Buffalo Sabres continue to see their fortunes change for the better
By Paul Taylor
Following Evander Kane’s decision to re-sign with the San José Sharks, the Buffalo Sabres will now officially receive a first-round draft pick.
When the regular season concluded, the Buffalo Sabres were officially rock bottom. By finishing last in the league standings, they became the first team in NHL history to secure 31st place.
However, this also appeared to set the wheels in motion for a turnaround in fortunes. Consider what has transpired since Apr. 7.
First, the Sabres finally won the NHL draft lottery, at the third time of asking. As a result, they will more than likely select Rasmus Dahlin, who has been described as a franchise-changing defenseman.
The Blue and Gold have also made a couple of intriguing signings, by agreeing entry-level deals with blue-liner Lawrence Pilut and center Rasmus Asplund. This only further solidifies a strong group of young prospects, which includes the likes of Casey Mittelstadt and Alexander Nylander.
And on Thursday, the good news continued to flow. Evander Kane officially signed a new contract with the San José Sharks, thus confirming the Sabres will receive a first-round draft pick.
When the Blue and Gold traded Kane to San José in February, they received a second-round draft pick in 2019. However, if the winger went on to re-sign with the Sharks, this draft pick would become a first-rounder.
While this is obviously good news for the Sabres, this are still a couple of potential stipulations to consider. As noted by John Vogl of The Buffalo News, the Sharks’ 2019 pick is lottery protected.
More from Buffalo Sabres
- Buffalo Sabres and Victor Olofsson making progress on contract extension
- Buffalo Sabres still need goaltender help despite re-signing Anderson
- Buffalo Sabres: Time to close book on the Jack Eichel chapter
- Buffalo Sabres receiving interest in members of defensive core
- Buffalo Sabres focused on youth during another disastrous season
As such, if the Sharks fail to make the playoffs next season, they can wait until 2020 to give Buffalo a first-round draft pick. Regardless, the Sabres continue to improve their position, as they look to get the franchise back on track and return to playoff contention.
The final condition relates to the 2019 fourth-round pick San José will provisionally send to Buffalo. As per Vogl, the Sharks could possibly change this to a 2020 third-round selection.
There will always be a certain element of ‘what if’, when it comes to Kane. Yes, he was a controversial character, but he was a supremely talented winger, who seemed to have finally found more maturity and consistency earlier this season in Western New York.
Of course, there’s nothing the Sabres can do about this now, especially with the 2009 fourth overall draft pick signed on for seven years in San José. Instead, all they can do is look forward to a promising future in Buffalo.
This starts next month in Dallas, Texas, with the 56th NHL draft. Apart from likely selecting Dahlin, you can expect the Sabres to be extremely busy, as they look to further strengthen the organization.
Next: 3 reasons the Sabres should pursue John Tavares
In light of all the developments since the end of the regular season, what is your mindset regarding the Buffalo Sabres? Are you confident they have finally turned a corner and if so, how soon do you see them finally returning to the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.