Sabres upgraded in offseason, could hang around in NHL East Division

The NHL is employing an unbalanced schedule this season with teams playing only division games. This is the second in an eight-part series previewing the Penguins and the seven opponents they will face eight times apiece in the East Division.

For the first time since 1997-98, the Penguins and Buffalo Sabres — teams separated by about 200 miles — will be in the same division.

The Penguins might end up hoping that absence had lasted longer. The Sabres made some significant upgrades in the offseason.

Taking advantage of an economic climate that depressed the market for high-end talent, the Sabres were able to sign 2018 Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall to a one-year deal.

The signing didn’t come a moment too soon, as talk was starting to circulate that franchise center Jack Eichel was beginning to get upset about the direction of the franchise. He should be happy now.

Trading for Eric Staal from Minnesota provides a significant upgrade in scoring depth. Jeff Skinner is better than he showed last season. Rasmus Dahlin will be one of the top-scoring defensemen in hockey. It’s just a matter of time.

The Sabres are going to score some goals.

They better because their defense figures to struggle.

The defense corps lacks depth, the penalty kill was horrible last season and the goaltending is pretty bad.

After missing the playoffs for the ninth straight season last year, the Sabres fired general manager Jason Botterill and replaced him with Kevyn Adams. Have to imagine one of his first major projects will be finding someone who can tend goal.

Linus Ullmark is passable. Carter Hutton is subpar. Every time a goaltender hits the open market this season, expect Buffalo to be a rumored destination.

If the Sabres can add a goalie to their revamped offense, they might be able to get back on track. If not, their fans should try jumping through tables in the parking lot before the game. It worked for the football team in town.

SABRES AT A GLANCE

Last year: 30-31-8

vs. Penguins last year: 2-1-0

Matchup to watch: Jason Zucker vs. Eric Staal. Linemates in Minnesota square off in the East Division.

Key losses: The Sabres didn’t keep Dominik Kahun after picking him up from the Penguins. He signed with Edmonton. Wayne Simmonds and Jimmy Vesey signed with Toronto.

Key additions: In addition to Hall and Staal, the Sabres added depth up front by signing Cody Eakin, which, sadly, doesn’t rhyme with the other two.

What they’re saying: “Once free agency started, we were made aware pretty quickly how much things had changed and how covid had affected a lot of different things. So it kind of changed our decision-making from there. It went from wanting to get a six- or seven-year contract to thinking, ‘Hey, maybe a one-year deal might be best for me financially and personally, and then we can see what the landscape for the NHL and really just the whole U.S. and Canada looks like after that.” — Hall

Trophy contenders: Linus Ullmark (Vezina: 23-1), Rasmus Dahlin (Norris: 40-1), Jack Eichel (Hart: 20-1), Taylor Hall (Hart: 40-1), Dylan Cozens (Calder: 12-1)

Odds to win Stanley Cup: +6000

Odds to win division: +1000

Smart money: If the Sabres could have sneaked over the border into the Canadian division, they might have made the playoffs. In the East, probably not. They’re too leaky on defense.