Buffalo has been looking to improve drastically between the pipes. And with two potential trade candidates opening up, the Sabres may be making a major change to the goaltending just weeks prior to training camp.
The Buffalo Sabres have an intriguing group of players heading into the 2023-24 season. While they have a deep prospect pool, and a highly talented group of forwards, it remains unknown if with this current group that Buffalo will be able to exorcise their demons and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
With enticing talents such as Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens in their lineup, it's understandable why Sabres fans may be antsy to see positive results on the ice.
Blockbuster goalie deal
According to insiders, there are two goaltenders that are being targeted by the Buffalo Sabres.
Big names include Logan Thompson of the Golden Knights, and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.
"Sabres Closing in on a 'serious goalie' THIS Weekend. This is from a source... The names, I would imagine, are limited to likely Hellebuyck or Logan Thompson. Stay tuned" Says insider Eklund.
After veteran goaltender Craig Anderson announced his retirement in the Off-Season, the Sabres need to relieve pressure off their young goaltenders Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukonnen.
Levi, arguably the Sabres top prospect, is coming straight from the NCAA at 21-years-old. Buffalo can't expect to get no more than 25 games from the young goaltender in the 2023-24 campaign.
Hellebuyck or Thompson?
Logan Thompson was one of Vegas most important players during the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Playoffs. And while the team remains crunched by the Salary Cap, trading their best goaltender will be a last-resort situation for the team, even with Adin Hill backing him up between the pipes.
While it is unlikely that Vegas will want to part with Thompson anytime soon, it has been rumored that Connor Hellebuyck has wanted out of Winnipeg for some time now.
Hellebuyck will be eligible for UFA status next July, and Buffalo has been showing interest in the 30-year-old goaltender since as early as May. The Sabres could likely send a package in return to the Jets that includes some draft picks, as well as one of Levi or Luukonnen.
While the Jets GM has made clear indications that Hellebuyck will be in Winnipeg for opening night, there is a possibility that Buffalo has made Winnipeg an impressive offer, one that Cheveldayoff may be unable to refuse.
Who is Buffalo more likely to sign?
Connor Hellebuyck
Logan Thompson
Neither
