Who will lead the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres in the major statistical categories? Here are our predictions for the upcoming season.
The Buffalo Sabres struggled throughout most of their 2021-22 campaign. However, the 2022-23 version of the team, though still probably not playoff-bound, is enjoying much higher expectations. At least among the fan base.
That said, this article will be much more fun to write this year as opposed to a season ago. We may finally see someone score over a point per game for the first time since Jack Eichel did it in 2019-20.
Below, you will find projections for every major statistic, including points, goals scored, assists, power play goals, shooting percentage, blocks, hits, takeaways, wins, save percentage, and goals allowed average. Let’s see who paces what in 2022-23.
Projecting each leader in the Buffalo Sabres major statistical categories – Offensive Leaders
Points: Tage Thompson/82
Last season, Thompson put up 68 points in 78 contests. This season, he faces the tall task of repeating last year’s performance. He is also in a contract season, so he will give it his all. Look for him to pace the team with at least one point per game.
Goals: Tage Thompson/42
In 2021-22, Thompson nearly hit the 40-goal mark, finding the back of the net 38 times. This season, barring major injury, he will eclipse 40 goals with a couple to spare. As mentioned earlier, he is in a contract season, so expect an uptick in performance.
Assists: Rasmus Dahlin/50
Dahlin is a two-way defenseman who can score, whether he calls his own number or makes a showstopping assist. Last year, he had 40 in 80 games, good for a half-assist per contest. In 2022-23, he truly breaks out and proves that last season was no one-year wonder.
Power Play Goals: Victor Olofsson/10
Olofsson was known for his power play prowess earlier in his career. Until 2021-22, 18 of his 35 career goals came on the power play. Last year, 13 of his 20 goals occurred at even strength. While Olofsson dominated in spurts, he also struggled for a few months, negating a few would-be power play goals. He will get that mojo back this season and hit double digits.
Shooting Percentage: Peyton Krebs/16.5%
Of all players on the Buffalo Sabres roster that played in 41 or more games, Krebs led the team with a shooting percentage of 15.2. This season, expect Krebs to make a leap and see all of his offensive stats augment. But his shooting percentage will take the #1 spot.