Buffalo Sabres: Projecting the future of 20 prospects
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Oskari Laaksonen
At worst, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will have a spot on the Sabres in at least a backup goaltending role. So far, he’s been so-so, improving in save percentage from .906 to .917. His goals allowed average has dropped from 3.88 to 2.74, and his quality starts percentage has more than doubled.
The decision to move Craig Anderson or Dustin Tokarski would be easier if Luukkonen wasn’t so injury-prone. Either way, when he returns, look for UPL to retake the net and prove he’s at least a worthy rotating goaltender in the near-future.
Laaksonen has become a reliable two-way defenseman in Rochester. This season, he’s racked up 24 points in 38 games, showing he’s at least a worthy player for the “taxi squad” when needed. If he cuts down on the penalty minutes, expect him to at least receive a chance at the NHL level.
Matej Pekar, Mattias Samuelsson
Pekar has his work cut out for him. So far, he leads the Amerks with 50 penalty minutes and has just 11 points in 60 appearances. He will need a fast turnaround for the Sabres to even consider him for a call-up. Maybe he’ll get a chance somewhere else, but it won’t be with Buffalo.
If the Sabres go younger, expect Samuelsson to solidify a spot on the second pairing or at worst, the third. A physical player with an imposing presence, Samuelsson isn’t going to rack up the points. But he will rack up the hits and disrupt plays.
Samuelsson may keep bouncing back and forth from Rochester to Buffalo if the Sabres elect not to move Mark Pysyk or Colin Miller by the trade deadline. Either way, he’ll find a permanent spot on the Sabres sooner than later. Especially as a grinder, as 31 hits and 27 blocks in 21 appearances is nothing to scoff at.
Peyton Krebs, Ryan Johnson, Erik Portillo, Lukas Rousek, Aaron Huglen
Krebs was a godsend in the Jack Eichel trade. Expect him to play a little more in Rochester at times, but at this point, he’s practically a permanent fixture with the Sabres. Krebs may sneak his way onto the second line regularly.
A first-round pick in 2019, Johnson still has some developing to do. A phenomenal scholar of the game; Johnson lacks physicality and it has held him back. The Sabres will at least retain his rights until his college days end, then go from there but right now, he’s 50-50.
A teammate of 2021 first overall pick Owen Power, Portillo has made some highlight reel saves at the University of Michigan. The former third-round pick has put together a career record of 26-8-1 and he will definitely get a chance in Rochester. If he repeats his college success with the Amerks, look for him to garner attention.
Rousek will at least get a look in Rochester, but right now, health is a huge factor. If he has a strong return from knee surgery, he’ll be on the outside looking in if the Sabres opt to extend his contract beyond 2022-23.
Like Johnson, Huglen’s chances stand at 50-50. He hasn’t impressed at the University of Minnesota, but he still has three years of eligibility remaining. If he improves, the Sabres may opt to keep him in the organization.
Jack Quinn, Devon Levi, J.J. Peterka, Matteo Constantini
If Quinn stays healthy, he will develop into a high-end second-liner at worst. But right now, health is a big ‘IF.’ Let’s give Quinn the benefit of the doubt, since he’s dominated in Rochester and looked good in his NHL cameo appearances.
Levi is another year or two away from the AHL, which naturally raises Luukkonen’s value. However, with the performances he’s put on at Northeastern, he may be worth the wait. Look for Levi to compete with whoever’s in the net at the top level, barring setbacks.
Like Quinn, Peterka has already made his NHL debut. Still in Rochester, he’s currently honing his game to become more of a two-way forward. The Sabres made a smart move keeping him with the Amerks this season, and he will burst onto the scene sooner than later. Expect another cameo in 2022 if he’s needed.
Limited sample size, but Constantini’s shooting .231 at North Dakota at the time of this writing and has put up nine points in seven games. He’s a long way away, and odds are, he’s still two to four years from the AHL. But if the sample size proves any indication, expect to hear his name more.
Josh Bloom, Nikita Novikov, Olivier Nadeau, Prokhor Poltapov, Aleksandr Kisakov, Isak Rosen, Owen Power
Bloom has 38 points split between 19 goals and 19 assists with the Saginaw Spirit. He’s still young and anything can happen between now and when he’s AHL ready. Right now, good early returns has the needle pointing north.
Novikov carries an imposing size. He’s not much of a scorer right now, but his discipline shows with few penalty minutes. Good at disrupting plays with the stick and forcing opponents to change direction. The burning question is this: Will he opt for the road to the KHL or the NHL?
Nadeau is enjoying a stellar career in the QMJHL with 90 points in 67 appearances. He’s a shoo-in to play in Rochester and possibly work his way to the NHL. We’ll see if his successful junior career translates to the AHL.
Poltapov doesn’t score often, but he provides a physical presence. If he opts for the road to the NHL, he’s the type of prospect you put onto the energy line. But, will the KHL lure him? If he comes over to North America, Poltapov won’t receive a ton of ice time. But his playing style packs a punch. An energy-liner, perhaps?
Kisakov is a smallish player but he can score, with 43 points in 42 games this season in the MHL. He also has experience in the KHL with Dynamo Moskva. He can build a career in the KHL, but that doesn’t mean the Sabres’ organization can’t lure him to North America.
Like Kisakov, Rosen is a smallish prospect and he shows off speed, with the ability to catch and control the puck without slowing down. Unfortunately, he’s got a long way to go before even considering a move to North America. He’s got potential, but don’t expect him to show even in the AHL for at least two years.
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Regardless of how good the Sabres will be three years from today, Owen Power will get his chance. So far, he’s impressed in Michigan and continues to be one of the faces of their entire athletics program. A two-way player with an imposing presence, Power will work his way through the ranks like any other prospect. But expect an expedited pace once he leaves Michigan.
(All statistics provided by Hockey-Reference, Hockey DB, and Elite Prospects)