The Buffalo Sabres are once again facing an early off-season after the conclusion of their 82nd game, marking a disappointing end to a season that initially held much promise. Meanwhile, on a more exciting note for fans, two former Sabres, Sam Reinhart and Jeff Skinner, are now competing against each other for the prestigious 2025 Stanley Cup as the Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers.
This situation naturally stirs up a mix of nostalgia and longing among Sabres supporters, who can only imagine what it might have been like to cheer for Reinhart and Skinner while they pursued that coveted championship in Buffalo. Fans often reflect on hypothetical scenarios, and one particularly wistful notion is the idea of an alternate universe where the Sabres triumphed in the 2015 NHL Draft Lottery to select Connor McDavid, setting the stage for a different legacy.
However, in this current reality, Sabres fans grapple with their emotions as they watch their former players shine in different uniforms. It resembles the bittersweet feeling of seeing an ex-partner thrive in a new relationship; while it may sting, there’s an underlying sense of happiness for their success.
Regarding the specifics of Reinhart’s trade from the Sabres to the Panthers in 2021, it was a significant yet challenging decision for Buffalo. Facing the inevitable departure of Reinhart, who was a restricted free agent, the Sabres traded his rights to Florida in exchange for promising goaltender Devon Levi and a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Initially perceived as a desperate measure, this move seems to bear fruit as Levi continues to develop. Despite an average season recording two wins and a 4.12 goals-against average (GAA) in nine games played, he remains a noteworthy asset at just 23 years old.
The pick the Sabres received turned into the 28th overall selection, which they used to draft Czech forward Jiri Kulich. In the 2024-25 season, Kulich showed promise with 15 goals and 24 points over 63 games. If he maintains this trajectory, there is potential for him to reach 20 goals and 40 points next season, marking a positive development for the Sabres.
As for Reinhart, his time in Florida has seen a significant rise in production, reaching 94 points last season and 81 this year, leading to an eight-year extension with the Panthers. While one could speculate about his potential performance had he stayed with the Sabres, the reality is that he has certainly thrived in his current environment.
Overall, while the Sabres may feel the loss of their former talents, there are bright spots emerging from their recent decisions that offer hope for future success. Fans can take solace in the growing potential of their current roster, aiming for their own moment of glory in years to come.