Former Buffalo Sabres goalie Carter Hutton knows firsthand the weight of the franchise's playoff drought. During his three-year stint with the team from 2018 to 2021, he was right in the middle of their ongoing 14-year absence from the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Now watching from a distance, Hutton shared his thoughts on the Sabres' current situation during a recent appearance on Daily Faceoff Live. "This is such an exciting time for them," Hutton remarked, highlighting the buzz surrounding the team, especially with Tage Thompson returning with a gold medal.
"For the Buffalo Sabres, it's kind of now or never. The pressure is on, but the excitement is up in Buffalo."
Hutton's comments come as the Sabres are riding a wave of momentum, spurred by a 20-3-1 run that began shortly before Jarmo Kekalainen took over as general manager. Currently holding the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 70 points (32-19-6 record), Buffalo is poised to make a serious playoff push as NHL action resumes after the Winter Olympics break.
But is this truly a make-or-break moment for the Sabres? Reflecting on recent history, Buffalo seemed on the verge of a breakthrough in the 2022-23 season under former head coach Don Granato, posting their best record since 2010-11.
Yet, they fell just one point short of the playoffs. The following seasons saw a decline in performance, leading to a change in leadership with Terry Pegula replacing Kevyn Adams as GM.
Hutton's "now or never" sentiment captures the uncertainty the Sabres face. Despite promising signs, there's no guarantee of future success if they falter again.
Financial constraints, including a $6.4 million dead-cap hit for Jeff Skinner, add to the complexity. Decisions loom regarding impending free agents like Alex Tuch and restricted free agents Zach Benson, Michael Kesselring, Peyton Krebs, and Isak Rosen.
The Sabres also need to address a crowded goalie situation with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis, and Devon Levi all in the mix. Defenseman Bowen Byram might find himself in trade discussions as he approaches the end of his contract.
With potential changes on the horizon, the Sabres' roster could look significantly different next season. This makes it crucial for the team to capitalize on their current opportunity. The front office has until the March 6 NHL trade deadline to bolster the lineup and end the playoff drought.
With 25 games left and a five-point cushion in the playoff race, the Sabres are in a position to leave behind one of the toughest stretches in franchise history. It's time for the Blue and Gold to seize the moment and make their long-awaited return to postseason play.