The Buffalo Sabres hit their infamous wall. But don’t fear, there are three prospects who might help them break that barrier in the not-so-distant future.
I think, in the true realm of things, many of us forgot the Buffalo Sabres were still in development mode this season. Hanging around the wild card race was fun (and by all technicality, they’re still in that race), but with a gauntlet of games vs. some of the NHL’s best coupled with injuries, it’s going to be a tough outing for any team.
No, we weren’t expecting the 10-4 debacle a few nights back when the Sabres completely forgot that defense is an integral part of the game. But we knew by looking at the schedule and overall state of the team health-wise, it was going to be a challenge. But, there are a few prospects who will be joining this group sometime between next year and 2025-26 who will take our Sabres a step further. Let’s meet them.
Top 3 Buffalo Sabres prospects you should be excited for
1 – Matt Savoie, Winnipeg Ice
We didn’t know if Matt Savoie was going to repeat the success he enjoyed last season. But through 57 games, he’s had a remarkable 86 points, 35 goals, and 51 assists. With just a few contests left in the regular season, he’s on pace for 96, and is a legitimate threat to break the 100-point barrier.
He’s also been beyond sensational recently. Just check out what Scott Wheeler had to say in the Tweet below.
Matthew Savoie (BUF) has caught fire. A sixth consecutive multi-point game on Friday. Totals during this heater: 6GP, 6G, 11A, 17PTS, +12, 32SOG.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) March 11, 2023
One of the best stretches of play by a non-Bedard player in the WHL this season.
If you’re a fan of the Buffalo Sabres this has to get you pumped. Savoie is playing like an NHL-ready player and there might just be room on the roster for him next season if Buffalo opts not to keep Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo around.
2 – Devon Levi, Northeastern
Note, that the Number 2 beside Devon Levi’s name is not a ranking, as I listed these prospects in no particular order. Yesterday, Levi was honored as Hockey East’s Goaltender of the Year for the second time in as many seasons. So he’s got yet another relic to add to his trophy case.
More hardware for Devon Levi.
— Jourdon LaBarber (@JourdonLaBarber) March 10, 2023
Hockey East Goaltender of the Year in back-to-back seasons 🏆🏆 https://t.co/OWZpB6hMeu
While Levi’s numbers aren’t as elite as they were last season, they are still among the NCAA’s best, with a GAA of 2.25, plus 0.932 save percentage. His ability to basically repeat what he accomplished last season is one of a few reasons you saw general manager Kevyn Adams ship Erik Portillo to the Los Angeles Kings system.
3 – Jiri Kulich, Rochester Americans
Last season, then-Buffalo Sabres prospects Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka crushed it in Rochester. This year, it’s Jiri Kulich, who’s pretty much shined regardless of whether he was in Rochester or playing in the World Juniors.
So far in Rochester. Kulich has amassed 35 points, 17 goals, and 18 assists. He’s on pace to record 49 points, 24 goals, and 25 assists in 64 games. And if there is any prospect on this list who has the best chance of breaking into the Sabres lineup next year, it’s Kulich.
This is a player who has yet to slow down, and he’s going to be beyond fun to watch once he gets some NHL experience. If that comes next season, expect some growing pains, but you can also expect steady progression.
(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)