3 late-round picks who will see time with the Buffalo Sabres in 2022

The Buffalo Sabres are off to a remarkable start in preseason, and their prospect pool is once again proving they are among the league’s best.

The Buffalo Sabres have a problem, but it is about the best problem one could have, and an issue all 32 NHL teams want: Their prospect pool is so good that there won’t be room for all of them to make the active roster. 

But that doesn’t mean they won’t see a few games in the blue and gold this season. Each prospect listed below has proven so far they deserve at least a little time on NHL ice when the games do count. While there are a few prospects that fit this list, here are three that caught my eye last night.

Brandon Biro putting the Buffalo Sabres on notice

Technically an undrafted free agent, no one impressed more than Biro, who bolted up the ice while simultaneously snagging a pass from Lukas Rousek and driving the puck into the net. It was a play you see seasoned NHL veterans make, not a former undrafted rookie with just 13:30 of total NHL ice time.

But Biro wasn’t done. He found himself on the circle with an open lane between three Flyers. Biro must have a sixth sense, because, there was no way he could have seen a fourth Flyer approaching from behind, ready to steal the puck.

Less than a fraction of a second before that Flyer defender put himself in position to make a play, Biro shot from just beyond the circle and scored after the shot deflected off of Alex Tuch. Biro impressed last season in Rochester, and a few more plays like that will warrant more time in Buffalo.

Lukas Rousek continuing uphill climb

Rousek started turning heads late last season during the Calder Cup Playoffs and he continued that trend throughout development camp, the Prospects Challenge, and now, the preseason. He directly contributed to Biro’s score in the first period, finding a slim window between two Flyers to relay the puck to an open Biro.

Since the Prospects Challenge, Rousek has made several plays along the boards, with the Biro assist being his latest. He also had a similar assist during the Challenge when he passed to Ethan Ritchie, who drove it home on a one-timer.

Linus Weissbach keeping pace with Skinner, Thompson

Weissbach impressed me when he made it clear he wanted to be a member of the Buffalo Sabres main roster. Last night against Philadelphia, he did himself plenty of favors. Like Rousek, Weissbach also stood out during the Prospects Challenge.

However, a player of Weissbach’s caliber was supposed to be one of the best on the ice two weeks ago. My big question was how he would fare against better NHL-caliber talent and he played quite well so far. His breakaway against Philadelphia nearly found twine, and he was also responsible for disrupting a would-be scoring play on the backcheck.

While late-round picks and undrafted free agents have a tougher time getting noticed and making it to the NHL. Biro, Rousek, and Weissbach are definite exceptions to that rule. Another late-round pick who will see time in the blue and gold as early as this season will be Tyson Kozak, who had Tuesday night off.

Article Source: Biro, Rousek deliver on offense in victory over Flyers by Jourdon LaBarber