Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
E-edition PLUS unlimited articles & videos
Personalized news alerts with our mobile app
*FREE access to newspapers.com archives
Hundreds of games, puzzles & comics online
*Refers to the latest 2 years of buffalonews.com stories. Cancel anytime.
The pregame show at T-Mobile Arena is a huge attraction at Vegas Golden Knights games, as shown prior to the matchup against the Sabres on Jan. 4, 2025.
Terry Pegula isn’t selling the Sabres.
We’ll get that question and answer out of the way, even though one of our readers, @rmitro8 on X, is justified in asking if there’s a chance a different owner will save the franchise.
There’s a realistic scenario in which Pegula sells a minority stake of the Sabres, but he’s not walking away. His love for the sport began before the Sabres’ inception in 1970 and blossomed into a passion during the era of the French Connection.
Sabres owner Terry Pegula won’t sell the team after 14 years. He is as involved as ever, even while tending to the Bills’ new stadium or his other businesses.
Pegula watches video of draft-eligible prospects and poses questions to the scouting staff during meetings. He signs the checks, so a significant free-agent signing like the one involving Taylor Hall in 2020 doesn’t happen without Pegula’s approval.
Pegula has influence on every consequential decision. The owner won’t take his hands off the steering wheel and he wants his opinions to be considered. The Sabres’ repeated failures − perhaps none more maddening to this fan base than this season’s collapse with Lindy Ruff back behind the bench − aren’t the by-product of an absentee landlord.
Pegula is as involved as ever, even when he’s tending to the Bills’ stadium or his other businesses. He routinely talks to Ruff and Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams. Pegula cares, but he doesn’t know how to fix the mess that he created through years of bad decisions.
Another lost season may lead to another firing or two, but it won’t convince Pegula to change his approach or abandon the hockey team that he purchased nearly 14 years ago.
With the ownership discussion out of the way, let’s dive into the rest of the mailbag, which features questions submitted by our readers through email, X and BlueSky.
@theordore5540 asks: How much of the poor defensive play can be attributed to Ruff not bringing in at least one of his own assistant coaches?
Lysowski: I understand why this has permeated Sabres online discourse since Ruff was hired in April. It’s highly unusual for an outside hire not to bring one assistant coach with them. The Red Wings fired Bob Boughner last month to allow their new coach, Todd McLellan, to bring his top assistant, Trent Yawney, midseason.
Nothing about the Sabres’ hiring process was normal, though. They barely spoke to any other candidates and Ruff was given only a two-year deal. A coaching staff with Chris Taylor and James Patrick instead of Seth Appert and Marty Wilford wouldn’t lead to more wins. The head coach is responsible for 5-on-5 systems, practice plans and overall team strategy. It’s not a coincidence that we rarely see assistants fired and replaced midseason. They don’t have the same impact as they do in the NFL.
That said, Ruff should have been given at least one hire, particularly someone with experience running a power play in pro hockey. Any other team would have promoted Appert, but it was a significant risk to give him those specific duties during his first season in the NHL.
Tim Hirschbeck asks: Are national reporters correct in suggesting that the Canucks’ Elias Pettersson is the best player available on the trade market since Jack Eichel and how much would it cost the Sabres to acquire Pettersson?
Lysowski: It’s a solid comparison, but Matthew Tkachuk is a superstar forward who was traded to Florida eight months after the Sabres dealt Eichel to Vegas. It’s a star-driven league and, unfortunately, Buffalo no longer has one at forward. Nagging injuries, inconsistent play and the Sabres’ struggling power play have prevented Tage Thompson from providing elite production since the end of the 2022-23 season.
The Sabres need another go-to player at center or wing because they’re not getting that level of play from Dylan Cozens, either. A deal involving Pettersson would require Buffalo to part with Cozens, Bowen Byram and a high draft pick or prospect. The franchise can’t afford to lose Byram, but it may have no chance to sign him to a long-term extension. Pettersson is worth that price tag. He’s 26 years old, under contract through 2031-32, a three-time 30-goal scorer and, as important as talent, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause yet.
Joe Romano asks: How can this team sell hope to the fans anymore?
Lysowski: The season-ticket base will continue to shrink and interest will wane even further until the Sabres prove they’re a playoff team. Winning is the only way to convince people that real change has occurred.
Andrew P asks: What will the Sabres do differently this summer and why should I believe anything the general manager says?
Lysowski: As of now, nothing. They’ll continue to rely on analytics and video scouting to supplement their in-person evaluations of pro personnel. It’s difficult to envision they’ll have more success finding impact players through free agency or trades. Jason Zucker was an outstanding signing, but none of the other offseason moves have paid off. The Sabres’ recruitment problem will worsen if they don’t turn it around in the second half.
