Adams did speak with Pegula about moving Jack shortly after the Eichel made His Request in the Summer of 2019. Pegula said no let’s try one more time with this core
Adams knowing it wouldn’t work, did not sign anyone to crippling long term deals.
He did ice the team with the lowest payroll for this season so far, but in exchange finally got to shape the Hockey Department and build the analytics department the way he wanted to, explaining that is the best path to achieve an Efficient, Effective and Economic Department as well as a winner to Pegulas.
Lance Lysowski and Vogl both hinted at last years TDL that Ullmark and the Sabres were in discussions about an extension and that they felt comfortable not trading Him. They did offer a 3 year 5 Million AAV Deal, but Boston’s Deal plus the chance to play for a winner made Buffalo a no go.
Calls were made to higher profile UFAs, but the Team’s Reputation proceeded it.
As far as missing out on the Ned Trade, let’s just say attempted poachers will be prosecuted.
Has Adams failed in the goaltending department absolutely, but He has tried.
Also on a separate point Karmamos and Ventura have a bigger say in Hockey Ops than realized.
Between the talent that has been brought into Hockey Ops and the potential talent drafted in the past two drafts, firing Adams at this point would be ludicrous.