The Buffalo Sabres have secured Conor Timmins by signing him to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million, thereby avoiding arbitration. Timmins, a 26-year-old defenseman, was acquired in a trade that involved sending Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This marks Timmins' fifth team in six NHL seasons, with a career total of six goals and 46 points across 159 games. Last season, he achieved a personal best with three goals and 15 points in 68 games split between Pittsburgh and Toronto. With Timmins aboard, the only restricted free agent left for the Sabres is goalie Devon Levi.

The Buffalo Sabres have successfully avoided a salary arbitration hearing with Conor Timmins by signing the defenseman to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million. Acquired in a trade that sent Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this marks Timmins' fifth team in six NHL seasons since he was drafted in the second round by Colorado in 2017. Last season, he achieved a career-high of three goals and 15 points over 68 games split between Pittsburgh and Toronto. The Sabres still have one remaining unsigned restricted free agent, goalie Devon Levi.

Several NHL players are preparing for salary arbitration hearings, with key dates approaching. Among them, Arvid Soderblom (Chicago Blackhawks) will present his case on July 28, and Maxim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders) follows on July 29. Dylan Samberg (Winnipeg Jets) and Conor Timmins (Buffalo Sabres) will have their hearings on July 30 and August 2, respectively. Notably, Nick Robertson (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Jayden Struble (Montreal Canadiens) are scheduled for August 3. The Montreal Canadiens are expected to finalize terms with Struble ahead of the hearing date.

In contract news, the Seattle Kraken successfully re-signed Kaapo Kakko to a three-year deal worth $4.525 million, steering clear of arbitration. Kraken GM Jason Botterill expressed enthusiasm about Kakko's contributions to the team, citing his size, skill, and playmaking ability. Meanwhile, Adrian Kempe's negotiations could set a precedent for Kyle Connor's market value as both players seek new deals. Additionally, Porter Martone, a notable draft prospect, has decided to move from the OHL to the NCAA, committing to Michigan State.

The Buffalo Sabres are feeling the pressure to make the playoffs, an aspiration that has eluded them for nearly 15 years. With general manager Kevyn Adams navigating a crowded RFA landscape, the recent acquisition of defenseman Conor Timmins from Pittsburgh adds another layer to their roster reshuffle. The Sabres currently hold $20 million in cap space, but unresolved issues surrounding Bowen Byram complicate their plans. The team is aiming to solidify its defense, with potential pairings like Byram and Rasmus Dahlin being discussed as they prepare for a crucial season.

Adams and coach Lindy Ruff, both in the final year of their contracts, face increasing scrutiny from fans eager for postseason success. The club's recent draft choices, including attempts to bolster their goaltending, indicate a strategy focused on long-term growth, though trading Byram could risk further destabilization. While they explore options, including possible trades, maintaining talent like Bryan Rust—known for his synergy with Sidney Crosby—could provide much-needed firepower. As the Sabres seek clarity in their future, every decision holds significant weight.

The Buffalo Sabres are at a critical juncture as they aim for a playoff berth, a feat they've not accomplished in nearly 15 years. With GM Kevyn Adams adding Conor Timmins, they now have six restricted free agents to manage within their $20 million cap space. The unresolved situation surrounding Bowen Byram poses a dilemma, as trading him could create further gaps in Buffalo’s lineup. Meanwhile, the team has bolstered its defense with recent acquisitions but still faces many challenges.

Adams and coach Lindy Ruff are both in the final year of their contracts, adding pressure to deliver results. A tentative lineup might feature Byram alongside Rasmus Dahlin, creating potential synergy on the blue line. The Sabres are hopeful they can retain Byram with two years of control, but time is of the essence to convince him Buffalo is the right place for his future.