Buffalo Sabres fans will finally see their favorite prospects in action when the 2022 Prospects Challenge kicks off tonight.
Earlier in the week, I wrote an article pertaining to five lesser-known players to watch at the Buffalo Sabres 2022 Prospects Challenge. Today, I want to flip the script and talk about the top five players that most fans have been excited to see play for a long time.
Of course, when you look at the roster for this weekend, over a dozen names stand out, so picking the five top names was no easy feat. After relentless debating and a few close calls, I’ve outlined who I believe are the top five prospects worth watching this weekend – prospects who will be in the organization for a long time.
Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge: Top Players – Matt Savoie
I love Savoie’s bold statements at his Wednesday presser stating his clear goal was to stay in Buffalo as long as he could. While I don’t believe it will happen this season, except for perhaps a brief cameo, it tells me Savoie is going to put on a show between now and Monday, and perhaps even in camp.
Prospect #2 – Mats Lindgren
Lindgren can score from just about anywhere, making him an exciting offensive-minded defenseman. However, he needs to improve his defensive skill-set, and it’s something I’ll be looking for at the Prospects Challenge.
I’m hoping to see him get a few basic looks early that he can disrupt, which should build his confidence, before facing more complicated packages later. And of course, I’m expecting sound offensive production from one of the most intriguing prospects on the Buffalo Sabres.
Prospect #3 – Tyson Kozak
There is nothing I like more than diamonds in the rough, and Tyson Kozak epitomizes that. He’s another player who, like Savoie, I don’t expect to receive playing time at the NHL level this season. But after he impressed at development camp and signed his contract, I’m looking for a strong showing over the next five days.
Prospect # 4 – Lukas Rousek
Rousek made his presence known in the Calder Cup Playoffs last season and like Kozak, also looked good at development camp. As a player who faced and later excelled against competition just one rung under the NHL level, Rousek has a chance to shine in the Prospects Challenge. If he does and augments a strong showing with a good camp, Rousek may see more than a few games in the blue and gold.
Prospect #5 – Aleksandr Kisakov
The undersized but intriguing Kisakov, like Savoie and Kozak, won’t see NHL action besides a potential cameo. He needs to add muscle to his frame, but lack of size won’t take away from his creativity. Especially when projected to be on the same line as Savoie for the Prospects Challenge.
Since they are day-to-day with minor injuries, I did not include Jiri Kulich or Filip Cederqvist. Another regretful snub was Isak Rosen, who put on a good showing at the U-20 World Juniors in August. Josh Bloom was another top prospect I strongly considered, but I eventually placed him behind Rosen.