For once, there is less mystery with each position group, and more answers than questions for the Buffalo Sabres upcoming season.
Some in the Buffalo Sabres faithful would love to see the team continue to add talent to the roster. Goaltender, for example, is a hot topic. But since there is more stability on the roster than there has been in ages, odds are what you see in the projected lineup is what you are going to get.
Not that the Sabres won’t make a trade for an asset or sign another player or two. But for 2022-23, the roster is pretty much set. Will they be contenders? I’m guessing they will contend for a wild card spot, but not much more.
Stability is one reason they will at least contend for something good this season. But this is still a young roster coming into its own. Let’s break it down by position group.
Breaking down each of the Buffalo Sabres position groups: Group #1 – Forwards
For the first time in a while, we already know who two of our three staples are on the first line. Jeff Skinner and Tage Thompson will anchor left wing and center, looking to prove last season was no outlier in the scoring department.
I have Alex Tuch slated to be the top right winger, but Victor Olofsson challenged that last season. Regardless of who starts on the top line, expect both of their productivity to increase. I am excited about Casey Mittelstadt, although he could be down to his last chance. When he did get healthy last season, he was moderately productive. Let’s see if he can finally take that next step.
Rasmus Asplund and Dylan Cozens make for an outstanding pairing. They both play with the grit you would expect from the third line. I eventually paired them with Jack Quinn, believing that he will win the battle for more ice time over J.J. Peterka in camp and the preseason. But don’t be surprised if you see Peterka there.
Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo were two skaters I initially projected on the third line. But the former projects best as a fourth-line center given his physicality and ability to win face-offs. He’s basically going to take over Cody Eakin’s role this season. Girgensons also pairs well with Okposo.
I am expecting an increased scoring output across the first two lines this season. Something reminiscent of March and April 2022 when they averaged 3.14 goals per game, 0.47 goals per game higher than their average between October 2021 and February 2022 of 2.67. Of course, it also helps when you have some two-way defensemen at your disposal.
Projected Lineup
- Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
- Krebs – Mittelstadt – Olofsson
- Asplund – Cozens – Quinn
- Peterka – Girgensons – Okposo
- Rotational: Hinostroza