Sabres Seek NHL Draft Lottery Fortune for 2025

The Buffalo Sabres have missed the NHL playoffs for a record 14th straight season, continuing the league’s longest active drought and leaving fans frustrated about the future, especially as General Manager Kevyn Adams will return. Despite a strong 44-goal season from top scorer Tage Thompson, inconsistencies and special teams struggles remain concerns. The Sabres now hold the seventh-best odds in the upcoming draft lottery, with a chance to secure a top pick and bolster their roster with either a highly-ranked defenseman or much-needed top-tier forwards, though past draft strategies and current roster depth could complicate their choices. Meanwhile, the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, offers hope as several prospects—like Jiri Kulich and Noah Helenius—have excelled in the Calder Cup Playoffs, showcasing potential talent for the Sabres’ future. The performance of these prospects is being closely watched as management evaluates who might contribute at the NHL level next season. Overall, while the immediate outlook remains challenging, the development pipeline provides some optimism for long-term improvement.