The Buffalo Sabres have signed free agent veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a one-year $850,000 contract. Grzelcyk adds depth at a low cost to a blueline group that has been plagued by injuries during the preseason.
With the availability of key defenseman Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger in doubt for a fast-approaching opening night, the Sabres were able to add experienced NHL insurance.
The addition of the 32-year-old Boston, MA native signals that the Sabres are not comfortable with their options on defense should Samuelsson and/or Zellweger miss regular season games. Getting off to a strong start will be essential for a Sabres team needing to keep pace in the Atlantic Division playoff race.
Buffalo will not be able to overcome another disastrous start as they had in 25-26. Although the second half of last season was one for the team record books, the Sabres can’t play with fire once again and be forced to make up ground in a highly competitive Eastern Conference postseason chase.
Grzelcyk is a low-risk move, giving the lineup an addition who brings 596 games of NHL experience. The signing gives Buffalo a defenseman who can step in when needed with meaningful games just days away.
The veteran blueliner is a reliable, seasoned blueliner who has played the majority of his NHL shifts in the East with Boston and Pittsburgh. Bringing in someone of Grzelcyk’s caliber is a good move for a Sabres team that is dealing with many roster questions and challenges heading into a season that brings with it high expectations.
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