Despite another year without a playoff berth, the Buffalo Sabres exceeded expectations as a team. However, the following three players stood out.
The Buffalo Sabres had an epic finish to the 2021-22 season and they only figure to get better (and younger) come October. At 13-8-3 in March and April 2022, with four games remaining on the schedule, worst the Sabres can finish is 13-12-3, a far cry from what they were in February.
Through thick and thin, three Sabres easily exceeded expectations more than anyone else on the team. One Sabre that did not make the cut given his late season surge is Victor Olofsson. However, he deserves an honorable mention given his stellar performances since February 15th that includes multiple two-goal games.
Odds are, Olofsson makes this list if a wrist injury didn’t sideline him for three weeks. And upon his return from injury, the winger looked flat, having failed to make an impact in the scoring category.
But, the odds are just as great Olofsson would have still missed the cut considering the players listed below. One player resurrected his career in 2021-22 when things appeared hopeless this time last year.
Another player removed the impending bust label and recorded one of the better seasons at his respective position. And best yet, that player is younger than most in the league.
The third player on this list impressed the Sabres and their pundits so much they only noticed him when he did something wrong. Yet, as the season wore on, he even contended for a spot on the Atlantic Division All-Star Team. So who are these mystery players? Keep reading to find out.