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Three Buffalo Sabres Players I Can’t Wait To Watch Next Year

By Melissa Kania

Mar 29, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres’ season has been over for some time. Now, it’s time to look ahead to October.

This past Buffalo Sabres eason was exciting at times. Sure, the team still ended up out of the playoffs – and never really stood a chance to get there, if we’re being honest.

But the thrill of watching some of the newbies like Eichel and O’Reilly, plus some of the returning guys like Ristolainen, made it a fun season.

Nonetheless, it seems like next season, the 2016-2017 NHL season, will be an even better one for the Buffalo Sabres.

Here are three Buffalo Sabres players that I’m particularly looking forward to watching next season.

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(I’d also add Risto to this list, but since he’s not signed yet, I couldn’t in good faith do it.)

Jack Eichel

How can anyone NOT be looking forward to Jack Eichel‘s sophomore season with the Buffalo Sabres?

I mean, seriously. This kid was a joy to watch in his rookie season, and throughout the year, he had some truly incredible moves, from passesto dekes to goals, breakaways and everything in between.

And if the Buffalo Sabres forward was that much of a treat to watch in his rookie season, I can only imagine how much better he’ll get over the years to come – and that starts with this coming season.

With a full NHL season now under his belt, Eichel will continue to grow his game and really, he can only get better.

Zach Bogosian

On the defensive side of things, I’m looking forward to watching Zach Bogosian in his second full season with the Buffalo Sabres come October.

Bogo was a key piece of the Buffalo Sabres’ blueline this past season, and I can only expect that he’ll be a quarterback of the defense once again – and for several years to come, considering his lengthy contract.

I like his style, and I think he fit nicely into the Buffalo Sabres mold this past season, when he wasn’t out with injury.

Now, assuming he can stay healthy – what will he do next season?

Robin Lehner

Lastly, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Buffalo Sabres netminder Robin Lehner will do next season.

We really only got a small taste of Lehner this season, between his injury at the beginning of the season and then the recurrence of it later on, but when he did play, he was spot-on.

Even though he had a limited season, Lehner’s play was solid enough to earn him the third-goaltender spot with Team Sweden at the World Cup this September. If the national folks can see how good he is, so can we.

Right now, Lehner is set to be the top goalie for the Buffalo Sabres next season, with Chad Johnson set to be a UFA come July 1.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what he looks like as a full-time starting goaltender with the Buffalo Sabres.

Next: Buffalo Sabres Player Grades: Bogosian

Who else are you looking forward to watching next season, Buffalo Sabres fans?

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