Buffalo Sabres Predictions: Top Point Scorers

The Buffalo Sabres sported one of the worst offensive teams in NHL history last season, so it only stands to reason that we should make a big deal out of who scores the most points this season. Cody Hodgson led the team with 44 points — the lowest such tally in the NHL — so the only way to go is up for this group.

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This season promises to be better than that, if not exactly painless, with more depth, structure and veteran presence to move the wheels along. There are more contenders for the dubious honor of leading the Sabres in scoring than, well, last year at least, so let’s sort this mess out together.

The Favorites:

Tyler Ennis — Probably the top dog in the hierarchy after a scorching preseason. Ennis is the only Sabres forward capable of creating his own space on the ice and distributing from there. He effectively plays the role of a basketball point guard, backing up the defense with his speed and agility so that he can have the choice of passing or attacking. He also possesses an admirable nasty streak, making him the most likely player to score a game-winning goal or make an important play in general. Of all the players poised to make a leap, Ennis is the safest bet. Best case scenario: 17 goals, 50 assists in 82 GP Most likely scenario: 13-16 goals, 37-42 assists in 75 GP

Cody Hodgson — While Hodgson isn’t blowing anyone away with his speed or power, those hands are pure magic. He’ll get top six minutes and with his skill, getting similar production to Ennis wouldn’t be a stretch if both stay healthy and play to their capabilities

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Moulson — The odds-on favorite to lead the team in goals. Moulson will be the guy planted near the net while Ennis or Hodgson do what they do. He has deft hands in close, which will complement the handful of scrappy goals he’ll undoubtedly score. Best case scenario: 30 goals on a team with maybe one more 20 goal scorer.

The Challengers:

Tyler Myers — Health has been the cloud hanging over much Myers’ post-rookie-year career. He’s missed 56 games in the last three seasons, miring evaluation of a player who’s displayed mind-boggling play on both ends of the spectrum in his five-year NHL career. Still, Myers will once again be given top-four minutes at even strength and on the power play to give him the best chance of being the blue liner sitting near the top of team scoring. Best case scenario: 10ish goals, 30-40 assists, nearing the 48-point pace he showed in his rookie season, which would likely put him in the top five of scorers on the team. Most likely scenario: Something a little short of that provided Myers missing time with some kind of injury.

Drew Stafford — We’ve been here before with Stafford, but everything is pointing to him having a better season than his previous three. He scored 31 goals in about nine different games in his last contract year, but one can expect a more consistent effort from Stafford under Ted Nolan, who seems to have gotten through to Stafford at least on a two-way play level that could translate to another 20-30 goal season before Stafford becomes a free agent.

Mikhail Grigorenko: One never could have considered this possibility until Grigorenko entered training camp in his best physical shape yet. Of course the two goals in the Toronto preseason game are encouraging, but even more so is the two-way game that’s been lauded by Nolan. If Grigorenko can keep winning faceoffs and playing a two-way game, the team will be more patient if he hits a goal drought. Best case: 20 goals playing alongside Hodgson or Ennis, preferably with Grigorenko at center either way. Most likely: He still hits that rookie wall and gets sent down to the AHL at some point, tallying 10 or so goals in the NHL in 40-50 games played.

The Wild Card:

Sep 26, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart (80) goes after Toronto Maple Leafs center Sam Carrick (53) in a fight during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Stewart: We just didn’t get to see enough of Stewart in a Sabres uniform to properly decide how he’ll play, but history suggests that he’s about a 15-20 goal scorer regardless of system or scenario, with one outlying 28-goal season to his credit. On this team, if the wheels really fall off again and the Sabres hit offensive lows akin to last season, Stewart could be the guy to rise above and sit near the lead in goals.

The Outliers:

Sam Reinhart: He’s an outlier because there’s no guarantee he’ll make the roster. If he makes the team beyond a nine-game stint, then Reinhart rises up to Challenger Status. As it is, I still think the team would be best served in sending him back to juniors for the year, and if that’s the course then, well, we’re done here. Best case: Reinhart makes the team, pots 15-20 goals and 20-30 assists. Most likely scenario: Reinhart plays his nine-game stint before heading back to the WHL for the year. Maybe scores a goal or two in that tryout period.

Zemgus Girgensons: He’ll play every game that he’s healthy for, but will Zemgus Girgensons get top six minutes this season? That will depend on injuries more than anything else, but one thinks it’ll be a little less than half the time that we see Z skating more than twenty minutes every night. Girgensons isn’t a points guy, but this is a points article so let’s be blunt. Best case: A tough, efficient 40 points. Most likely case: 40 points feels good. If Z can see the ceiling, he’s going to run right into it. Believe in his effort, if not his point-producing potential

Brian Gionta: He may not have the touch he once had, but Gionta will be a big part of this year’s team. He’ll get a decent amount of points if he continues to pair with Ennis and/or Moulson. Gionta is clearly past his prime, but as a veteran leader of this young team, you can expect his presence to be felt beyond the score sheet. Once again though, this is a points article so here goes. Best case: Gionta gets some power play time, boosts his goals total and nears 15-20 goals while adding an equal number of assists. 40-50 points puts a guy close to the top. Most likely: Much like Girgensons, Gionta’s low point production will be overlooked thanks to his strong leadership qualities. 30 points while serving as team captain.

Have any others you think will challenge as leader of the Buffalo Sabres in scoring? Comment below and make predictions of your own.