3 takeaways from Adams and Forton Presser

Buffalo Sabers general manager Kevyn Adams and new assistant general manager Jerry Forton spoke to the media Thursday during a preliminary debriefing. The two discussed recent changes to the organizational structure, the team’s strategy ahead of the draft and free agency, as well as recent rumors regarding the Jeff Skinner buyout. As has become the norm, Adams was very open about the topics he might discuss, while leaving some room for interpretation.

The information in the press conference was extensive, but there were a few telling words from Adams and Forton. This is a make-or-break offseason for the Sabres, and a lot can happen in the coming weeks, starting with the draft. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion.

Sabers draft pick available

General manager Kevyn Adams didn’t mince his words when asked about the potential availability of the Sabres’ first-round pick.

“If you have a deep prospect pool, which I believe we do…maybe you’re more willing to move that pick,” Adams said. “By saying that, I think you are taking all the information into account. Where are you as an organization? What are your needs ? Where is your prospect pool? »

The pressure favors the Sabers to prepare futures contracts for an immediate boost, since Buffalo hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in 13 seasons. There are holes in the top six and third center line up front, as well as room to add another quality defenseman. They also have a deep prospect pool, with three to four top prospects on the cusp of being NHL ready.

“I’ve told every team in the league that we’re completely open to the idea of ​​moving pick 11,” Adams continued. “I told all the teams around us that we were open to progression. It’s not always easy to do, but you’d think we have what it takes to do it. And we’re very willing to go back as the project evolves.

Adams is comfortable staying put and picking at 11 if a trade doesn’t happen.

“Pick 11 is a very valuable asset. We’re going to get a good player with pick 11 if we stay in this position and make the pick.

Adams also said Jerry Forton will continue to lead the amateur scouting department despite the promotion to assistant general manager. Should they draft in the first round, Forton also shed some light on Buffalo’s draft rankings.

“I think you know the best four, five, six players in the draft,” Forton said. “In past drafts, you could kind of check off the top 10 or 11 and maybe just one of those players would be available at 11, 12, 13. It wouldn’t shock me this year if there could be some have two or three players that we have in our first seven or eight and who are available at 11.

Must Read: The Sabers’ Best and Worst Draft Picks of the 1970s

Sabers goaltending duo established

Adams said he expects to finalize a contract with starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen this offseason. This allows the Sabers to utilize their two best young goalies in the NHL heading into next season.

When asked how the Sabers planned to approach the position this summer, “depth” was the key term that came up.

“We obviously have to split guys into three, four, five in the organization,” Adams said. “Our plan is to have two really talented young goalies that will play every night…we’ll make sure we have depth covered.”

Other restricted free agents, Henri Jokiharju and Peyton Krebs, have been signed and are also expected to sign. That leaves the Sabers with nine forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders projected on the roster heading into free agency.

Defensemen Jacob Bryson and Kale Clague are also restricted free agents. Forwards Isak Rosen, Jiri Kulich, Matthew Savoie, Lukas Rousek and defenseman Ryan Johnson are all under contract and have spent time with the Sabers in 2023-24.

Must Read: Behind the Scenes: Inside the Sabers Rhythm

Skinner buyout on the table

Yesterday’s rumors that the Sabers are mulling a Jeff Skinner buyout are no stranger to Adams, who admitted to hearing the rumors.

“I know there are rumors,” Adams said. “What I can tell you is that since the day our season ended, after my conversations with (Sabres owner) Terry (Pegula) and where we go from here, every single thing we’re doing this offseason, we’re asking the question: Does this help our team get better? »

“We’ve made a lot of decisions so far today with that in mind, and we’re going to continue so that nothing is ruled out.”

It’s not exactly a vote of confidence that Skinner will wear a Sabers jersey next season. The Sabers are expected to absorb $2,444,445 in cap space over the next six seasons and replace a player who has scored 92 goals over the past three seasons.

This could be the right decision if he is truly on the decline. Otherwise, the Sabers will have a lot of dead money and will need to replace a 30-goal scorer.

Regarding the conversations with Skinner, Adams continued: “With Jeff in particular, at the end of the season, I thought there was real honesty, both ways, on my part and on his part. I think it’s safe to say that I have a lot of respect for Jeff. I mean, he’s clearly an elite offensive player in this league. He’s been doing it for a long time.