Young faces hold key to Sabres’ future success

The Buffalo Sabres face their last seven video games of the season effectively outdoors of the playoff dialog. It’s been a disappointing yr for one of many league’s hottest groups on the finish of the 2022-23 marketing campaign. 

No person has stepped up in 2023-24, with Tage Thompson not but at 50 factors after scoring 94 final yr, Devon Levi struggling to carry onto the beginning goaltending job amid less-than-flattering competitors and the protection persevering with to falter when confronted with an excessive amount of stress.

The down-year has pressured normal supervisor Kevyn Adams to half with essential morale items, sending group captain Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers and former Colorado Avalanche assistant captain Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers. Even when it wasn’t their intention originally of the yr, the Sabres now sit with a transparent mindset – get youthful, after which we’ll get higher. That’s not a brand new perspective within the NHL, however it’s a dangerous path ahead. Few groups have the depth to refresh lineup roles solely from inside. However after years of sturdy drafting, the Sabres may very well be one of many few to drag it off.

Future playoff hopes lie with prospects

Buffalo’s prospect pool is led by heart Jiri Kulich, who has served as one of many high forwards for the AHL’s Rochester Individuals. He’s scored 21 objectives and 38 factors via 49 video games this season, enhancing on his scoring tempo after 24 objectives and 46 factors in 62 video games final yr. Kulich has added the increase in scoring whereas additionally taking up extra accountability, turning into a middle able to staying diligent in all three zones. 

He’s been a favourite of Rochester head coach Seth Appert, spending the final two seasons working with Rochester’s improvement group to seek out what particular program will finest help the Czechian energy ahead – figuring out that Kulich received’t draw back from laborious work. The Sabres hope that subsequent season bears the fruits of Appert’s labor, with the departure of Casey Mittelstadt opening up alternative down the center. Kulich regarded undoubtedly overeager in his NHL debut earlier this season, exhibiting a transparent want for added poise and expertise. He’s gathered loads now on a Rochester group certain for the AHL playoffs, although if it is going to be sufficient to seamlessly transition into the NHL is but to be seen.

However Kulich received’t be capable to escape the competitors with fellow AHL sophomore Isak Rosen by transferring to the NHL. Rosen has regarded simply as succesful in his professional appearances, even incomes seven NHL video games to Kulich’s one this season. The 21-year-old winger has 16 objectives and 40 factors in 59 AHL video games this yr, topping his 37 factors in 66 video games final yr. And he’s managed it on the again of rising confidence with the puck on his stick. 

Rosen has at all times made himself a focal piece of the offense, however he discovered a brand new layer of poise this season, doing significantly better at slowing play down and creating area when alternative isn’t current as an alternative of forcing via a failed entry. However whereas his AHL play has improved thanks to raised independence, Rosen’s NHL recreation suffered from a extreme lack of involvement. 

He’s but to attain his first NHL level and did little to look convincing in his outings. There’s purpose for optimism – with Rosen by no means wanting downright dangerous or misplaced on the high degree – however he’ll want to seek out his drive amidst the perfect on the planet if he desires to succeed. Rosen took a few years to seek out his footing within the minors and may wish the identical sluggish transition into the NHL. Which means the Sabres must be affected person, as Rosen probably begins in a smaller function and works his approach up subsequent season. Already struggling for wins, it is going to be fascinating to see if Buffalo has the time to spend.

Kulich and Rosen are joined on the high of the depth chart by Matthew Savoie, who returned to the WHL after one NHL recreation and 6 AHL video games. He scored 5 factors within the latter matchups, and carried the sturdy scoring again into juniors, the place his 30 objectives and 71 factors in 34 video games (2.09 points-per-game) marked the best price any WHL participant has scored at since Connor Bedard final season, and Mike Comrie in 2001 earlier than him. To affix such an unique listing is at all times thrilling, and Savoie is definitely deserving, proving this yr that his high-tempo playmaking is just too good for the CHL. 

It appears alternative is the final remaining piece of Savoie’s puzzle, particularly contemplating his AHL success earlier this season. However pre-season harm marred Buffalo’s potential to actually take a look at him on the high degree. They’ll must undergo the feeling-out course of initially of subsequent yr, whereas additionally hoping Savoie can rapidly flip the tides on the scoresheet. His tempo and talent have been dominant in juniors and will definitely convey the game-changing offense that Buffalo is in dire want of. A invoice of fine well being this summer time and confidence this fall might arrange Savoie for a first-rate function as quickly as subsequent yr kicks off.

Buffalo has loads of different ahead prospects that might push the envelope quickly. Viktor Neuchev carried a gentle AHL function all season lengthy, regardless of being in his first season of North American professionals. He, in addition to Swedish duo Anton Wahlberg and Noah Östlund, will all proceed to get snug via minor league roles subsequent season. 

It’s as an alternative defenseman Ryan Johnson that rivals one among Buffalo’s remaining NHL slots. Johnson is taking part in via his first skilled season this yr, with seven assists in 41 NHL video games and eight assists in 19 AHL video games – although he’s nonetheless looking for his first professional aim. And whereas he’s adjusted effectively, there’s been loads left to need from the 22-year-old defenseman. 

He’s merely but to seek out the place his affect comes – exhibiting power in a protracted listing of roles however but to stamp one as his calling card. It was his potential to manage the offensive zone, and management possession, that propelled Johnson via school. He’s proven flashes of that potential within the NHL as effectively, although they’ve been coupled by a transparent want for faster determination making and sharper performs. The Sabres will hope he can discover his offensive area of interest within the NHL rapidly, with Johnson main a really depleted defensive depth chart. If he can’t solidify an NHL function subsequent yr, the group may be pressured to show in direction of the draft to try to mend a blue-line that’s regarded unconfident for years.

Zach Benson lit the Sabres on fireplace this yr. Whereas he’s solely managed 23 factors on the season, he’s proven a willpower and work ethic that’s laborious to seek out, particularly in 18-year-olds straight out of juniors. Buffalo wants extra of that prospect luck subsequent season, in the event that they wish to reignite the hearth underneath their playoff hopes. Savoie represents loads of upside, whereas Kulich and Rosen might every carve out sturdy roles of their very own, however all three gamers face questions. How they will overcome that uncertainty, in addition to how rapidly Buffalo’s ready so as to add in impactful defensive depth, would be the defining questions because the Sabres look to construct a successful group from inside.