The real reason why the Sabres were forced to sign this former Avalanche goalie has been revealed
Photo credit: Tyler Schank / Clarkson Creative
The real reason the Buffalo Sabres were backed into a corner and forced to sign former Colorado Avalanche star goalie Alexandar Georgiev has been revealed, and it could change how fans will see the move.
The Sabres signed Georgiev to a one-year, $850,000 deal on Thursday. He's struggled in recent years, with a save percentage below .900 and a GAA over 3.00.
The real reason the Sabres were forced into signing Alexandar Georgiev.
Zach Berta from The Hockey Writers reports that Matthew Fairburn of the Athletic reported late Friday that Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is dealing with a lingering injury, which he called a "tweak."
No timetable has been set for his return, and with training camp starting next week, the team's goaltending situation is now uncertain.
"The Sabres also signed free-agent Alex Lyon to a two-year contract this offseason, and the team still has goaltending prospect Devon Levi." -Berta
Levi has been a temporary call-up over the past two seasons, but the Sabres want him to spend a full season developing in the minors. Still viewed as their future franchise goalie, he needs consistent playing time to become the team's starter.
"Georgiev has shown he's a capable goaltender in the NHL. During the 2022-23 season with the Colorado Avalanche, he played 62 games with 40 wins, a 2.53 GAA, and a .919 SV%. Granted, the Sabres are not the Avalanche, but a .919 SV% and 40 wins are fantastic numbers.
The last two seasons have not been great for Georgiev. In 2023-24, despite recording 38 wins in 63 games, he still posted a lackluster 3.02 GAA and a .897 SV%. Even though he had a down season, the Avalanche still made the playoffs and advanced to the second round before being eliminated by the Dallas Stars." -Berta
The last two seasons have not been great for Georgiev. In 2023-24, despite recording 38 wins in 63 games, he still posted a lackluster 3.02 GAA and a .897 SV%. Even though he had a down season, the Avalanche still made the playoffs and advanced to the second round before being eliminated by the Dallas Stars." -Berta
Last season, Georgiev struggled with the Avalanche, posting a 3.38 GAA and .874 SV% in 18 games, then he was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he recorded a 3.88 GAA and .875 SV% in 31 games.
"Now he will be looking to make a case and show why he deserves to be on an NHL roster in Buffalo." -Berta
Though Luukkonen's injury severity is unclear, the Sabres signed Georgiev to stabilize the net and serve as a stopgap until he returns.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 18 ANSWERS The real reason why the Sabres were forced to sign this former Avalanche goalie has been revealed Do you think Georgiev can become the starting goalie in Buffalo? | ||
| yes | 8 | 44.4 % |
| no | 10 | 55.6 % |
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