Buffalo Sabres Offseason Report: Additions, Subtractions & Key Re-Signings
- Breanna McNeill
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
In the 2024-25 season, the Buffalo Sabres (36–39–7) finished seventh in the Atlantic Division and twelve points out of a wildcard position, extending their playoff drought to a staggering 14 years. With what turned out to be another disappointing season, after only missing playoff contention by one point the year prior, many Sabres fans are once again looking to GM Kevyn Adams for a solution to fix this ongoing cycle.
As puck drop for the 2025-26 season is only a few weeks away, here is a quick guide to all of the additions, subtractions and key re-signings that have transpired over the last few months.
ADDITIONS:
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Josh Doan (F)
Carson Meyer (F)
Michael Kesselring (D)*
Conor Timmins (D)
Radim Mrtka (D)
Isaac Belliveau (D)
Zach Jones (D)
Jake Leschyshyn (D)
Alex Lyon (G)*
Justin Danforth (G)
Michael Kesslering: Kesselring joins Buffalo after arriving in the Peterka trade and is coming off an impressive season with the Utah Mammoth. The 6-foot-4, right-shot defenseman played all 82 games, recording 29 points (7G, 22A), and capped the year by winning gold with Team USA at the World Championship in the spring. Known for having the second-hardest shot (103.77 mph) in the NHL behind teammate Tage Thompson (104.69 mph), Kesselring brings both size and skill to the Sabres’ blue line. He finished sixth among NHL defensemen in primary assists at five-on-five, while Utah controlled 53 percent of expected goals and 56 percent of high-danger chances with him on the ice. Slotted to be part of Buffalo’s top-four defensive core, he adds to an already imposing group that will feature size, strength, and mobility.
Alex Lyon: Buffalo is attempting to bolster its goaltending depth this summer by signing veteran Alex Lyon in free agency. The 32-year-old netminder spent the past two seasons in Detroit, where he appeared in 30 games last year and posted a 14–9–1 record with a 2.81 goals-against average, a .896 save percentage, and one shutout. Goaltending consistency was an evident challenge for the Sabres last season, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi, and James Reimer all taking turns in the crease. Lyon will give Buffalo a steady backup option, while also creating the flexibility for Levi to continue his development in Rochester. However, if UPL falters, it will be interesting to see how or if Lyon will be able to handle a starting position.
SUBTRACTIONS:
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JJ Peterka (F)*
Nicolas Aube-Kubel (F)
Connor Clifton (D)
Sam Lafferty (D)
Jacob Bernard-Docker (D)
James Reimer (G)
JJ Peterka: Arguably the most talked-about move of Buffalo’s offseason was parting ways with JJ Peterka, the team’s second-leading scorer. Reports have surfaced that the 23-year-old requested a trade following the season, but the decision still drew heavy criticism on GMKA from fans who felt the return didn’t match his value. Peterka leaves behind consecutive 25-plus goal campaigns, and his departure creates a significant gap in Buffalo’s offense. Beyond addressing goaltending, one of the biggest questions heading into the season will be who steps up to help fill that scoring void.
NOTABLE RE-SIGNINGS:
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Ryan McLeod (F)
Jack Quinn (F)*
Bowen Byram (D)
Ryan Johnson (D)
Devon Levi (G)
Jack Quinn: Quinn is back under contract after re-signing on a two-year deal carrying an AAV of $3.375 million through the 2026–27 season. The 23-year-old forward appeared in 74 games last year, posting career highs in both goals (15) and assists (24). With his former linemate now gone, Quinn steps into the spotlight as a key top-six winger expected to help fill the offensive void. Drafted 8th overall in 2020, he still carries the upside of being a high-level scoring threat, and this season will serve as an important measure of his long-term role in Buffalo. If he can stay healthy, Quinn has the chance to prove he’s the kind of difference-maker the Sabres envisioned on draft day.
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