The Detroit Red Wings are moving on from a key teammate of Patrick Kane following the trade for veteran goalie Josh Gibson. Now, the Buffalo Sabres have pounced on the available free agent, securing much-needed help in net ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
The Red Wings continue to make moves in the NHL free agency. Kane is staying in the Motor City after signing a one-year, $3M deal with the Wings. Along with that signing, which has a catch that might change everything, Detroit has continued to add pieces to its puzzle. However, it has now parted ways with an unrestricted free agent.
Goaltender Alex Lyon is off to the next chapter of his NHL career after two seasons with the Red Wings. As announced by Elliotte Friedman, the Sabres have signed Lyon to a two-year, $3M contract. The 32-year-old goalie’s deal will carry an annual cap hit of $1.5M. for Buffalo.
Gibson in net
With one goal clear in mind, the Red Wings enter the upcoming season determined to snap their postseason drought. In order to be a playoff team in the NHL, Detroit needs security in goal, and veteran Gibson can provide just that.
Alex Lyon #34 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 16, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.
Who snaps the drought first?
The Red Wings haven’t appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the last nine NHL seasons. This disheartening skid is the second-worst active streak in the league, only behind the Sabres. Buffalo drags a fourteen-season, which is the longest active post-season appearance drought, as well as a record-setting mark.
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NHL News: After Patrick Kane signing, Red Wings add four key pieces to strengthen roster
Both franchises are determined to end the suffering this upcoming season, but they face a steep climb. Whether Kane and company can actually come through for Detroit remains to be seen. Buffalo is missing a main character, but it hopes the youth in its lineup can take the next step in their NHL careers.
