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As season concludes, Sabres will look to minors for help

By Robert Janish Jr.

Amerks Brett Murray shot on goal is blocked by Utica’s Jon Gillies. The Rochester Americans hosted the Utica Comets at the War Memorial at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on March 3, 2021. Because of COVID-19 they are currently not allowing fans to watch the game in person. The games can be heard on ESPN Rochester radio station or AHLTV.Amerks Game Covid Brett Murray
Amerks Brett Murray shot on goal is blocked by Utica’s Jon Gillies. The Rochester Americans hosted the Utica Comets at the War Memorial at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on March 3, 2021. Because of COVID-19 they are currently not allowing fans to watch the game in person. The games can be heard on ESPN Rochester radio station or AHLTV.Amerks Game Covid Brett Murray /
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In what has been another trying season for the Buffalo Sabres, lowlighted by an 18-game winless streak, the team has no choice but to look to next year once again as they will miss the playoffs for a 10th straight year, matching the league record. As the season begins to wind down and the team remains in last place, call-ups from the minors appear imminent.

These are four organizational prospects that could see a call-up to Buffalo before season’s end:

Jack Quinn
Selected in the 1st round by the Sabres in last year’s NHL Draft, Quinn is in the midst of his first professional season playing in Rochester. In 10 games played this season, he has earned six points (2+4) as he continues to develop after playing the last few years for the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s. At only 19 years of age, similar to Dylan Cozens a year ago, he will likely finish the year in Rochester before earning a full-time role on the Sabres in the future.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
In his first full AHL season after reaching success in the last two years in the OHL and ECHL, Luukonen’s AHL career has been inconsistent thus far. With a 6-4-1 record and a save percentage of .893%, and only 22 years old, UPL can use more playing time and seasoning in the minors. However, with the direction the Sabres are headed this year, he could get a look in the NHL so management can evaluate the developmental steps he has taken so far in his career.

Arrttu Ruotsalainen
After playing for six seasons in the SM-liiga (Finnish Elite League), Ruotsalainen is currently in his first year playing for the Amerks. Picking up where he left off overseas, the 23-year old forward is currently playing at a point-per-game pace, with 13 points (5+8) in 13 games played. He is also the team leader in points, and his play, including a recent four-game point streak, earned him a promotion to Buffalo’s taxi squad on Monday. It appears that Ruotsalainen is slated to make his NHL debut sooner rather than later as the Sabres start looking down the organizational pipeline for solutions in their lineup.

Oskari Laaksonen
Similar to his fellow countryman, Laaksonen spent considerable time in the SM-liiga before arriving in North America, playing the last four years there. The 21-year old blueliner leads Rochester defenseman in point totals with 9 points (1+8) in 14 games. While his potential has shown as the season goes on, with 5 points (0+5) in his last four games, his age and inexperience at this level would likely result in playing in the minors for the rest of the year, and how he develops will dictate his future in pro hockey.

Next. One name the Sabres should not be shopping at the deadline. dark

While these are among their most notable prospects, there are many more in the organization who could be worthy of a glance at their potential on the Sabres, both now and in the years ahead.

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