Insider reveals major changes on horizon for Eastern conference team

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Cooper Godin
April 16, 2024 (8:00)

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For the 13th consecutive season, the city of Buffalo will be without playoff hockey and apparently big changes will be coming to the Sabres on and off the ice.

According to Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now, the Sabres could be making some big changes to their roster and staff, potentially soon and throughout the off-season. However, Murphy didn't specify on what these changes could be.

"Hearing there could be some pretty big changes on and off the ice coming for the #LetsGoBuffalo in the offseason and soon. Multiple scenarios that could happen. 👀

@sickpodnhl"

With the young core the Sabres have, they should be taking the next step and pushing towards a playoff spot, but instead they're on the outside looking in for the 13th year in a row. There's no question the Sabres have some good pieces such as Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens, Bowen Byram, Devon Levi, Tage Thompson, J.J. Peterka, among others, but they'll need to find the right veterans to surround them with in order to have success.

Off the ice, there's always the chance the ownership group could make changes in the front office by firing General Manager Kevyn Adams, who has been at the helm since 2020. Another possibility could come behind the bench, with Don Granato being ousted after four seasons as head coach. The Sabres hired Granato in 2020 with the hopes his experience as a coach could be useful in getting the Sabres over the hump, but they've gone on to miss the playoffs every season he's been there.

While it's unclear what the Sabres could do in terms of their roster or what they'll do with coaching and front office staffs, they will be making changes off the ice in a different way. KeyBank Center, the Sabres' home, will be undergoing some renovations as it was announced last year they would be getting a new scoreboard and roof ahead of the 2024-25 season.

It's going to be an interesting season in Buffalo, there's no doubt about that as they try to keep up with other teams in the Atlantic Division. Boston, Florida, Tampa Bay and Toronto are playoff teams every year, the Detroit Red Wings are getting closer to being in the big dance, while the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators both have young cores and are ready to take a big step next season.