Buffalo Sabres GM Shopping Big Name in Hopes of Filling a Hole on the Team

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TJ Tucker
February 9, 2024 (7:42 PM)

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While no one was really expecting the Buffalo Sabres to move mountains this season, there was hope that improvement would take place as the team tries to make a push for the playoffs for the first time in years. That hasn't happened, and it looks like Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is willing to part with a big name in order to fill a major hole going forward.

On the latest episode of the "After the Whistle" podcast hosted by former NHLers Andrew Peters and Craig Rivet, Peters said he's been told by a reliable source that Adams is willing to part with former 8th overall pick Casey Mittelstadt. Mittelstadt has really taken a big step forward over the past two seasons, and that is apparently playing a factor in Adams' decision.

"I have heard from a very reliable source Kevyn Adams is shopping Casey Mittelstadt hard, doesn't want to pay him."

"And the last thing he said was, take it for what's it's worth, but they are looking for a goalie. They don't trust the three that they have." - Andrew Peters

The three goaltenders currently with the Sabres are Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who's played the most games between the pipes for Buffalo so far (27), Eric Comrie, and Devon Levi. While his record is 12-12-2, Luukkonen, 24, has a .910 save percentage and a 2.58 goals against average. After Levi played in 20 games for the Sabres this season, the 22-year-old was sent back to the minors after putting up some below average stats. Levi still has time to develop, and his numbers in the AHL are better. With Luukkonen and Levi still developing in the system, it sounds like Adams is looking for someone with more experience who can add more stability at the back end. The rumoured name is Jacob Markström of the Calgary Flames.

Mittelstadt should get plenty of interest, especially from teams looking to reset/rebuild. He's currently making $2.5 million annually on a contract that runs out at the end of the season. He will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.