Buffalo Sabres Projected Forward Lines 2015-16

If the Sabres have a strength it is at forward. With questions in goal, and youth on defense, the Sabres have their best players up front. Down the middle the Sabres are young, but man are they talented. Head coach Dan Bylsma has already stated he plans on starting Ryan O’Reilly as the first line center. After him the Sabres have Zemgus Girgensons, Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and Johan Larsson all capable of playing center on the 2nd or 3rd lines. The wingers have both a veteran influence as well as one of youth.

1st Line: Tyler Ennis- Ryan O’Reilly- Evander Kane

This could be the best first line the Sabres have had since the Lafontaine and Mogilny days. Even in the Briere and Drury years the Sabres didn’t have one elite line.

Nov 5, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Tyler Ennis (63) during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at First Niagara Center. Canadiens beat the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Ennis, Kane, and O’Reilly would fit perfectly together. Tyler Ennis loves to have the puck on his stick. He would be able to carry the puck as much as he wants on this line. Neither Kane or O’Reilly are as great at stick handling and passing as Ennis is. Ennis would also have the best two forwards he’s ever played with to be able to set up. The assist numbers could go through the roof when you’re feeding these two all the time. Playing with two bigger bodies doesn’t hurt when you’re a little guy too.

Jan 27, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Evander Kane (9) moves the puck up ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Evander Kane would be the slasher of the line. Flying down the ice, forechecking hard, and sniping and opportunity he has. Kane has an excellent release on his shot and could reach 30 or 40 goals if all goes well.

Ryan O’Reilly, assuming his legal issues resolve themselves, will be the top center on the team. O’Reilly’s two way, responsible game can free up Ennis and Kane to go bananas on the offensive end. O’Reilly’s size and physicality can be a presence in front of the net as well.

2nd line: Matt Moulson- Zemgus Girgensons- Sam Reinhart

This line has a combination of youth, experience, physicality, playmaking, and sniping. A well balanced line. However, putting a 19 and 21 year old on a top two line is risky.

Oct 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Reinhart (23) during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

For this line I would have Sam Reinhart playing on the right wing. After watching him at development camp, I think he’s ready for a top six role. The things he needed to improve upon like skating and strength, were evidently better than last years camp. Reinhart was built with muscle, faster, and stronger on his skates than last year. His stick handling and hockey sense were still off the charts at camp. Putting him with a veteran in Matt Moulson, and a very mature, hard working Zemgus Girgensons allows him to ease into a top six role. Let Girgensons worry about the defensive responsibilities for a while.

Jan 29, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons (28) gets through the check by Edmonton Oilers center Boyd Gordon (27) in the second period up at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports

Girgensons is a good second line center at this point in his career. Like O’Reilly he is responsible at both ends of the ice, and willing to go to the dirty areas. He has the talent to be a finisher as well as a playmaker for his wingers. He does everything well. Girgensons will be the fastest skater on this line. While Reinhart’s speed has improved, both wingers lack speed. This could cause a problem for Zemgus when he fly’s up the ice with the puck.

Feb 15, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Matt Moulson (26) takes a shot as Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Mark Streit (32) defends during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Moulson is the veteran presence. He’s the calm, cool and collected vet that can help settle down the kids. Moulson is very good in front of and around the net, so he can allow Reinhart to play on the perimeter more often. He also has a very good shot, and would likely have the most goals on the line.

3rd Line: Marcus Foligno- Jack Eichel- Brian Gionta

This line may lack a high scoring winger, but would be a great shut down line. This line could also play in any situation.