3 Amerks who could wind up on the Buffalo Sabres roster full-time

On Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres made roster cuts and predictably, most on the fringe end got their assignment to play in Rochester. 

Last season, three players who started the season in Rochester or started there via trade ended up becoming a force or at least a viable talent on the Buffalo Sabres. Mattias Samuelsson, Casey Fitzgerald, and Peyton Krebs all remained on the main roster during the second half of the season and played well enough to have either earned a spot or strong consideration in 2022-23.

So who has the best chance of winding up in the blue and gold at some point this year? The following players showed immense talent and playmaking ability at the Prospects Challenge and during camp, and they can easily see significant playing time in the Queen City.

Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch: Player #1 – Linus Weissbach

I seriously thought Weissbach would get one more preseason game considering how well he played dating back to mid-September. While he didn’t always follow through with his scoring opportunities, his sheer ability to create chances either for himself or teammates caught my eye.

A smaller player who isn’t afraid to get aggressive, Weissbach could find himself as one of the first if not the first call up should injuries strike at forward. Given his drive, don’t expect him to relinquish his opportunity if and when he’s given one.

This is the second time Weissbach has appeared on one of my lists, with the first coming a few days back when I speculated three late-round picks to see time in Buffalo. Weissbach has also built sound chemistry with the Sabres regulars in camp, which lets him check off another box.

Player #2 – Brett Murray

Murray was one of many Amerks last season who saw extended playing time on the Buffalo Sabres roster, but he never made it permanent. This season, he wanted to change that narrative, but came up short.

One thing Murray has going for him is that he is a physical player who can produce even when relegated to the fourth line. There is a lot to like about Murray, but with the presence of several veterans manning the fourth line and extra skater positions this season, there simply wasn’t room to keep him around.

However, if the Sabres wind up selling at the deadline and trading a few vets, don’t be surprised if Murray finishes the season wearing blue and gold.

Player #3 – Tyson Kozak

No one has developed faster in the Buffalo Sabres organization this season than Tyson Kozak. And while there was no way he would see time in the blue and gold to start off the year, his rapid development tells me he will earn a spot on the lower lines in more than a fair share of games considering that development continues.

Formerly a seventh-round pick in 2021, Kozak looked destined to return to his WHL team, the Portland Winterhawks. But after several outstanding performances in the Prospects Challenge and preseason, he rightfully earned his spot in Rochester. A few more will catapult him into Buffalo should the Sabres find room for him.