It’s been quite the career reversal for veteran netminder Craig Anderson. After a reported retirement last season, Anderson may now be returning to the NHL yet again in 2022-23, back with the same team that offered him their starting role last summer. Speaking with both Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and Anderson, The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski reports both sides would be interested in a reunion for 2022-23.
Battling through injury, the 40-year-old goalie has had quite the season in Buffalo. He’s been by far the team’s best option, and he actually has a record above the .500 mark (10-8-0). The other Sabres goalies have combined for a 10-24-8 mark this year.
Buffalo will have a lot of money to spend in free agency, though, and goaltending is obviously a position they’ll look to upgrade. The team looks to finally carry some positive momentum into the following season, and they’ll likely be at least moderately active in filling out their roster.
But the question remains on whether Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be ready for full-time NHL action next season. He’s struggled at times in the minor leagues but has looked more comfortable in NHL action in limited samples. If the best place for Luukkonen is the NHL, is there room for Anderson if the Sabres choose to buy a goalie on the open market?
There may be still, as Anderson’s not only proved a valuable on-ice contributor but he’s been an incredibly positive voice in helping build back a winning culture in Buffalo this season along with other leaders such as Kyle Okposo and Alex Tuch. It very well may be that Father Time hasn’t come for Anderson just yet.
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