Buffalo Sabres: 3 surprise candidates to make the opening day roster

With training camp and soon the preseason in full swing, which Buffalo Sabres prospects have a chance of making the opening day roster?

The Buffalo Sabres will travel to Washington to open up the 2022 preseason. And as usual, there will be position battles and candidates vying for a spot on the active roster. While we will see most head down to Rochester, there is always that one (or more) projected prospect that will be the star of the preseason.

So who might surprise us and prove themselves worthy of a spot on the Sabres roster? Here are three prospects to keep an eye on.

Surprise candidates for Buffalo Sabres: Player #1 – Matt Savoie

While I am 99.9% sure Savoie will be playing for the WHL’s Winnipeg Ice come October, the ninth overall pick had a phenomenal Prospects Challenge, scoring three goals and creating a ton of opportunities for himself and teammates.

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Savoie is also a versatile player, something else he showed in the Prospects Challenge. He lined up at center and winger, depending on the shift, and produced well at both positions. His versatility and with center still being a potential weak position on the Sabres could give him an edge to make the opening day roster. Especially if he outplays Casey Mittelstadt.

Player #2 – Brett Murray

I’ve spoken about the possibility of Murray landing on the Buffalo Sabres main roster earlier in the offseason. Looking at the Sabres bottom six, I am seeing no real physical specimens at forward, and Murray can fulfill that role when the Sabres play teams that love to hit.

While Zemgus Girgensons has proven to be a hitter, Murray can be an absolute sledgehammer. He is also a sound enforcer, and is not afraid to fight if called upon. However, Murray will need to beat out players like Vinnie Hinostroza, Girgensons, Riley Sheahan, and even J.J. Peterka to make room. That won’t be easy.

Player #3 – Kale Clague

While I see Clague as a shoo-in on the first pairing in Rochester, there is an outside chance he earns a spot on the Sabres main roster. Many will rather see Lawrence Pilut get this role, but Clague saw time in 36 games last season for multiple teams.

While I ultimately think the extra skater in the defensive rotation will go to Casey Fitzgerald, Clague showed he can be serviceable in a limited role. He does turn the puck over often, but he is also 23 years old with 58 games of NHL experience.

There is a chance Clague makes a jump in the preseason and impresses the Sabres enough to stick around. In a worst-case scenario, he will provide sound depth in Rochester.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)