Ryan McLeod is buried in a fourth-line role. Neither Sam Lafferty nor Nicolas Aube-Kubel have transformed the bottom six. Dennis Gilbert was the only addition on a blue line that still needs a reliable, right-handed veteran next to Owen Power. The general manager and owner seem content waiting for the youngest players on this roster to learn how to win, but it will never happen if the plan isn’t adjusted. It’s time to make another big trade to change the mix, like the one that landed Byram for Casey Mittelstadt.
Ian Browning asks: We keep hearing that players don’t want to come Buffalo, but is it really that bad and is another rebuild inevitable?
Lysowski: Most NHL players only care about winning and getting paid. They’ll tolerate harsh weather or higher taxes if they’re on a playoff contender with a winning culture. The Sabres earned respect around the league with their 91-point finish two seasons ago, but they’re again viewed as an unstable organization without a plan to win anytime soon. They prioritize the development of several inexperienced players over team success, which isn’t going to convince a veteran with other options to waive their no-trade clause.
A painful rebuild can be avoided if they make the right trades, signings and personnel decisions, but the playoff drought will reach 15 years if their plan is to simply promote another top prospect to fill a prominent hole on the roster next season. Like I said the past two offseasons, Buffalo needs to change more than the roster and coach if the results are going to improve. The organization’s philosophy and allocation of resources must change as well.
HockeyIQ716 asks: What are people around the league saying about the Sabres right now?
Lysowski: The nontraditional player development decisions – like attempting to rush Devon Levi into a starting role or keeping Zach Benson at 18 years old – are harshly criticized by the NHL executives, scouts and agents who I lean on for perspective and insight.
They question the lack of experience throughout hockey operations, particularly on the pro and amateur scouting staffs, and wonder why Pegula hasn’t put more accomplished managers around Adams. There’s talent on the NHL roster and throughout the organization, but it hasn’t translated to success in Buffalo.
The Sabres have rushed prospects to Buffalo and Rochester; they’ve missed on most of their free-agent signings since Adams became general manager; there was no thorough coaching search before Ruff was hired; and multiple franchise pillars, most notably Dylan Cozens, are regressing.
The organization’s reputation has taken a significant hit and the only way to change the narrative is for the team to start winning.
@EdleyA_M11 asks: Is it fair to say the solution is not in the Sabres’ room and, if not, what’s the best way to change the results?
Lysowski: The solution is not in the room. The Sabres don’t have enough leadership or players who understand how to win. They’ve missed on too many trades and free-agent signings. Cozens, JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn look worse under this coach. There’s a chance that this season may cost them Byram, Zucker, Jordan Greenway and Alex Tuch, each of whom reach restricted or unrestricted free agency this summer or next.
The Sabres need to show those three players, as well as others across the league, that they’re serious about trying to win instead of experimenting with development at the NHL level. The next step needs to be at least one significant trade. This team needs another Zucker type and a top-four, right-shot defenseman.
@olivestair asks: Has Terry Pegula told Adams that he cannot make trades?
Lysowski: No. For a variety of reasons – no-trade lists are near the top – the Sabres have yet to make any changes. They can’t waive a veteran like Aube-Kubel because there isn’t NHL-ready depth in Rochester. Other teams have scouts, so why would they be interested in him, Lafferty or others on this roster? The Sabres are getting low-ball offers for Cozens and Mattias Samuelsson. Adams was betting that there would be a course correction on the ice, but it hasn’t happened.
@SabresMatt asks: Are Adams and Ruff communicating about what this roster needs?
Lysowski: They are. Ruff made his preferences clear in the summer. Some players he wanted to go are no longer in Buffalo. A few others couldn’t be moved because of their contracts or performance. He was given the bottom six and center depth that he requested. One issue was that it took until mid-November for Ruff to get a read on what the roster needed to execute because he could only learn so much by watching video from last season.
Robert Gregoretti asks: How much longer until there’s a general manager change, and will Pegula realize that he needs a president of hockey operations?
Lysowski: Change isn’t imminent. Let’s take a moment to consider the positives that must have convinced Pegula to continue with Adams as general manager. The Sabres are only two seasons removed from a 91-point finish, and they were at 83 points in 2023-24 despite terrible first periods.
Their scouts have helped them select talented players in seemingly every round of the draft. The Rochester Americans have won while developing prospects. There are promising young pieces on the NHL roster that have shown flashes of brilliance. And the Sabres have reshaped the organization with Pegula’s vision in mind. He wanted a smaller hockey operations department relying on more analytics and video.
Don’t discount his relationship with Adams, either. Pegula trusts Adams implicitly. Remember, the owner lamented that former general manager Jason Botterill wasn’t listening to ownership. We know that’s not the case with Adams.
The leadership structure won’t change, either. Pegula has no interest in hiring a president of hockey operations. He wants the general manager to report directly to ownership.
Ed Helinski asks: Does Brett Murray get another chance with the Sabres?
