2018-19 Record: 33-39-10 76pts – – 6th Place in Atlantic
Playoffs: Missed
2019-20 Jersey Guide:
Key Additions: D – Henri Jokiharju, F – Marcus Johansson, F – Curtis Lazar, F – Jean-Sebastian Dea, F – Jimmy Vesey, G – Andrew Hammond, D – Colin Miller, Coach – Ralph Krueger
Key Departures: F – Alexander Nylander, D – Matt Tennyson, G – Scott Wedgewood, Coach – Phil Housley, F – Jason Pominville
2019-20 Preview:
After two failed seasons under head coach Phil Housley, the Buffalo Sabres decided to fire Housley and hire Ralph Krueger as there new coach. Krueger, who was a leading candidate two years ago, takes the reigns to a Buffalo team that has been revamped once again. General Manager Jason Botterill has utilized this offseason to give star forward and captain Jack Eichel players to surround himself with.
After locking up forward Jeff Skinner to an extension, Botterill went out and acquired defensemen Henri Jokiharju and Colin Miller in separate trades, and brought in forward Jimmy Vesey via trade, and forward Marcus Johansson via free agency. With Miller, Vesey, and Johansson the Sabres gained valuable playoff experience, especially with Miller and Johansson who both played in the 2018 and 2019 Stanley Cup Finals respectively.
Also the Sabres will be looking to Vesey and Johansson to contribute to the team’s scoring as last season Eichel, Skinner, and Sam Reinhart combined for 90 of the 221 goals scored last season. This could be the season the Sabres can take that next step. They had a good start last season, but then collapsed in the second half of the season. If the Sabres start strong, and remain consistent, then they can be a playoff contender.
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