Sabres Considering Replacing Adams

The rumor mill is swirling around the Buffalo Sabres as the team remains at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. 

According to Matthew Fairburn and Tim Graham of The Athletic, the Sabres are engaged in internal discussions regarding the potential replacement of general manager Kevyn Adams. Although the club has won its last two games, including a first road regulation win at Vancouver on Thursday, the gravity of the situation overall is based on Adams’ six year tenure in the GM chair. 

As in past seasons throughout Adams’ time on the job, Buffalo has shown moments of strong play. However, an inability of the team to sustain winning has Adams on the hot seat. More than enough time has been allotted to move the team in the right direction. The fact that the Sabres are in worse shape currently than they were when Adams began his duties is the strongest indicator that change is needed. 

With Adams in the final year of an expiring contract, now is the time for the Sabres to make the move. Significant decisions are looming and if a decision has been made that this is Adams’ final season as General Manager, the time to make the change is now. Pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch needs a new deal. If a new contract agreement cannot be reached, Buffalo must move Tuch for the best compensation they can obtain. 

The won-loss record of the club dictates that adjustments will be needed upfront. In addition, a direction in net must be determined as a three-goaltender carousel continues. Such roster decisions should not be made by a general manager who is finishing his final season. A decision for change now would send a positive message to the players and the fans. 

Not only could a move influence the decision of Tuch, but it could also help prevent the likes of Tage Thompson and Rasmus from attempting to facilitate a path out of Buffalo. A change at the top could be a first positive step in returning a once proud franchise to respectability. 

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