Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn images
When players go to the Buffalo Sabres, they find out pretty quickly that New York State puts a pretty heavy burden on them and that there will be the occasional snow day.
But anyone who played there when the team was competitive will tell you that there are few better places to play in the NHL. The fans are incredibly supportive, hockey is important there and the suburbs around the city are beautiful and affordable.
So GM Kevyn Adams is right when he says there are no palm trees and high taxes. But he is wrong to suggest for a moment that players might not want to play there.
#Sabers GM Kevyn Adams “We are not a destination city right now.”
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) December 6, 2024
Players, at least those who have a choice in these matters, value winning potential, stability and the way players are treated. And the Sabers have fallen short in all three areas at times.
That’s why players don’t want to play there. And it won’t improve until that cycle is over.
Here’s more in today’s video column:
(Can’t see the video? Click here.)
