Buffalo Sabres: Ranking the top five forwards in Rochester
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres have two well-known prospects looking to rise through the ranks this season. So where do the other forwards in the system rank?
We went over the top five Buffalo Sabres defensemen slated to most likely play for the Rochester Americans in 2022-23. This time around, we are covering the top forwards, and with that, the possibility that they could see at least a cameo in the blue and gold this season.
The following players range from fast-developing prospects to those who returned to Rochester after making their presence felt last year. It is important to note that I DID NOT include any incoming rookies, so you won’t see Isak Rosen, Filip Cederqvist, or Aleksandr Kisakov here.
Though this time next season, I expect them to be ranked somewhere in the top five, or at least close to. Further, the names listed below must also have a contract with the Sabres, not the Americans. So the players I’ve named can all see time in the Queen City this year.
So who made my top five? Let’s meet them, starting with one of the more intriguing yet underrated players in the system.
The top five Buffalo Sabres forwards in Rochester: Forward #5 – Matej Pekar, C
We didn’t get to see Pekar skate at development camp, but The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski stated he could be ready to roll when training camp begins. Pekar dominated for the Barrie Colts and the Sudbury Wolves during his time in the OHL, but he hasn’t seen the same type of production with the Rochester Americans. In 72 games over two seasons, Pekar scored just 12 points, four goals, and eight assists.
But with Quinn, Peterka, and Ruotsalainen not playing in Rochester, or in Quinn and Peterka’s case, not slated to play in Rochester, it opens the door for players like Pekar. But, he will also face an uphill climb, with the likes of the top four names on this list having shown more last season. Then there is the incoming Rosen, Kisakov, and Cederqvist, making this an even taller task for Pekar.
He has, however, racked up 106 penalty minutes and displays the traits of a pest. But if he lands in that role, Pekar must find a way to cut down on getting caught committing so many penalties. Right now, Pekar is fringe, but his age and potential has landed him at Number Five.