Buffalo Sabres lineup projections that make sense in 2022

In 2022-23, expect to see some different lineups for the Buffalo Sabres. Today, let’s focus on five lineup projections that make sense. 

The Buffalo Sabres have many returning faces for 2022-23, and for a team that has missed the playoffs over the past 11 seasons, roster stability is a good thing. However, their lineups will look different going into this season.

Below, I listed five lineup projections you can expect to see for the upcoming year that make sense. These projections are based on the pre-camp roster, and what I am expecting the lineup to look like on Opening Night against the Ottawa Senators.

Five potential lineup projections for the Buffalo Sabres that may or may not make sense. Projection #1 – Ilya Lyubushkin on the second pairing

Lyubushkin is the most experienced defenseman on the Sabres roster, having played nine seasons of professional hockey, including four in the NHL. He is a hard-hitter who would serve as both a mentor and a phenomenal complement to rookie Owen Power.

While Henri Jokiharju stepped in and played well lining up alongside Power, Lyubushkin’s experience and playing style gives him an edge. And it’s why you see many around the NHL projecting him to be on the second pairing.

Projection #2 – Casey Mittelstadt starts the season on the second line

Mittlestadt remains the most star-crossed player in the Sabres system, with injuries plaguing his career. However, he has looked good when healthy, though he still lacks in consistently capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Logistically, you would place Mittelstadt behind more promising centers like Peyton Krebs and Dylan Cozens. However, Krebs saw a lot of time at winger in 2021-22, and in the short run, he probably stays there. While Cozens was a better scorer, his overall playing style is best-suited for a more physical third line.

Meanwhile Zemgus Girgensons and Riley Sheahan are viable fourth liners at this point in their respective careers. Sheahan’s addition may kick Girgensons outside to winger.

Projection #3 – Victor Olofsson remains with the second line

I have seen some in the hockey universe bump Olofsson to the first line and Alex Tuch to the second. Last year, Tuch was the more consistent scorer while Olofsson looked good in spurts. However, he also disappeared for long stretches, including a three-month drought without a goal.

Further, Tuch enjoyed phenomenal chemistry with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner on the first line. And it’s the primary reason I believe he will stay there and that Olofsson will remain on the second.

Projection #4 – Eric Comrie opens the season as the starting goaltender

Some projections have Craig Anderson listed above Comrie, who served as a backup in Winnipeg. But given his age and performance last season, Comrie deserves a chance to open the season as the starter while Anderson opens as the backup.

Therefore, it makes sense to give Comrie a chance to show that he can become a franchise goaltender. With Devon Levi and perhaps Erik Portillo remaining in the system for 2023-24 and beyond, Comrie may not man Buffalo’s net for long, but he will at least prove he can for one of the NHL’s other 31 teams.

Projection #5 – Kyle Okposo drops to the fourth line even at team captain status

While I believe Okposo is good enough to play on the third line, his age plus the fact he is in a contract season will drop him to the fourth line in 2022-23. My projected third line comprises the following players: Rasmus Asplund – Dylan Cozens – J.J. Peterka/Jack Quinn, four young but exciting players with a combined 261 games of NHL experience.

Unlike Okposo, these four youngsters likely have a long future in the Queen City. And while I touched on the fact that the Sabres may extend Okposo, his contracts from here on out will be no longer than two seasons.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)