Ladies and gentlemen, hockey fans rejoice as Last Word on Hockey’s Puck Drop Previews are making a triumphant return for the highly anticipated 2024-25 season! With the regular season looming on the horizon, Last Word will delve into each team’s current outlook and stories to watch for in the upcoming year. Get ready to dive deep into our projections for each team’s performance throughout the campaign, starting today with a riveting preview of the 2024-25 Buffalo Sabres.
Last season, the Sabres encountered significant challenges in the realms of special teams and offensive play in Western New York. The power play sputtered with a lack of creativity, leaving Buffalo unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite a valiant late-season surge, it proved too little too late for the struggling Sabres.
General Manager Kevyn Adams made a bold move by bringing back Lindy Ruff, a familiar face from the past, to take over coaching duties. Former coach Don Granato found himself swiftly shown the door as Ruff stepped in to rejuvenate the team. Ruff’s return may inject a sense of grit and determination into the Sabres, but replicating his previous success as head coach will undoubtedly be a challenging task.
The off-season in the Queen City witnessed a flurry of roster changes, with a number of players making their way in and out of Buffalo. Notable signings included Jason Zucker, a marquee addition during free agency, alongside depth players like Sam Lafferty and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. The team also bolstered its lineup through trades, acquiring Ryan McLeod and Beck Malenstyn.
In a bid to reshape the roster, Buffalo bid adieu to longtime stalwarts such as Jeff Skinner, Zemgus Girgensons, and Victor Olofsson, who departed via free agency. Adams and Ruff are spearheading a roster makeover, ushering in a new era with fresh faces and renewed vigor.
Reflecting on the tumultuous 2023-24 season, the Sabres are poised to turn a new leaf with a fresh lineup projection for the 2024-25 campaign:
John-Jason Peterka–Tage Thompson–Alex Tuch
As the season prepares to kick off, the Buffalo Sabres stand at the cusp of a new chapter under the guidance of Lindy Ruff and the leadership of Kevyn Adams. Stay tuned as we navigate through the twists and turns of the 2024-25 season, brimming with anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead in the world of hockey.
