Buffalo Sabres: One bold prediction for each player over 30 in 2022
The Buffalo Sabres are one of the youngest teams in the NHL. But they do have a few players at and over age 30 projected to play on the active roster.
Not only do the Buffalo Sabres have some players aged 30 and older, but they may produce well in 2022-23. Even the elder statesman of the group, Craig Anderson, can put up stellar numbers if he is not called on to play often.
Jeff Skinner and Kyle Okposo are the 30-and-over stars on the Sabres this season. And although I have a bold prediction listed for them, there are also predictions that could easily become a reality this season.
Riley Sheahan is one player many fans may forget about. And while he projects to be nothing more than a fourth-liner, he too has one key statistic I expect him to excel in. So let’s talk about these four players and one bold prediction I have listed.
One bold prediction for the Buffalo Sabres over-30 crowd: Prediction #1 – Craig Anderson logs a 0.910 save percentage
Anderson hasn’t logged a save percentage of 0.910 or better since 2016-17 at age 35, unless you count his four-game stint with the Washington Capitals in 2020-21. Now that Anderson is most likely a backup in 2022-23, the Sabres shouldn’t need to call on him to play any more than 25 games.
Ideally, Anderson plays in 10-15 contests, with the bulk coming in 2022 and early 2023 if Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen earns himself NHL ice time. Assuming Eric Comrie stays healthy, Anderson’s limited ice time will allow him to shine, giving the 41-year-old his first 0.910-plus save percentage in double-digit games for the first time in half a decade.
Of course, the Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation figures to be better. So Anderson will have more help in 2022-23 than he got last season.
Jeff Skinner hits 65-plus points
Despite his 63-point season in 2021-22, Skinner still has numerous critics regarding his contract, which included two abysmal seasons after he signed the eight-year deal. But we need to remember that Skinner played under Ralph Krueger in the near-two years following his infamous signing, which undoubtedly played a role in his lack of production.
In 2022-23, Skinner will again put doubters on edge, this time setting a career-high in points with 65. With better defensemen in the rotation to give the forwards more scoring opportunities, look for Skinner and company to take advantage and improve their production.
While it is farfetched to believe Skinner’s numbers will be off the charts, don’t be surprised if he surpasses the 33 goals he scored last season and winds up finishing second, or even first on the team in the category. At 30, Skinner is still well in his prime. And so far, he has linked up well with Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Victor Olofsson.
Kyle Okposo sets a career-high in shooting percentage
This may be the boldest prediction on the list, but the Buffalo Sabres oldest skater’s best season in the category came in 2011-12, when he logged a 15.8%. His highest since that season occurred in 2013-14, when he shot at 13.8%
When you look at Okposo‘s statistics, he always logs an outstanding percentage following a career-low, or a near-career-low. He hit 15.8% after shooting just 6.9% the year before, then he sunk into the doldrums at just 4% in 2012-13. In 2013-14, his percentage again skyrocketed before tailing off to 9.2% and 10.9% the following seasons.
Between 2017-18 and 2018-19, he shot 9.3% and 9.5%, respectively, before he once again hit double digits in 2019-20. In 2020-21, it dipped again to 4.4%. Finally, in 2021-22, he climbed back to 12.1%, his highest since 2016-17.
Looking at these numbers, logic states Okposo’s percentage will sink back into single digits. But I project he will trend north again in 2022-23. Let’s get ultra-bold, and project a 16.1% shooting percentage. He may not score as often with lesser projected ice time, but Okposo will make the most of his chances.
Riley Sheahan sets a career-high in face-off wins
And finally, we got Riley Sheahan, who may find himself as an extra skater and part-time starter on the fourth line. The Buffalo Sabres will utilize Sheahan when he appears in games and he will look to take over the role Cody Eakin left behind as the face-off specialist.
Last season in Seattle, Sheahan’s year did not go as planned, winning just 47% of his face-offs. A career journeyman, he enjoyed a 54.2% face-off win percentage in 2017-18 when he played for the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also logged a career-best 566 face-off wins that year.
In 2022-23, let’s project Sheahan to win 55% of his face-offs for the first time in his career. And while I don’t expect him to play in any more than 45-50 games for the Sabres this season, his value across the league will increase slightly in the role, which will benefit the center on his next stop.
Related Story. Sabres goaltending improves in 2022. light
There are only a few skaters and goaltenders on the Buffalo Sabres who are over 30 in 2022-23. But they can all contribute well and even set new career highs in the process. Especially Skinner, who remains in the thick of his prime.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)