Video: Craig Anderson\ mic'd up during Sabres practice
Anderson joined Buffalo last summer with the dual objectives of serving as a mentor and earning playing time of his own. He had spent the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season as the third-string goaltender for the Washington Capitals, appearing in four regular-season games and two more during the playoffs.
Though an injury forced him to miss nearly three months from Nov. 2 to Jan. 29, Anderson referred to his season in Buffalo as being amongst his favorite in his 19-year career. He won 11 of his final 18 starts, including his 300th NHL victory against Vegas on March 10.
Anderson said after the season that he planned to spend time with his wife, Nicholle, and their two sons before deciding on whether to continue his playing career.
"I think it's one of the most fun seasons I've ever had and one that I felt, coming to the rink, you enjoyed getting up in the morning," Anderson said. "You enjoyed going to the rink, you enjoyed sitting there and having a coffee and hanging out with the guys before practice, after practice. It didn't matter.
"Guys just wanted to be around each other and that's something special here that Kevyn and (coach) Donny (Granato), it starts from the top. They've built that and it's resonated through the group."
Video: Locker Cleanout: Craig Anderson
Granato referred to Anderson as an extra coach of sorts during games, often skating to the bench between whistles to deliver calming, well-timed messages.
"It's a message of great hindsight and experience," Granato said in March. "Great demeanor as well. He's got a fun-loving component to him. Even in the really, really competitive moments, he still has that pure love for the game itself and the moment itself."
Anderson becomes the lone Sabres goaltender under contract entering the start of free agency, which opens July 13. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who posted a .917 save percentage in nine games with Buffalo, is a restricted free agent.
Aaron Dell, Michael Houser, Malcolm Subban, and Dustin Tokarski - all of whom played games for the Sabres last season - are scheduled to be become unrestricted free agents.
Video: Tribute: Craig Anderson wins 300th NHL game
Adams reiterated during his radio appearance Tuesday that the organization feels strongly about its internal options at goaltender, which include the 23-year-old Luukkonen along with prospects Devon Levi and Erik Portillo, both of whom are returning to college next season.
Adams said the Sabres will continue to evaluate all options in the short-term.
"We do have a plan, and we're going to stick to our plan and be disciplined," Adams said.
