National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman was in Buffalo for the club’s season opener on October 9th. With the Sabres in a 14-year playoff drought, patience is in short supply. It’s no secret: if the Sabres miss the postseason yet again, there will be large-scale turnover. Improved play isn’t a luxury. It’s top-of-mind for all who care about the team.
For a franchise that periodic playoff success in its past, it’s been a painful era. The club continues to test the resolve of a passionate fan base. The Sabres have never won hockey’s ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. They’ve come close a few times, however.The Cup is nowhere on the realistic radar at present. The fanbase would settle for a lower wildcard spot sometime soon. Even a one-and-done would signify incremental progress.
As the continued playoff absence has dragged on, it’s felt like a treadmill. Many of Buffalo’s most ardent supporters question the organization’s commitment to a meaningful turnaround. However, a turnaround needs a clear starting place. How close are the Sabres to taking the first step from perennial rebuild to the legitimate playoff candidate stage?
“No team enjoys having to go through a rebuilding process and a drought,” said Bettman. “But there is no doubt in my mind that Terry Pegula is dedicated to hockey, He is committed to Buffalo…. I assure you he’s not any happier than any fan is about the fact that he’d like to see the team perform better than it has, and I know he’s committed to doing it.”
Sabres have a lot at stake
So much rides on Buffalo’s push for a return to the playoffs this spring.
- General manager Kevyn Adams is in the final year of his contract.
- Player valuations, such as with Alex Tuch, go up and up as others set the market. That’s especially true for non-playoff clubs. They often need to overpay to keep players or lure outside free agents.
- Fan disappointment and anger isn’t bad. Apathy is. The Sabres can’t afford to have their still-loyal fan base tune out.
- The organization will make significant changes at decision-making levels should the 25-26 campaign end in yet another disappointment.
Yet, through all the turmoil surrounding the franchise over the past fourteen seasons, the fans of Buffalo still love the Sabres. They simply want a team that will return the organization to relevance.
“This is a great hockey market,” Bettman agreed. “It’s just a question of performance. I know they are working very hard on it and I know it’s vitally important to Terry (Pegula) and he’s committed to getting it right… remember when he first bought the Bills (NFL). Initially, there was a lot of criticism. It took three or four years for that team to get good. Even if this is taking a little longer, the commitment should never be doubted. He’s a terrific owner. “
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