Sabres’ GM Kevyn Adams: ‘We’re not a destination city right now’ amidst team’s struggles

When speaking to the media on Friday, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams addressed his team’s struggles and some of the issues regarding attracting big-time players.

“We’re not a destination city right now,” Adams explained. “Where you’re going to be able to go out and [unrestricted free agents] that are key guys.”

Adams pointed out that many players have Buffalo on their no-trade lists. He says the only way for things to change and earn respect from players around the league “starts with getting over the hump.”

The hump presumably being getting to the postseason.

The Sabres are coming off another tough loss, falling to the Winnipeg Jets in overtime on Thursday night, just two removed from blowing a 4-0 lead to the Colorado Avalanche.

With an 11-12-3 record, the Sabres sit fifth in the Atlantic Division, nine points out of first place. Sure, they only trail the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference by two points, but the way this team is trending, the Sabres are on track to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a 14th consecutive season.

However, even though he has the power to change things, Adams is sticking by his team and isn’t willing to make any drastic changes in fear of hurting the team he built.

“I’m not happy with where we’re at, but we’re not going to panic. We’re not going to overreact. We’re not going to make a knee-jerk decision or reactionary trade that sets us back. We have to look at things that will help improve our team and we’ll act on them.”

Buffalo has one of the youngest rosters in the NHL, with an average age of 25.5 years old. Veteran forward Jason Zucker is the only player over the age of 30. Adams was questioned about whether adding more experience would help the struggling franchise.

“Well, we should’ve signed Craig Andersen. I mean, he’s 40, then it would’ve added a year, and you wouldn’t have asked that question…When you’re going to make a decision to build a franchise and have sustainable success year after year, then you’re going to have to go young…I believe our roster is talented. We should be a team that is competing and in the playoffs…I truly believe that.”

Since Adams was named the Sabres’ GM in June 2020, replacing Jason Botterill. Since then, Buffalo has a record of 139-155-34, finishing no higher than fifth in the Atlantic.

Adams was also asked about a fanbase that is clamoring for success now and is tired of the continued rebuild. He says he understands the fans’ frustrations but mentions there’s still a lot of hockey to be played this season.

“You don’t make the playoffs on December 6th. You need 82 games…I’m gonna be honest with you guys, that was a tough loss [to Colorado]. I promise you it bothers me, the coaches and the players more than anyone, but it’s one game…”

The Sabres are scheduled to host the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday afternoon.