The Buffalo Sabres prospect pool proved they are one of the NHL’s best with an elite showing in the 2022 Prospects Challenge.
All summer long, we heard about how good the Buffalo Sabres prospect pool looked on paper. But that means nothing unless they can translate the hype into wins. Fortunately for the prospects who represented the Sabres at the 2022 Prospects Challenge, they passed the test, outscoring opponents 17-10. Do the math, and this crew scored 5.66 points per game, a sensational outing to say the least.
When you look at the player grades below, it should come as no surprise that it was not possible to hand out anything lower than a B. And while I did not get to each player who took part in the tournament, those listed below jumped out at me in some capacity.
Grading the Buffalo Sabres 2021 Draft Class
Isak Rosen and Aleksandr Kisakov looked slower early in Game 1, but they both showed productivity as the Prospects Challenge wore on. Speedy players, they both proved worth of their first and second-round draft statuses. Both were also brilliant on the forecheck. Grade: B+
Of course, you can’t go without grading Tyson Kozak, who scored four goals, including multiple goals in two games. Originally thought of as a defensive forward, Kozak’s development over the past season entirely flipped the script. He’s still aggressive, but he also proved to show potential for elite productivity. He will get a long look in camp. Grade: A+
Unfortunately, we did not see much of Josh Bloom as he sustained an upper body injury in Game 1 vs. Montreal. Hopefully, he will be ready for camp and we can get a larger sample size. Grade: Incomplete
Grading the Buffalo Sabres 2022 Draft Class
We knew Matt Savoie was going to look good. Even in Game 1, when he had few opportunities, Savoie still showed creativity. He still has work to do in the strength department, and it’s one reason you’ll see him return to the WHL this season. But with three goals, the future looks bright. Grade: A
Jiri Kulich was a surprise addition, and he made his mark in Game 2 with three points (1+2). Once again, he picked up where he left off from development camp and the IIHF World Juniors, further solidifying his potential landing spot in Rochester. Grade: A
Mats Lindgren showed off tremendous agility and puck-handling skills. He had an excellent pass to Tyson Kozak in Game 1 and attacked the net in Game 3, including one play where he called his own number and nearly ended up with a goal. Lindgren’s defense, predictably, still needed work, but overall, he had a strong showing. Grade: B
One of the more intriguing picks of the 2022 Draft, Vsevolod Komarov, showed a sound blend of physicality and craftiness, something I saw coming, though he played better than I initially believed. Look for him to have a solid outing this season in Quebec. Grade: B
Grading the Notable AHL Talent and Invitees
Tomas Suchanek didn’t have a stellar performance in Game 3 (0.842 save percentage), but his ability to get it together after a rough start against Ottawa and performance in Game 1 (0.940 save percentage) tells me the Sabres may end up signing the overlooked goaltender. Grade: B+
His teammate, Beck Warm, had hot and cold, but mostly hot streaks. When he allowed goals, it often came either because the Sabres got too lazy or their defensemen played too close to the neutral zone. Grade: B+
Linus Weissbach and Lukas Rousek looked like players raring to take their game to the NHL level. While they will begin the season in Rochester, each proved they will become prominent fixtures for a team with Calder Cup aspirations. Don’t be surprised if they play a few games in blue and gold. Grade: A
While Oskari Laaksonen still faces a ton of competition for ice time in Rochester, he showed physicality and played well when pairing with Spencer Sova. Laaksonen exceeded my expectations, as did Sova. Grade: A
Ethan Ritchie also showed aggression and physicality, as did Declan McDonell. While I can’t see either in the AHL this season, they should take over in their respective junior leagues this season and showed enough to convince the Sabres to keep tracking them. Grade: B
Grading Buffalo Sabres 2019 fifth-rounder, Filip Cederqvist
Though listed at 6’3, 208lb, take one look at Cederqvist and you can tell he’s bigger than that. And stronger, given the strength he showed playing in front of the net. He looked like a true power forward during development camp and the Prospects Challenge, and it’s something you can expect to see this year in Rochester. He also has sound on-ice awareness, shown during his remarkable assist on a Tyson Kozak goal. Grade: A
As you can see, everyone with a complete grade scored no lower than a B. But when you win all three games, including two wins by three goals, it’s hard not to hand out anything less. Each of the above players jumped out at me and at this point, they all have bright futures.
I am excited to track their respective seasons at the junior hockey, AHL, CHL, and ECHL levels. And as mentioned in the above sections, I won’t be surprised to see a few of them snag some NHL games, or at least get that longer look in camp.
Article Source: Observations: Filip Cederqvist a ‘monster’ in Sabres’ sweep at Prospects Challenge by Lance Lysowski