The Buffalo Sabres have recently inked a one-year deal with a talented defenseman, re-signing the quiet but steady star. Over nearly five full seasons with the team, he has consistently provided solid defensive play, with his best season coming in 2021-22 when he recorded 73 blocks, 55 hits, 24 takeaways, along with a goal and nine assists over 73 games. Despite his consistent contributions, he has often been overshadowed by more high-profile Sabres defenders such as Rasmus Dahlin, Bowen Byram, and Owen Power, as he typically rotates in on the third, and occasionally second, defensive pairing.
It’s somewhat unexpected that the Sabres opted to retain Bryson while parting ways with Henri Jokiharju. In hindsight, Buffalo might have been in a position to get comparable returns had they traded Bryson; however, recent cap space challenges under GM Kevyn Adams seem to have influenced this decision. While Bryson isn’t a flashy, offensive-minded defenseman like Dahlin, his steady, reliable play—he’s the type who rarely makes headline-grabbing plays yet also avoids costly mistakes—provides a level of consistency that could be valuable for a struggling team.
Offensively, Bryson typically manages to contribute around one goal per season, though as March moves toward April this year he has yet to notch one. Notably, on March 1 against the Montreal Canadiens, he recorded one of his seven assists by setting up Alex Tuch to tie the game in the second period, demonstrating his potential to impact the game without always being the focal point of the offense. Head coach Lindy Ruff praised his performance in that matchup, stating that it was the most involved effort he’d witnessed from Bryson, and adding that there’s no reason he couldn’t contribute more offensively if given the opportunity.
Despite hints at untapped potential, Bryson has spent five years in Buffalo without making a significant impact, and his re-signing appears to be a reflection of Kevyn Adams’ cautious, perhaps even complacent, approach—typical of a GM who seems to lack urgency in revamping a team that struggles to ignite a playoff run. While there is hope that Bryson may elevate his performance in the coming season, it’s also likely that 2025-26 could mark his final year with the Sabres. If he fails to become a more influential presence, he may either be traded or end up as a journeyman in the league, unlikely to command a better deal elsewhere.
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