Sabres news: Should Arttu Ruotsalainen get a shot in Buffalo?
It is obvious that the season has not gone to plan for the Buffalo Sabres so far. The Sabres came into this year thinking they could make a run at a potential playoff spot with their new offseason acquisitions. Bringing in Taylor Hall and trading for Eric Staal also brought in a lot of hope that this could be the best team Buffalo has had in years.
But instead of finding success, the Sabres have found themselves at the very bottom of the NHL standings. With only 15 points in 23 games and already 14 points out of the closest playoff spot, it may be time for Buffalo to start evaluating some of their younger talents at the top level.
One prospect that could be among the first to be called up to Buffalo would be 23-year-old Arttu Ruotsalainen. He is currently playing for the AHL affiliate to the Sabres, the Rochester Americans, and Arttu has had an excellent start to the AHL season.
In only nine games so far this season, Ruotsalainen is tied for second on the team in points. Arttu is tied for third on the team in goals scored with three. His four assists on the season slot him in tied for fourth-most on the Americans.
Arttu has shown a skillset in the AHL that could benefit the Sabres in areas they struggle with. He has shown that he has the ability to create high danger scoring chances on 5v5 situations. Any help that Buffalo could get on creating more opportunities during even-strength play, they should welcome with open arms.
Ruotsalainen could fit very well within the bottom six forwards of the Sabres. Buffalo needs to add a legitimate goal scorer to their third or fourth lines. The Rieder-Eakin-Okposo line has been brutal for the Sabres all year. Adding Arttu to this line and sitting Eakin or Okposo could create some actual goal-scoring chances for that line.
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At this point in the season, the Sabres should not hesitate to bring up some of their young prospects, especially if they could benefit the team. Arttu Ruotsalainen would be a welcome sight in Buffalo this year.