Sabres: Adams Keeps Options Option as Draft & Free Agency Loom

The offseason has officially begun. The Entry Draft and the opening of free agency approach rapidly for the Buffalo Sabres and the rest of the NHL. Currently, the Sabres hold the ninth overall pick in the first round. Meanwhile, NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman, Dave Pagnotta and Frank Seravalli report that trade talks involving the Buffalo Sabres are heating up.

The Peterka rumors

Restricted free agent winger JJ Peterka’s name has been front and center in recent weeks. An assertion that Peterka is unhappy in Buffalo and would like to move on has been in the rumor mill since the Sabres season ended.

It makes sense that the Sabres would be looking at all avenues to improve the team. A 14-year playoff absence has created urgency throughout the organization. Meanwhile, general manager Kevyn Adams has declined to address the speculation surrounding his roster. He is frustrated by what is being communicated ahead of draft day.

I don’t think it’s probably productive or beneficial for me to get into specifics on our players right now.” said Adams. “I don’t think it’s fair to the player. We have a plan we’re doing whatever it takes to get better.”

Simultaneous, there’s rife speculation at Bo Byram could get moved, too.

It’s not just the statuses of Peterka and Bo Byram being mentioned. The future of Mattias Samuelsson has been called into question as well.

Adams is frustrated by the public reports. He said not to put stock in the rumors.

Sabres to buy out Samuelsson? Adams says no

Adams refuses to comment on most specifics. However, he explicitly shot down the Samuelsson buyout speculation.

“I feel bad for our fans,” stated Adams. “The stuff that’s out there. There is so much misinformation. So much of it’s nonsense. Someone who has no idea what they’re talking about reporting that we were going to buy Sammy (Samuelsson) out. We never had that conversation once. It’s ridiculous.”

Adams admits 9th pick is in play

The Sabres’ general manager conceded that numerous teams have contacted him with interest in the ninth pick of the Draft. Adams said he’s open for business in that reard.

“If there’s a way to make our team better and it involves pick nine we’ll have zero hesitation,” Adams confirmed.

”In saying that, we also believe we’ll get a good player if we make the pick at nine. We’re wide open, but our focus remains the same. How do we help our team get better?”