Lysowski: No. Murray’s skating is a problem, and he doesn’t bring the toughness you would expect from someone his size. The Sabres retained Murray because he’s a productive AHL player who’s an important leader for the Amerks.
@johnnysmooth72 asks: Who are some external candidates to become the next general manager?
Lysowski: If the Sabres were to make a midseason change, my list would include Ken Holland, Jarmo Kekailainen and Ray Shero. This team needs someone with experience as an NHL general manager, but it’s unclear if anyone with their track record would be willing to work for Pegula.
Jeffrey Smith asks: Has Ryan McLeod faded since Jordan Greenway has been out?
Lysowski: The coach has buried McLeod on the fourth line and neglected to take advantage of the 25-year-old’s blend of speed and playmaking. Ruff chose to use Beck Malenstyn during the 6-on-5 in Colorado instead of McLeod, who’s faster and understands how to defend the middle of the ice. Shouldn’t the Sabres use experienced veteran forwards like McLeod more often? He was playing in the Stanley Cup final in June. Only Tuch has been in more playoff games than McLeod.
McLeod deserves some criticism. The coaching staff doesn’t like how often McLeod’s been on the perimeter in the offensive zone. He has zero goals in his last 22 games and zero shots on goal in five of his last seven, but he hasn’t been used properly, either.
@mtdoak asks: Is Adams the worst performing general manager in franchise history?
Lysowski: No, he is not. It’s not a coincidence that the run of losing began with the tank. Here’s a breakdown of each Sabres general manager with their points percentage and accomplishments:
Punch Imlach, .554 points percentage (6th in NHL) with one Stanley Cup Final appearance, one conference final, one division title and five playoff appearances.
John Anderson, .589 points percentage (5th) and one playoff appearance.
Scotty Bowman, .581 points percentage (6th) with one conference title, two division titles and six playoff appearances.
Gerry Meehan, .516 points percentage (12th) with six playoff appearances.
John Muckler, .525 points percentage (9th) with one division title and three playoff appearances.
Darcy Regier, .554 points percentage (11th) with one Cup final appearance, four conference finals appearances, two division titles, a Presidents Trophy and eight playoff appearances.
Tim Murray, .414 points percentage (last in NHL) with no playoff appearances.
Jason Botterill, .442 points percentage (29th out of 31 teams) and no playoff appearances.
Kevyn Adams, .468 points percentage (26th) with no playoff appearances.
Matt Young asks: Will the Sabres recall prospects from Rochester once it’s late in the season and should they be promoted to Buffalo to receive consistent playing time in the NHL?
Lysowski: No. Keep those kids as far away from this situation for as long as possible. Let them learn how to win in Rochester.
Joe D asks: What kind of trade should the Sabres make before the deadline to improve the roster for next season?
Lysowski: Add an impact player with term on their contract, like the Sabres did with Byram and Greenway the past two trade deadlines.
Tyler asks: Does the organization realize the damage this season has done to the fan base?
Lysowski: Absolutely. The empty seats at the arena speak louder than any frustrations that are expressed on social media or elsewhere.
Zach Mecca asks: Would Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen be a Vezina candidate on a better team?
Lysowski: Not quite, but he’d be in the top 10 in the NHL in every statistical category. He’s been among the best when his teammates haven’t hurt him with numerous turnovers and terrible defense.
Rick Aronal asks: What should the Sabres expect to pay Byram, McLeod, Peterka, Levi and Jack Quinn?
Lysowski: Byram is the only one who will receive a significant raise. The others will be retained on short-term, bridge contracts unless one or more are traded. Peterka has played his way out of a long-term deal.
Justin Dillingham asks: Is Greenway the Sabres’ most valuable player?
Lysowski: Greenway ranks high on the short list of irreplaceable Sabres, but Dahlin is No. 1. They completely fell apart without him.
Dave S asks: What do you recommend fans focus on the remainder of the season?
Lysowski: It’s no secret which players on this roster may be gone within the next year or two. Focus on the progress and development of Dahlin, Luukkonen, Benson, Power and Jiri Kulich. Keep an eye on the prospects in Rochester and elsewhere.
I understand this fan base has prospect fatigue, but there’s talent in the pipeline. If you’re able, make the drive to Blue Cross Arena to watch the Amerks. They’re a fast, hard-working team that’s well-coached. Their style of play will remind you of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Thank you for all the questions this week. As a reminder, they can be submitted via X to @LLysowski or by email to llysowski@buffnews.com.
Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
News Sports Reporter
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
The pregame show at T-Mobile Arena is a huge attraction at Vegas Golden Knights games, as shown prior to the matchup against the Sabres on Jan…
Brodie Ziemer, a third-round draft pick of the Sabres in June, assisted on Teddy Stiga’s goal 8:04 into overtime Sunday in Ottawa that gave Te…
Sabres owner Terry Pegula won’t sell the team after 14 years. He is as involved as ever, even while tending to the Bills’ new stadium or his other businesses.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.
Hockey News