Sabres still rebuilding, but there’s potential with Eichel

The frenzy has settled from free agency, trades are at a trickle, and it’s vacation time across the NHL. That makes it a good time to take a look around the Eastern Conference and evaluate each team and the chance it has of claiming one of the same eight playoff spots open to the Red Wings.

Today’s focal point: The Buffalo Sabres

■Notable moves: Added forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Jamie McGinn, former Wings defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and goaltender Robin Lehner. Drafted Jack Eichel. Subtracted defensemen Andrej Meszaros and Nikita Zadorov, and forwards Cody Hodgson and Mikhail Grigorenko.

■Analysis: The Sabres got a fine consolation prize in picking second in June’s NHL draft, acquiring in Eichel, a forward around whom to rebuild a franchise.

The same day they selected Eichel, the Sabres traded for O’Reilly, a 24-year-old center who produced 55 points in 82 games last season for Colorado. O’Reilly is a top-notch two-way player who has played in 427 NHL games. The Sabres promptly signed him to a seven-year, $52.5-million extension, but the celebration over securing his services was marred within a week by O’Reilly being charged with impaired driving.

The Sabres also shored up their starting goaltender position by adding Lehner. Evander Kane was acquired in February, but he has yet to play for Buffalo because of surgery. The Sabres also feature a new coach in former Pittsburgh bench boss Dan Bylsma (Grand Haven), who got the job after the Sabres unsuccessfully wooed former Red Wings coach Mike Babcock.

The Sabres have finished last in the NHL the past two seasons. In 2014-15, they had 54 points, 44 fewer than the second wild-card team. It’s difficult to think the Sabres make that much of a standings jump in one season, but they’ve got the potential to be really good within a couple of seasons.

■Making the playoffs threat level: Low.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.