeared bleak as he lacked interest from teams at the quarter mark of the season.
Looking Ahead
Despite a promising past with the Avalanche, where he appeared in 124 games over two full seasons, Georgiev’s positioning within NHL’s evolving frameworks ultimately left him without options. In a bid to continue his career and reclaim respect in hockey, returning to the KHL provides Georgiev with an opportunity to play regularly and maybe rediscover his form.
In circumstances like these, where NHL security for goalies is dwindling, the pull to return home can be a compelling path. For Georgiev, the drive to find renewed purpose in the KHL represents both a professional move and a return to his roots, a choice that’s understandable given the current state of opportunities within the NHL.
