Veteran goalies future with the team uncertain after major changes.

Could a trade be on the horizon?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Veteran goalies future with the team uncertain after major changes.

One veteran goaltender who was well on his way to a new contract now has a very uncertain future.

While Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner was reportedly already discussing a contract extension with former Sabres general manager Tim Murray, his future now that Murray has been fired is much, much less certain.

From Buffalo Hockey:

Whoever takes over might deem Lehner expendable and bring in his own guy or examine youngsters in the organization. Remember, the Sabres also own the rights to other talented goalies.

If the Sabres expose prospect Linus Ullmark in the upcoming expansion draft, the Vegas Knights could grab the Swede, an AHL All-Star. Murray might’ve felt comfortable doing that because he said Vegas GM George McPhee owes him a favor.

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Murray however is no longer in a position of power within the Sabres organization, and whomever takes over may feel much less comfortable about exposing a prospect like Ullmark to Las Vegas. Moving Lehner could have even bigger implications for Buffalo's goaltending future however.

The Sabres also have yet to sign former 2013 draft pick Cal Petersen who is coming off some very strong collegiate seasons with Notre-Dame. There is a belief that Petersen could opt to wait for free agency and choose a new team should their be no clear path to breaking into the NHL with the Sabres current depth at goaltender. Moving Lehner and making room could be enough to convince Petersen to sign a deal with the team that drafted him three years ago.

Of course all of this will be up to whomever takes over as GM of the Sabres, assuming ownership doesn't get involved, and we have yet to know who may be taking over for the recently terminated Tim Murray.

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