Though not likely in 2022-23, two Buffalo Sabres prospects implied that their endgame is to dress for the team at some point this season.
Matthew Savoie is going to become a franchise cornerstone within the next two to three seasons, even if he probably won’t see NHL ice in 2022-23. But don’t tell him that. Savoie stated in a press conference following practice yesterday that his biggest goal is to play in NHL games at some point this season.
He did imply it would not be easy to make the roster. But it doesn’t mean he’s not going to give it every last effort to stick around the organization for as long as he can.
In short, it’s tough to envision Savoie earning a spot on the roster coming out of camp, but you can’t help but admire and appreciate the winning mentality. At most, we could see Savoie dress for a handful of games during the final stretch of the 2022-23 season, but only if the Sabres are once again out of playoff contention.
Buffalo Sabres prospects showing a winning mindset
Savoie wasn’t the only Sabres prospect who showed interest in sticking around for the long haul. Linus Weissbach, who scored an impressive 37 points in 67 games of action during his rookie season in the AHL, also has his eyes on playing in Buffalo.
One of his main goals is to prove to the Sabres that his prospect days are in the rearview and that he is worthy of landing a spot on the active roster. Like Savoie, however, Weissbach will most likely find himself playing in colors other than blue and gold for 2022-23 given the fact that 2021-22 prospects like Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka are the likely frontrunners heading into this season.
Not that Weissbach won’t see NHL action, but it would likely come in a cameo role for a game or two. Despite the reality facing their respective situations, this is the mindset every prospect on the Sabres needs.
Even if they aren’t playing in the NHL early in the year, it does not mean they won’t find themselves in the blue and gold sooner than later. If you got prospects like Savoie and Weissbach looking to cause turbulence for the active roster, then there are another two-dozen more prospects looking for the same thing.
It’s going to give the organization a healthy dose of competition, and it will also bring out the best in everyone, prospect or not. If I wasn’t optimistic yet, that optimism just grew after listening to Savoie and Weissbach.