NHL Offseason Recap: Atlantic Division

Buffalo Sabres

May 3, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing

(21) talks with defenseman

(26) during the second period against the Boston Bruins in game two of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

IN: Brian Gionta (Canadiens), Matt Moulson (Wild), Andrej Meszaros (Bruins), Josh Gorges (Canadiens), Cody McCormick (Wild)

OUT: Christian Ehrhoff (Penguins), Ville Leino (Buyout), Cory Conacher (Islanders), John Scott (Sharks)

Re-signed: Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno, Chad Ruhwedel

Currently unsigned: Matt D’Agostini (UFA), Henrik Tallinder (UFA), Jamie McBain (UFA), Zenon Konopka (UFA), Alex Sulzer (UFA)

Recap:

The Buffalo Sabres finished last season with the worst record in the NHL. And by a wide margin.

Buffalo needed to stem the tide and allow their young players to grow. By bringing in veterans Brian Gionta, Matt Moulson, Andrej Meszaros, and Josh Gorges, general manager Tim Murray did just that.

Murray spent a total of $18.775 million this offseason and that should result in an improved team next season. Murray is also hoping that first round pick (No. 2 overall) Sam Reinhart can play quality minutes in Buffalo next year. Reinhart finished with 105 points (36 G, 69 A) in his final season in the WHL.

Even with the newly acquired veterans, the Sabres’ future success is up to the development of their youngsters and that could be years down the road.