Sabres Said to Be “Sniffing Around” on Canadiens Goaltender

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Buffalo Sabres might have an interest in Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen. Garrioch notes that the Sabres are among a few teams that have been looking to add a goalie and “may have sniffed around Allen.” The Sabres interest is understandable.

Given the team’s recent slide in the standings, losing seven of their last 10 games, the move to explore additional goaltending support is sensible.

As the season rolls along, the Sabres haven’t exactly lived up to expectations. There was high hope for Devon Levi to emerge as the Sabres’ primary goaltender and take the next step. He joined the team towards the end of the 2022-23 season, quickly showing off what looked to be incredible potential. However, the current campaign has proven challenging.

Levi, with a 3-4-1 record, a .876 save percentage (SV%), and a 3.73 goals-against average (GAA) was demoted to the American Hockey League (AHL). He has since been called back up, but the Sabres are trying to make a run and need something stable.

Meanwhile, Eric Comrie’s performance for the Sabres has been lackluster. He holds a 1-5-0 record, a 4.01 GAA, and a .861 SV%.

The only shining light in the goaltending department has been Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Would Allen Solve The Issues For the Sabres?

With the potential acquisition of a veteran like Jake Allen, the Sabres aim to add some veteran experience to their roster. At the very least, even if he wasn’t a starter, he might help provide some reliability in a more limited role.

That said, the Sabres face competition if they are vying to acquire Allen in a trade. The Seattle Kraken are looking, as are the New Jersey Devils. The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to the Canadiens in trade talks too. Not to mention, there may be others who see Allen as a viable option.

Next: Sabres “Need Injection”, GM Won’t Wait Until Trade Deadline