Buffalo Sabres: Bold predictions for each player under 25 in 2022
By Sion Fawkes
Casey Mittelstadt excels from the Don Granato Effect
This one is perhaps the boldest prediction on the list, given Mittelstadt’s struggles since he first put on a Buffalo Sabres uniform. But given head coach Don Granato’s success with Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, look for the lowly Mittelstadt to become yet another success story.
Yeah, it’s as farfetched as it is bold, but when you are a former eighth overall pick, it means you can play hockey better than most prospects in your draft class. This shows all of us that Mittelstadt has the talent and potential to become a game-changer for the Sabres.
It was something we also knew about Dahlin, who was a former first overall pick. This isn’t to say Mittlestadt will go out and represent the Sabres in the 2023 All-Star Game. But assuming he stays healthy, my bold prediction is 75 games and 0.75 points per game, good for 56 points.
No one saw Tage’s or Dahlin’s production coming last season. And that should tell us not to throw in the towel just yet regarding Casey Mittelstadt.