The Buffalo Sabres have started their offseason with a long checklist of tasks to tackle, from re-signing key players to making strategic trades to improve their roster.
The Sabres finished last season with a disappointing record, but with a strong draft class and some savvy offseason moves, they're looking to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs.
"We're focused on building a competitive team that can make a deep run in the playoffs," said Don Granato, the Sabres' head coach.
The Sabres have several key players set to become free agents, including Tage Thompson, who had a breakout season with 38 goals and 62 points.
The team will need to decide whether to re-sign these players or let them walk, and they'll also be looking to make some strategic trades to fill gaps in their lineup.
The Sabres' offseason checklist is a long one, but with a solid plan in place, they're confident they can make some significant improvements and become a contender in the NHL.
The student section at KeyBank Center is buzzing with excitement as fans await the team's next move, and alumni on social media are weighing in with their opinions on the team's offseason strategy.
The Sabres' next milestone will be the NHL draft, where they'll have the opportunity to add some top young talent to their roster and take a big step towards building a competitive team.