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Sabres Could Shake Up Goaltending Market This NHL Offseason

The Buffalo Sabres might be a team to watch as the goaltending market takes shape this summer.

The Buffalo Sabres might not be a contending team next season, but they do have the ability to affect a few contenders with the offseason moves they make. Specifically, if the Sabres dip their toes into the NHL goaltending market, they could really shake things up.

According to The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski, the Sabres might be a team to watch as the goaltending market — one that is limited with solid options — takes shape. The Sabres’ plans start with whatever 40-year-old netminder Craig Anderson decides to do and goes from there. should he elect not to return next season, the Sabres will need to find a short-term replacement argues Lysowski. So too, because they have to spend a certain amount, they could be willing to overspend to acquire a goalie. Should that happen, it could have a domino effect on other teams who also need to upgrade at the position.

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The goalie market isn’t ripe with wonderful options. The biggest names are Darcy Kurmper, Jack Campbell, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Ville Husso. That those guys are willing to jump to the Sabres when their respective teams want to keep them seems unlikely. Even if the Sabres are willing to throw a big chunk of their $40 million in cap space at someone (they’ll need to get to the salary cap floor), what are the chances they’ll land a big fish? It’s possible if other teams can’t match. Will someone take the money?

Georgiev Quick NHL goalies

There is also the potential of a trade. Lysowski writes:

The more likely acquisition route, as always, is through the trade market. The Sabres previously had interest in Alexandar Georgiev of the New York Rangers. Georgiev, 26, is a pending restricted free agent whom CapFriendly projects will receive a $2.65 million qualifying offer this summer. But he’s performed poorly this season and could cost more than Buffalo is willing to pay.

Could a deal lead to a number of teams feeling the need to make a corresponding move?

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