The Buffalo Sabres have yet to do anything consequential to replace the offense lost from the departures of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram this summer. Other than adding defenseman Olen Zellweger in a trade with Anaheim, Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen seems to be relying on internal improvement from some of the club’s young forwards to make up over 100 points in production the two veterans produced last season.
Buffalo has once again been connected in rumors to Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but it may still be possible that they are looking to add a veteran forward to provide some insurance. One potential option became available on Wednesday, when it was announced that the Anaheim Ducks and forward Chris Krieder agreed to mutually terminate the final year of his contract.
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The 35-year-old was part of the dismantling of the NY Rangers by former Sabre Chris Drury and was dealt to the Ducks in June 2025. Kreider posted 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 75 games last season.
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The Ducks were in cap trouble after matching the five-year, $90 million offer sheet to center Leo Carlsson and needed to clear cap space with 40-goal scorer Cutter Gauthier still unsigned. Kreider was placed on waivers on Wednesday, and if he clears, the Ducks will open up $6.5 million in additional cap space. The 35-year-old would then become an unrestricted free agent.
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Where will Connor Hellebuyck end up?
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, indications are that Kreider desires to return to the east, closer to his family, where he spent the first 13 years of his NHL career, and will not report to a team that claims him if it is not a place he wants to play.
Adding Kreider would make perfect sense for the Sabres. Even though he is slowing down, the big veteran can still move and is capable of playing in the top-six. Buffalo is a more attractive destination after making the playoffs and winning the Atlantic Division last season, but it is possible that the Boxford, MA native may prefer to finish his career with the Atlantic rival Bruins.
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