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Buffalo Sabres: Jack Quinn will be on the roster in October

By Sion Fawkes

Jan 20, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn (22) looks for the puck during the second period against the Dallas Stars at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn (22) looks for the puck during the second period against the Dallas Stars at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres prospect and former first round pick Jack Quinn had a rough playoff, but it won’t damage his chances to make the roster. 

It was not an easy outing for Buffalo Sabres star prospect Jack Quinn. In 10 playoff games, Quinn logged 28 shots on goal, scoring none of them. He finished the playoffs with a measly two assists and he never found a rhythm until the final two games of the playoffs, per Bill Hoppe at Buffalo Hockey Beat. 

Some fans claim Quinn’s disappearance in the playoffs came because opponents keyed on him. Fair enough, but star players should expect opponents to game plan against them and adjust accordingly.

In just a few words, Quinn couldn’t fully figure out how to overcome this and it raises a potential red flag. But it doesn’t mean he won’t make the main roster.

Jack Quinn will be with the Buffalo Sabres in October 2022

While Quinn logged zero points against the Laval Rocket in the three-game series, he showed signs of life. In the 6-5 loss that sent the Rochester Americans packing, he tallied eight shots on goal, two of which nearly found twine.

Quinn himself admitted that, before the series against the Rocket, he was struggling, especially since the playoffs started in May. He wasn’t playing to his own expectations, but that didn’t mean there weren’t positive aspects to his game.

He was far more physical in the playoffs, per coach Seth Appert. Appert further cited Quinn’s ability to finish checks and backchecks as huge momentum shifters for the Americans. And it enabled a team that struggled to earn a playoff spot to snag an upset playoff series win over the Utica Comets.

We also need to remember that Quinn’s play was far from perfect in 2020-21 during his 15-games with the Amerks. That year, he scored just nine times (2 + 7). Come training camp, Quinn returned as an improved player, which culminated with the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award and a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team.

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So expect Quinn to take another summer to improve, and to guarantee himself a spot on the Sabres main roster when they open the regular season. He will put his turbulent Calder Cup Playoff performance in the rearview, and at worst, earn a spot on the Sabres third line.

(Statistics provided by Hockey DB)

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