The Sabres CANNOT Lose Linus Ullmark
It’s been a rough decade of hockey for the Buffalo Sabres and the fanbase is extremely desperate to see a good hockey team. A major reason why this franchise has been so bad, they didn’t have a legit goaltender. However, they do have one now and they cannot afford to lose him. In this article, I’m going to tell you why Buffalo cannot lose Linus Ullmark.
A Developed Goalie
The first reason why this franchise can’t lose Ullmark is because they finally developed a number one goalie. This team has not had a legit number one goaltender since Ryan Miller. It’s been a very long time since the Sabres had a reliable starter. After all of these years, they finally have a reliable option in Ullmark. He gives Buffalo a chance to win every night when he starts and that’s one reason why the Sabres need to keep him.
In His Prime
Another reason why is he’s still relatively young. Ullmark is 27 years old and he’s in the prime of his career. If the team can build around him and get better in front of him, then Ullmark is the perfect guy to have to turn this franchise around. In the last few years, the Sabres starting goaltender was either a backup goalie who was at the end of his career or an AHL starting goalie. Losing a goalie who’s in his prime will hurt the Sabres and it’ll set them back further is just another reason why they need to keep Ullmark around.
Fan Favorite
This reason isn’t a reason to keep him around from a managerial standpoint but losing Ullmark would upset a majority of the fanbase, me included. He’s also involved in the Buffalo community with his animal adoption program with the SPCA Serving Erie County. The city of Buffalo embraces athletes who show up and work hard. If they embrace Buffalo, Buffalo embraces them. To learn more about Ullmark’s Barks, check out the website below.
Major Reason Why the Sabres Win Games
The last reason is because Ullmark is the biggest reason why Buffalo was able to win games this year. Let’s be real, it’s been another season to forget for the Buffalo Sabres. In my opinion, the biggest takeaway from this season was the 18 game winless streak. Ironically enough, Ullmark was hurt during that streak. If Ullmark didn’t get hurt, I do believe Buffalo would be better and would also be in the hunt for a playoff spot. My tweet below is a mind boggling stat and it backs up this reasoning.
To put in perspective how much Ullmark means to the Sabres:
-His record this year is 9-6-3
-The Sabres record this year is 10-25-6Getting rid of Ullmark would be a huge mistake and I think it’ll set this franchise back even further
— Zach Jezioro (@ZachJezioro_13) April 12, 2021
Latest Rumors
With the trade deadline behind us, Ullmark’s name was a candidate to be traded. Before the deadline, there were a couple of tweets about Linus. According to Elliotte Friedman, general manager Kevyn Adams said resigning Ullmark was their top priority. Then, David Pagnotta reported that Ullmark and the Sabres will not get a contract extension done by the deadline. Pagnotta also stated that Ullmark wouldn’t close the door on returning to the Sabres but is expected to test free agency in July.
To wrap up this roller coaster, John Warrow reported that Ullmark was not going to be traded and both sides are hoping a contract extension can be worked out. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be an interesting offseason.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, it would be a huge mistake if the Sabres lost Ullmark. This franchise has finally developed a starting goalie and as I said in my tweet, losing Linus will set them back even further. If they can keep him around and get some pieces to help him out in front of him, hopefully the tide will start to turn.
-Zach Jezioro (@ZachJezioro_13)