Buffalo Sabres training camp is nearing its end with the final two preseason games slated for this week, where we will see more of the regular roster.
After the Buffalo Sabres sent nearly two-dozen players to the Rochester Americans, several names will be fighting to hold onto a spot on the main lineup. And while big names like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin are safe, there are a few forwards, defensemen, and even a goaltender who must continue to improve if they want momentum heading into the regular season.
The names you will see below are all players who have shown they can play on the NHL roster. But because there is so much talent either at their level or even creeping up behind them, they need to enjoy a remarkable final week of camp to solidify that they deserve a spot.
Buffalo Sabres who must improve to end camp – J.J. Peterka
Don’t get me wrong; J.J. Peterka has had an excellent camp and a great preseason so far. He’s fast, and several times, the physical winger drove the puck well through the zones. Chances are, he will end up on the main roster, but he will need to play lights out this week to maximize his ice time starting October 13th.
The Sabres have several forwards who could easily wind up in Peterka’s spot that include Rasmus Asplund, Peyton Krebs, Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Anders Bjork. Peterka must prove he is the best, or one of the best of the lower bunch this week.
Player #2 – Jacob Bryson
Bryson was part of that team that lost big to the Columbus Blue Jackets last Wednesday and he did not look like one of the better defensemen on the roster. There are still several names in the rotation at Buffalo Sabres camp, and while Bryson will likely win the battle because of his experience, he needs to be the best lower-tier defenseman on the ice this week.
Names like Chase Priskie and Lawrence Pilut have played exceptionally well, and even if the duo open things up in Rochester, it would be a mistake if Bryson was not constantly looking over his shoulder. Rotation-wise, he is, at best, the sixth blue liner on the team.
Player #3 – Eric Comrie
While he allowed four goals, Comrie played a remarkable game last Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. But the emergence of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen should have definitely caught Comrie’s attention.
While Comrie figures to stick around the organization longer than Craig Anderson, the 41-year-old Anderson has an advantage as a mentor to the younger Sabres team. Odds are, Comrie and Anderson open the season as the goaltenders, with Luukkonen starting things off in Rochester.
But given how well Luukkonen has played, Comrie will need to be flawless in this final week of camp to show that the Sabres are making the right choice in entrusting him to man the net.