Buffalo Sabres – Direction Our Forwards Are Trending

Center

Ryan O’ Reilly – (5) – It will be hard for O’ Reilly to improve significantly in comparison the numbers he put up last season. I still expect him to slightly improve based on the likelihood of playing with Kyle Okposo. The likely future captain of the team is in line to have another solid season.

Jack Eichel – (6) – It is exciting to envision Eichel and McDavid playing on the same team in the World Cup of Hockey. I would be stunned if Eichel did not start the season off with a bang. He will have come from playing against some of the best players in hockey, and should be ready to take the next step in his development. A 70+ point season is not out of the question this year.

Zemgus Girgensons – (6 or 7) – Let me explain the reasoning behind the two rating numbers listed. If Girgensons winds up playing the role of our 3rd line center, the rating of a 6 applies. Girgensons is on a 1 year prove it contract, and being the type of person he is, I expect him to play full throttle every game of the season. I do believe Girgensons has a quite a bit more offensive potential than we saw last season. The rating of a 7 applies if he ends up playing LW on the line with Eichel and Reinhart. There is a real possibility it works out that way, which would be fantastic.

Johan Larsson – (5) – We are in good shape for depth on center with Larsson anchoring our 4th line. The rating of a 5 equates to a slight improvement based on Larsson getting somewhat limited minutes, however had a very strong finish to last season. If Girgensons ends up playing wing, Larsson would get bumped to the 3C spot, and potential to surpass expectations rises. He is also on a 1 year prove it contract.