Buffalo Sabres: Bold Predictions for each player aged 25 to 29 in 2022
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres have plenty of players in the 25-29 range. So let’s have some fun and make one bold prediction for each for 2022-23.
While it’s true general manager Kevyn Adams is looking to focus on young players that will be part of the Buffalo Sabres organization for the next five to seven seasons, there are plenty of contributors in their mid-to-late 20s who may be part of the fun moving forward.
Not every player listed below will be part of the Sabres when it is all said and done. But they will play a pivotal role on the team in 2022-23. With that in mind, let’s explore nine players who I am projecting to make the opening day roster and one player who may snag a reputable role with the team.
Buffalo Sabres 25-29 Predictions – Zemgus Girgensons earns captain status in January
Two things will occur with Girgensons – He will either get traded at the deadline or if the Buffalo Sabres look like a contending bunch, he will stay in the Queen City. My realistic prediction for the Sabres is that they will be on the outside, looking in, which will be enough to keep their longest-tenured player around.
I’m also a proponent of the team giving Kyle Okposo the C patch, and Girgensons one of the As. However, given the sheer leadership ability from both skaters, I’m going bold and project a planned midseason flip-flop, with Okposo settling for the A and Girgensons, the C.
While this is an unconventional move, it’s also not entirely out there in outer orbit. The Sabres have rotated captains in the past and even went the co-captain route with Chris Drury and Daniel Briere.
By going with Okposo and Girgensons at different points in the season, it equally recognizes their value from a leadership standpoint. And it will also let the younger players focus more on their own development.