Buffalo Sabres: One bold prediction for each rookie in 2023
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres currently have four rookies on the roster. Each had their moments in 2022, so what will 2023 look like? Let’s talk about it.
The Buffalo Sabres have seen some decent production from their rookies, especially that Kid Line, comprising J.J. Peterka and Jack Quinn. And while none of the four rookies on the roster have been all-world, they definitely belong in the NHL.
So what can we expect from them between January and April 2023? Here is one bold prediction for Quinn, Peterka, Owen Power, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
1 – Jack Quinn scores 12 more goals
Currently, Quinn has six goals, 11 assists, and 17 points. He struggled early, but the winger also showed he can adapt quickly to the NHL game. That said, I’m looking for him to turn things up a notch from midseason and onward. He will double his goal total, and for the fun of it, I’ll predict he will also threaten to double his assists. I’m looking for 18 goals, 22 assists, and 40 points overall.
2 – J.J. Peterka finishes the season with 50 points
If there is one thing I love about Peterka, it’s that he is good at finding scoring chances for himself and for teammates. Sooner than later, you will see more of those chances go his way. Although he has ground to make up with just 17 points in 35 games, look for Peterka to figure things out when March rolls around and embark on a hot streak.
3 – Owen Power finishes with 110 blocks
Power has 42 blocks in 32 games, putting him on pace for 104. That said, Power is rarely caught out of position. His presence will continue to frustrate opposing forwards, and his nose for the puck will also generate scoring chances for teammates.
4 – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen snags the starting goaltender gig
Luukkonen isn’t just improving; he is busy posting some legendary performances. His numbers still aren’t great, thanks to his awful stretch to begin his stint with the Buffalo Sabres this season. But given the improvement he has shown, look for Luukkonen to get better and ultimately solidify himself as this team’s starting goaltender.
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It may not happen immediately, but by the end of the season, expect Luukkonen to be in the net for the majority of games over Craig Anderson and Eric Comrie. If he keeps up his stellar play, I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened closer to February/March.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
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