Buffalo Sabres shake up goaltending situation with surprising waiver move
The Buffalo Sabres have made a significant shift in their goaltending strategy just before the regular season kicks off. Alexandar Georgiev, who was initially included on the Sabres’ opening night roster, has been placed on waivers, as reported by Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald.
Unexpected Changes at the Goalie Position
The Sabres’ decision comes on the heels of their acquisition of Colten Ellis, claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues. This unexpected move has left Georgiev in limbo, awaiting potential claims from other NHL teams. If he goes unclaimed, he will head to the AHL to join the Rochester Americans, a development that raises eyebrows given his previous performances.
A Look at Georgiev’s Career Performance
It’s only been a few seasons since Georgiev was a top contender for the Vezina Trophy, finishing in the top 10 of the voting. However, last season proved challenging for him. He participated in 49 games split between the Colorado Avalanche and the San Jose Sharks, finishing with a save percentage of 87.5 and a goals-against average of 3.71. Over his career, Georgiev holds a record of 151 wins, 108 losses, and 26 overtime losses, with a 2.99 GAA and a 90.3 save percentage.
Current Goaltending Landscape for the Sabres
As the Sabres embark on the new season, they will have to navigate without their starting goaltender, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. Alex Lyon, who was signed earlier this offseason, will step in as the primary backup.
For now, the goaltending duties will fall to Lyon and Ellis, while Georgiev faces an uncertain future. The Sabres are set to open their season on Thursday night at home, where they will take on the New York Rangers in what promises to be an intriguing matchup amid a backdrop of roster changes.
As the league gears up for a new chapter, the Sabres’ bold decision reflects the unpredictable nature of the NHL, where fortunes can change overnight.
