Josh Bloom, LW
One of the better skaters in the CHL system, and one of the few bright spots on the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Bloom has more size than either Savoie or Kozak, standing at 6’2 and weighing roughly 185lb.
He scored 61 points, 30 goals, and 31 assists in 67 games last season, but given the futility around him, Bloom may have scored more points if he played for a better team. This year, if the Spirit can get their act together, expect Bloom to play at an even higher level. And if that’s the case, he is a shoo-in for Rochester in 2023-24.
Will he earn a spot on the Buffalo Sabres roster next season? It’s one of those things you can’t rule out, but I wouldn’t count on it. He would need an epic training camp for that to happen, but let’s never say never. Bloom did practice with Rochester last season, so at worst, he will play and be an effective player for the Amerks.