The Buffalo Sabres have finished their first week of camp and a few ultra-motivated players have made their presence felt.
Training camp remains young, but we have a bit of leeway in what’s been going on at Buffalo Sabres camp. As always, there are surprises and you can bet there will be more. And if you paid close attention, you know there have been a few unlikely standouts.
Those standouts will be worth watching throughout camp and the preseason when they see some ice time. Who are my top three? Check them out below.
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Buffalo Sabres standouts to watch: Player #1 – Casey Mittelstadt
A healthy Casey Mittelstadt is just a different type of player. So far in camp, he’s separated himself from coverage and has played well with both Kyle Okposo and most notably, Matt Savoie. Of course, as the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, everyone will be watching Savoie.
But when you shift your eyes his way, you may want to keep a closer eye on Mittelstadt. The duo will likely work together for as long as Savoie remains in Buffalo for camp. Mittelstadt has also created numerous opportunities for himself in these early stages, looking solidify his spot as the second line center.
Player #2 – Spencer Sova
Sova enjoyed a good Prospects Challenge last week and now he’s looking for a contract. Overall, players like Sova are among the most intriguing to watch in camp because they are facing make-it-or-break-it moments in their careers.
Fortunately for Sova, he is just 18 and has a few more years to snag a contract. But he’s looking to get a deal done this season. So far, he’s been one of the sharpest tryout players on the ice for the Buffalo Sabres, and if he translates that success into a game situation multiple times, the organization may just take a flier on him.
Player #3 – Ilya Lyubushkin
For months, we thought Mattias Samuelsson was a shoo-in to team with Rasmus Dahlin on the first pairing. However, Lyubushkin, an RHD, has been getting his chance to show that he deserves a spot on the first.
My projection is that we will see Samuelsson wind up pairing with Dahlin, given the duo’s ability to play both sides of the ice and familiarity. However, this is worth keeping an eye on as preseason progresses.
Article Source: Observations: Zemgus Girgensons, Rasmus Aspund candidates to play center by Lance Lysowski