When the Buffalo Sabres lost both Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton to free agency, it left their goaltending depth chart almost completely empty. Only journeyman Dustin Tokarski and prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen remained, meaning the team was going to have to add another netminder at some point. They’ve done just that, though it certainly isn’t one that can handle a starting load if the need arises.
The Sabres have signed Craig Anderson to a one-year, $750K contract. The 40-year-old goaltender is now the oldest player under contract in the league. Just a few days ago, Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said that Anderson was expected to retire. That obviously hasn’t happened, as he’ll now join the Sabres and potentially have plenty of playing time this season.
Buffalo has also announced several other depth signings. Jimmy Schuldt, Sean Malone and Brandon Davidson have signed one-year contracts worth $750K each, Mark Pysyk has signed a one-year deal worth $900K, and Vinnie Hinostroza has signed a one-year contract worth $1.05MM.
Hinostroza is the most interesting among the five names, after he recorded 12 points in 17 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season following a midseason trade. He had performed well offensively in the past, even recording a career-high of 16 goals and 39 points in 2018-19. The 27-year-old has been extremely inconsistent though, and will have to really take advantage of playing time in Buffalo to get his career back on track.
A few minutes later they signed Aaron Dell, another goaltender who isn’t a true starter and has struggled in recent years. Dell had an .857 in seven appearances for the New Jersey Devils in 2020-21, winning just one game. It’s good to have depth, but it seems like it will be up to Luukkonen if the Sabres are going to have any sort of above-average goaltending this season.
Moments like this I hate being a Sabres fan. Embarrassing “haul.” I sure hope UPL is ready.
So much for Craig’s retirement send off. :D
Locker room leader, then flip at the deadline for a late pick.
@Gbear – I think B-Mac should send us some industrial-strength spatulas to get the egg off of our faces. “Andy” should keep our digital well-wishes in cold storage and trot them out when it’s *real* retirement time!
@Mac – After a couple of games playing behind that team, Craig may revisit his retirement intentions. :D
@Gbear – That poor guy really knows the meaning of “lean years!” This, however, could force him to pop the chute early, and nobody should blame him if he does.
@Mac early? The guy is 40 already. He’s had a long and fairly successful career. He can walk whenever he likes and still gets my respect.
@wreckage – Sorry, what I meant by “pop the chute early”, was cutting the Buffalo Experience short, not just hanging up the skates. I’ve always loved the guy and his compete, and it got ratcheted up to the nines when his wife went through a health scare that nobody should go through. My bad, there.
As long as UPL isn’t exposed to this debacle of a roster who cares at this point! Already ruining Dahlin, Cozens, Mittlestadt, Power with this group of coaches, management, and roster that’s put together. How the NHL can sit by and let this continue to go on is beyond me. It’s worse than ANYTHING I’ve ever seen in any sport! Send down Cozens, Dahlin, and Mittlestadt so they’re not completely ruined. Let Power stay in Michigan.
Edmonton was just as bad, if not worse, a few years ago. Prior to last year the Browns were awful for decades. The Knicks prior to this year were a mockery of a team. I could go on. Get your head out your butt. It’s bad here in Buffalo but it’s not unprecedented. I mean look no further than the Bills. A laughingstock turned Super Bowl contender. Things turn around.
Cozens (rookie), Arttu & Mitts (who started to find his game. Now 21yo) played well under Granato & outside of Rhino had to be key parts of the offense. You prefer to sign another 1 or 2 “Hall” types & hope they show up to play hard? Powers I do not have a problem if he goes back for his Sophomore year & then signs with the Sabres afterwards. Hutton was awful in Buffalo so his loss will not be felt. Ullmark only played about 20 games last season. A trade can still happen & we only need to find a short term goalie to fill the spot & not be forced into a overpay.
Dude you keep saying the NHL needs to do something. What exactly do you expect them to do? Sabres are rebuilding. The league going to tell them how to rebuild. I honestly wouldn’t expect 5 of these guys to be on the roster at the start of the year. Chill out.
Is gonna be a long season in Buffalo.
This is shaping up to be the most Ottawa-like roster in years. GMPD is, no doubt, looking on with envy…
There was a couple of younger goalies didn’t get sign last year… why not them instead…
It’s early & a trade can happen at anytime. We only need to find goalies for the short term.
Might the Oilers interest you in one Mikko Koskinen? Can be had for pretty cheap.
I was thinking the same thing
I hope they flip Anderson at the deadline to a cup contender
buffalo and phoenix are going to be brutal.
Anderson is 9 wins away from 300 for his career, but unfortunately even if he plays all 82 games he wont get there with the Sabres.