Buffalo Sabres: Best Addition & Worst Subtraction Of 2025 NHL Offseason

The NHL season is just about here, which is undoubtedly exciting news for hockey fans. Due to this, we here at NHL Trade Rumors will be starting a series looking at each team's best addition and worst subtraction of the 2025 NHL off-season.

In this latest edition of the series, let's take a look at the Buffalo Sabres.

Best Addition: Michael Kesselring

The Buffalo Sabres have made a handful of additions this summer, but defenseman Michael Kesselring is the most notable. By bringing him in, the Sabres have given the right side of their defense a boost, which was undoubtedly needed. He should play in their top four this season. In 82 games during the 2024-25 season with Utah, he recorded career highs with seven goals, 22 assists, and 29 points.

Worst Subtraction: JJ Peterka

While the Sabres got Kesselring and prospect Josh Doan for JJ Peterka, there is no question that he is their biggest subtraction of the summer. The Sabres lost a 23-year-old top-six winger who still has the potential to get better, so his absence will be noticed next season. In 77 games this past season for the Sabres, he recorded 27 goals and set new career highs with 41 assists and 68 points.