The sense is that the Buffalo Sabres are going to make sweeping changes this offseason. That could include the end of Ryan Miller's time as the team's starting goaltender.
Jhonas Enroth ready for shot as Sabres No. 1
In the event that the Sabres are earnest in their desire to rebuild the franchise, goaltender Jhonas Enroth is ready for an increased role with the team.
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If that is the case, backup netminder Jhonas Enroth is ready to take over the reigns.
Fresh off a gold-medal finish at the World Championship as Team Sweden’s No. 1 in the crease, Enroth told John Vogl of the Buffalo News that he is ready for increased responsibility. Of course, that is dependent upon what the organization decides to do with Miller, via the Buffalo News:
“I’ve been growing a lot. I want to play more. My goal is to be a starter one year in the NHL, and right now Ryan is the starter here. It’s kind of hard to take the job from him here, but we’ll see what happens.”
The Sabres have generally stated that the franchise plans to build and develop through the draft. A player of Miller’s caliber could certainly net an infusion of draft picks and/or prospects via trade. With the goaltender entering the final year of his contract, there is a bit more motivation to potentially capitalize on an expiring asset who might not want to re-sign with the team.
Of course, there is also the chance that the team might not want to re-sign him beyond this season. This could be the case in the event that Enroth is viewed as a viable option for the future. Enroth completed the final season of a two-year, $1.35 million contract in 2013 and will be a restricted free agent this fall. Miller will be entering the final-year of a $31.25 million contract next season. If the Sabres are earnest about their desire to hit the restart button, the timelines of the franchise and their current starting goaltender might no longer line up.
This could open the door for Enroth to get his chance at becoming a No. 1 in the NHL.
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