The Buffalo Sabres' underwhelming roster changes thus far this off-season have some fans itching to see them make a move of consequence, particularly when it comes to the future of RFA defenseman Bowen Byram. But what if nothing else transipres on the roster alterations front? What if the Sabres roster we see in early July is highly similar to the one we see when next season begins?
Indeed, if this is how the Sabres are going to look next season, will anyone be surprised when just about everyone picks Buffalo to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 15th consecutive season? And more importantly, will Sabres fans be blamed for giving up on this organization?
It's one thing if the Sabres spend to the salary cap ceiling and still miss out on the playoffs. But it's something different if all these signings and trades are simply about the bottom line financially. Buffalo fans aren't buying tickets and merchandise to see Sabres management penny-pinch their way through another disappointing season.
And we're not advocating trades or signings for the sake of trades or signings. Teams can take steps forward by sticking together and moving forward with most, if not all of the same players as important components.
However, it's not as if these Sabres have had any of thoese days to point to as particularly-wonderful days. In 10 of its 14 straight seasons withought playoffs streak, this Buffalo team has finished between sixth-to-eighth in its division. This is not a team that missed out on the post-season by a win here or there. This has been sustained, almost-predictable crap, and everyone who has seen it doesn't want to see. it again.
And so we again ask, when will it arrive to Sabres managent that Buffalo fans want more? There can be no more excuses, or talk about a "youth movement". Buffalo has to do what San Jose GM Mike Grier is doing — namely, adding many veteran voices to be a smart support seaon. And while that approach didn't work well when the Chicago Blackhawks did it last year for Connor Bedard, it's still worth trying another time.
We don't expect the Sabres to set the world on fire with a team that can win the Atlantic Division. But that doesn't mean expectations aren't sky-high for them. Being realistotic and adding players who can help play meaningful hockey isn't a stretch, but Buffalo ownership has to spend the money needed to move past their other Atlantic teams and finally carve out a playoff spot.
The Sabres have to spend all their money to prove to Sabres fans that they are doing their utmost to give Buffalo a decent shot at winning, but when you're not spending as an owner, you're telling fans, in essence, that you don't care about them.
It may be unfair, but it's undenable — if you're not trying with all your might to improve, you're not a team worth rooting for. And the Sabres fans that you're in danger of losing (if you haven't lost them already) may just say that this latest indignity is the straw that breaks the camel's back.
Read the full article here
