Buffalo Sabres 2022-23 lineups are anything but set

Through two days of training camp, the Buffalo Sabres have used many unique line combinations, showing us anything can happen. 

One of the coolest things about training camp in the NHL and all sports is that after just a few practices, any and all projections can go out the window. And while I have a general idea of who will end up where on the Buffalo Sabres, their lineup combos in camp have been nothing short of interesting.

Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs, for example, played on one line, and it’s something you may see in the regular season, most likely on the second line, with a potential Skinner-Thompson-Olofsson combo on the first. Tuch’s and Krebs’ line mate was none other than Jack Quinn, indicating a potential Tuch-Krebs-Quinn line.

Interesting, to say the least. However, Quinn also teamed with Krebs and Zemgus Girgensons, stating a likely fourth line combo with Z lining alongside them.

The Buffalo Sabres are not afraid to try different lines and pairings

Tyson Kozak was on another line combo that jumped out at me, teaming with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner. And while it’s farfetched to believe Kozak will pair with them this season, or even play in the blue and gold come October, it may show a future line between the trio at a later date.

While the three aforementioned lines could be seen sometime down the road, the safer assumption, however, is that the Sabres want their star players comfortable playing with unfamiliar faces. We know the Skinner-Thompson-Tuch combo worked well last year, but let’s throw Kozak into the mix and see how they fare.

It also gives the younger prospects an opportunity to play alongside some of the best and most experienced players on the team. And while I believe my projection or something close to it will comprise the opening day roster, the multitude of combos further reveals that Don Granato and the Buffalo Sabres coaching staff aren’t afraid to experiment.

It will be intriguing to see if there will be any surprises on the opening day lineup and what the combos will look like starting tomorrow when the Sabres open their preseason in Washington.

Article Source: Sabres Notebook: Camp schedule takes a sharp turn this weekend by Mike Harrington