Sabres GM Kevyn Adams Vehemently Denies Mattias Samuelsson Buyout Rumors
Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams addressed the media on Tuesday, three days prior to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, to categorically refute circulating rumors about a potential buyout of defenseman Mattias Samuelsson’s contract. Adams expressed frustration over the misinformation, labeling the reports as "nonsense" and emphasizing that such a conversation had never taken place within the Sabres organization. The strong denial aims to quell speculation and reassure fans about Samuelsson’s future with the team.
Samuelsson, 25, is currently signed to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $4.285 million. He is entering the third year of the deal. While a buyout before the upcoming season would have resulted in a relatively manageable cost of $7.142 million spread over 10 years, saving the Sabres $3.571 million against the cap annually for five years, Adams’ statement effectively closes the door on this possibility. Furthermore, the Sabres are not facing any immediate salary cap constraints, with over $23 million in cap space available, according to Puckpedia, further diminishing the rationale behind a buyout.
Samuelsson’s performance last season contributed to his perceived value within the organization. He tallied 14 points in 62 games, showcasing his offensive contributions while maintaining a responsible defensive posture. His durability was also a key asset, as he was one of only seven Sabres skaters to play over half of the regular season games while maintaining a positive plus-minus rating, demonstrating his consistent on-ice impact.
Adams’ public denial of the buyout rumors underscores the team’s commitment to Samuelsson as a valuable piece of their defensive core. With ample cap space and Samuelsson’s relatively cost-effective contract, the Sabres appear poised to retain the young defenseman as they continue their efforts to reshape the roster and end their prolonged playoff drought. The team’s current focus is strategically allocating resources to improve the overall team composition rather than shedding salary through buyouts.
The Sabres, eager to break their 14-year playoff drought, which stretches back to the 2010-2011 season, finished seventh in the Atlantic Division last year with a 36-39-7 record. Their 12-point deficit behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild card spot highlights the need for significant improvement. Adams and the Sabres management are actively exploring options to bolster their lineup and enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season. Samuelsson’s steady presence on the blue line will likely be a key component of their strategy.
The upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft presents another opportunity for the Sabres to add young talent and further their rebuilding process. Equipped with significant cap space and a reaffirmed commitment to their current roster, including Samuelsson, the Sabres are positioned to make strategic moves that address their weaknesses and enhance their playoff aspirations. Adams’ clear communication regarding Samuelsson’s future provides stability and clarity as the team navigates the offseason and prepares for the upcoming draft. The focus now shifts to identifying and acquiring the necessary pieces to build a competitive team capable of ending their lengthy playoff absence.