The Buffalo Sabres have a good deal of high end prospects down in Rochester. But the following three may graduate to the NHL.
The Buffalo Sabres may have set their opening night roster, but you can expect a plethora of changes throughout the tumultuous 2022-23 NHL Season. While it’s true the Sabres have a few exciting players in Rochester this year who shouldn’t see any more than a cameo in the NHL, there are plenty more that may be ready to see extended playing time this season.
The following three players comprise one forward, a defenseman, and one goaltender. Keep reading for a breakdown on three remarkable sleepers who might just see extended playing time on the Sabres roster in the not-so-distant future.
1 – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will see at least 15 games with the Buffalo Sabres
Luukkonen had a remarkable preseason and camp, and his “demotion” to Rochester is merely an assignment to get some much-needed reps. I felt it could be possible that the Sabres sacrifice a roster spot for Luukkonen, but at the end of the day, they want him to start in Rochester, and it’s easy to see why.
That said, don’t expect the assignment to last forever. Luukkonen gave us 56 saves out of 60 shots on goal, good for a 0.933 save percentage, 2.00 GAA, and a 2-0 record. He also looked leaner and more mobile than he had in years’ past, which undoubtedly helped his cause. If injuries or inconsistencies plague the goaltenders, Luukkonen will get his call-up.
2 – Lawrence Pilut is the next man up
For one wild moment, I thought the Buffalo Sabres would send Casey Fitzgerald to the AHL and Pilut would stick around. The Swedish defenseman gave the team three assists and he always seemed to position himself well.
Like Luukkonen, Pilut is in Rochester simply because there is no room for him currently. Look for more than a fair share of good showings, and for Pilut to return to the NHL sometime this season. Especially if Jacob Bryson or Casey Fitzgerald struggle.
3 – Brett Murray is better than Anders Bjork
I’ve said it a million times: I have absolutely no clue what the Buffalo Sabres see in Anders Bjork. When I watch hockey games, I try not to zero in on anyone until they give me a reason to. That reason could be good or bad, and Bjork was so bad it was impossible to look away when he hit the ice.
Murray is a faster, more aggressive player who can actually put up his fair share of points and could replace Bjork in a heartbeat. He will never be all-world, but he showed productivity during his 19 games last season, mainly on the fourth line. Overall, Murray gives the Sabres a much better option than Bjork would ever hope to bring.
Article Source: Sabres Notebook: The roster is set as Pilut and Luukkonen head to Rochester by Lance Lysowski