Kevyn Adams has faced significant criticism from Sabres fans in recent seasons for not doing enough to improve the team, contributing to the franchise’s extended playoff drought. Although Adams has expressed his desire to turn the Sabres into contenders, that vision has yet to be realized. While many fans focus on the shortcomings of his tenure as GM, today we’ll highlight some of the positives. Here are the three best trades Adams has made as the Sabres’ general manager.
Casey Mittelstadt for Bowen Byram
In my opinion, this is the best trade Kevyn Adams has made as GM of the Sabres. At last year’s trade deadline, the Sabres completed a one-for-one swap, sending Casey Mittelstadt to the Avalanche in exchange for Bowen Byram. At the time, Buffalo needed another defenseman to pair with Rasmus Dahlin, and Byram proved to be the perfect fit. This season, Byram has tallied seven goals, 22 assists, and boasts a plus-minus of +9, establishing himself as one of the team’s top defensemen. The Sabres are expected to work on signing him to a contract extension before the season ends. Meanwhile, Mittelstadt hasn’t performed as well for Colorado, recording just over 40 points with a -15 plus-minus rating in 75 games. With Mittelstadt now involved in multiple trade rumors ahead of the deadline, it seems the Sabres moved on from him at the right time. This trade landed Buffalo a future cornerstone on defense, while the Avalanche received a short-term rental for their playoff push.
Kevyn Adams has caught a lot of heat from Sabres fans over the last few seasons for not trying to make the team any better, resulting in a longer playoff drought for the Sabres. Adams said he wanted to make the Sabres a contender again, but has yet to do so. Many fans look at the negatives from Adams’s time as GM so far, but today we look at some of the positives. Here are the three best trades I believe Adams has made as the Sabres GM.
Casey Mittelstadt for Bowen Byram
This is personally the best trade I think Adams has made yet as GM of the Sabres. At last year’s deadline the Sabres did a one-for-one swap as they traded Casey Mittlestadt for Bowen Byram. At the time, the Sabres needed another defenseman to pair with Rasmus Dahlin, and Byram was the perfect fit. Byram has seven goals, 22 assists, and a plus-minus of nine this year. Byram has been one of the best defensemen on the team, and the Sabres will look to sign him to a contract extension before the end of the year. On the other hand, Mittelstadt hasn’t been the best for the Avalanche. In his 75 games with the Avs, Mittelstadt has just over 40 points and a plus-minus of -15. Mittelstadt has been linked in multiple trade rumors at the deadline, and it seems like the Sabres traded him at the right time. The Sabres got a future franchise defenseman out of this deal and the Avs got a one-year rental for their playoff push.
Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio for Matt Savoie
This trade has flown under the radar but was made during the offseason when the Sabres acquired Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio from the Oilers in exchange for Matt Savoie. McLeod brought valuable experience from Edmonton, having played in the Stanley Cup Final last season. He has been a strong contributor for Buffalo this season, recording 12 goals, 16 assists, and a +10 plus-minus rating. As the offseason approaches, re-signing McLeod, who will be a restricted free agent, should be a priority for the Sabres.
Tullio has shown promise as a prospect, coming off solid seasons with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. Although injuries have limited him to just 26 games with the Rochester Americans this season, he remains a player to watch.
In return, Edmonton received Matt Savoie, a former top-10 pick and highly regarded Sabres prospect. While Savoie has yet to debut for the Oilers, he is having an impressive season in Bakersfield with 36 points in 44 games. Although it may take time for Savoie to make an impact at the NHL level, this trade currently stands as a short-term win for the Sabres.