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NHL Rumors: Devils extension talks, Sabres goalie pursuit, Winnipeg Jets trade request

By Marci Rubin

Apr 6, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (96) skates with the puck during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (96) skates with the puck during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 14, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (27) tends net during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (27) tends net during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL rumors: Buffalo Sabres to pursue a number 1 goalie

The Buffalo Sabres are in the market for a goalie. They just narrowly missed out on the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and goaltending was one of the reasons why. They’ll be looking for a goalie this offseason, whether through trades or free agency, to upgrade from the pairing of Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

There’s been a ton of speculation surrounding the potential trade of Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. A risk in trading for Hellebuyck is the possibility of him not staying very long. He will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason. The Sabres are looking for a long-term fit, not a stop-gap. If they do trade for Hellebuyck, they’d likely want to have extension talks prior to the end of next season if it’s a good fit.

The free agent market for goalies is a little slim this offseason. Some free-agent goalies the Sabres could consider are Tristan Jarry or Adin Hill if they are available on July 1. Jarry is looking for a five- or six-year contract, but inconsistency has been a problem. It’s unclear if the Pittsburgh Penguins will re-sign him. Hill is currently playing in the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights. He had a solid regular season and has been great during the playoffs. The Golden Knights have reportedly had some talks with Hill about remaining in Vegas, but those conversations won’t take shape until after the finals.

Mackenzie Blackwood is perhaps another possible target. He’s a pending RFA who could become a UFA since he is unlikely to receive a qualifying offer from the New Jersey Devils. The Devils have Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid, who have both proven themselves to be more reliable. Blackwood is coming off of an injury-riddled season with an .893 SV%. A change of scenery might serve him well and give him the opportunity to turn things around.

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