Buffalo Sabres: Is Ilya Lyubushkin ready to mentor a young group?

Obstacles that may keep Lyubushkin from becoming an effective mentor

Lyubushkin, despite his status as the oldest defenseman on the Buffalo Sabres, could be raw in terms of leadership since he is only 28. Looking at Toronto’s roster from last season, he was the fifth-oldest defenseman. However, Lyubushkin was one of the more experienced players on a younger Arizona Coyotes team.

But, his experience as a mentor is limited and it will be a new thing heading into the 2022-23 season. While he will be great in a mentorship role toward the latter portion of the year, Lyubushkin could end up looking to veterans Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, and Craig Anderson as he figures out this mentorship role early.

One reason I’m saying there will be obstacles instead of Lyubushkin falling on his face here is that, with Anderson, Okposo, and Girgensons present, he will figure this thing out. But, there is a chance he doesn’t do so until he’s observed the oldest players on the team.

Journeyman Riley Sheahan, if he makes the roster, could be another name for Lyubushkin to prod for advice on how to mentor a group of kids in their early 20s. So while he may not be the greatest mentor off the bat, Lyubushkin at least has a few resources, and it is why he will eventually get the hang of this.