Grading the Sabres’ Offseason Moves So Far

The initial reaction from most fans was that Buffalo fleeced Chicago, but the more I sit with it, the more I think the Blackhawks didn’t make out as poorly as people first assumed. That said, I still believe the Sabres came out ahead. They added a strong third‑pair defenseman in Crevier, a 6‑foot‑8 blueliner with a heavy shot and a physical edge, while also gaining two valuable draft assets.

Buffalo also moved off Greenway’s final contract year at $4 million and avoided paying Byram the massive six‑year, $12.5‑million‑per‑season extension Chicago handed him. With the fourth overall pick, the Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph, who I believe will be in the NHL within two years and make an immediate impact.

However, I do think the Sabres will miss Byram in the short term, at least until Rudolph is ready to make the jump to the NHL level.

Trade Grade A-

Traded Alex Tuch to Capitals for David Kampf, 2027 3rd Rd Pick

Alex Tuch entered last season on the final year of his contract and was understandably looking for a significant raise. He produced 60‑plus points in three of his four seasons in Buffalo, and the one year he didn’t, he still put up 59. Despite his consistency and importance to the team, the two sides couldn’t agree on a new deal. As a result, the Sabres traded his rights to the Washington Capitals in exchange for David Kampf’s rights and a 2027 third‑round pick. Washington wasted no time, immediately signing Tuch to an eight‑year extension worth $10.5 million per season.

Getting something back for Tuch was better than losing him for nothing, but the return still feels underwhelming considering how vital he had become to a team finally emerging as a contender. The Sabres will absolutely feel his absence; his offensive playmaking, defensive reliability (especially on the penalty kill), and leadership in the locker room were all core pieces of Buffalo’s identity.

Trade Grade: D+

Traded Anton Wahlberg, 2026 2nd Rd Pick to Ducks for Olen Zellweger

Just a couple of days later, the Sabres traded for defenseman Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks, giving up only Anton Wahlberg and a 2026 second‑round pick. It was arguably the best move the Sabres made all offseason.

Zellweger steps in as Byram’s replacement and, at least for now, comes at a much cheaper price, $9 million less per season. He signed a three‑year contract worth $3 million annually and already has two NHL seasons under his belt.

This move helps the Sabres both now and in the future. Zellweger is only 22 years old, on a team‑friendly deal, and still developing. He’s already shown flashes of being an excellent puck‑moving defenseman, and joining a deep blue line featuring Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson should help him round out the defensive side of his game.

Trade Grade: A+

Signed Zach Benson to Seven-Year Extension

The final major move of the offseason was the Sabres locking up Zach Benson on a seven‑year deal worth $7.5 million per season. He’s coming off a career year with 13 goals, 30 assists, and 43 points.

If there’s one player capable of filling the void left by Tuch, it’s Benson. Despite standing just 5‑foot‑10, he plays far bigger than his frame suggests. He’s relentless on the forecheck and backcheck, battles in the dirty areas, wins corner puck fights, and lives in front of the net. His game is built on effort, disruption, and intelligence.

We saw an elevated version of him in the playoffs, where he posted nine points (five goals, four assists) in 13 games. He helped the Sabres win their first playoff series in 20 years and pushed them to within one goal of their first Eastern Conference Final appearance in two decades.

The Sabres managed to secure a potential 60‑ to 70‑point forward with an elite defensive game at a price well below what similar players his age and caliber are getting, often $3 million more per season. Benson is only going to improve, and to be honest, this contract is going to age like fine wine.

Contract Grade: A++

The Sabres made a slew of moves this offseason, far more than the fanbase has been used to seeing over the last decade. It was a breath of fresh air watching the team aggressively try to improve the roster from where it was a season ago. Losing Byram and Tuch will obviously sting, but the Sabres do have Zellweger to step into Byram’s role. As for Tuch, they’ll rely on their young internal options to help fill that void. Benson will be a major part of that, and Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, and Jiri Kulich will all play important roles as well.

Overall Offseason Grade: B-