Top 3 Amerks who could be Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24

The Buffalo Sabres have a strong presence of prospects in Rochester. But there are three who could turn in the red for some gold next season. 

Last season, it was pretty much a given that Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka would join the Buffalo Sabres ranks in 2023-24. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was probably the strongest candidate in Rochester after them, and he’s since become a regular fixture in the lineup.

Further, Peyton Krebs and Mattias Samuelsson were basically prospects just a season ago, with outlets like The Athletic listing them as such in their preseason rankings. With the five names above having graduated to the NHL, will the Sabres get more pieces from Rochester next season?

The answer? You will see at least one, and perhaps more come over. So who are the top three prospects from the Amerks slated to break into the Sabres ranks next? Here are the top three names.

Amerks who could be Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24

1 – Jiri Kulich

With 35 points, in 49 games, Kulich continues to impress. His 17 goals are tied for second on the team with Brett Murray, and he’s just one shy of Linus Weissbach.

While he hasn’t been on the same kind of tear as Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka, Kulich has still shown more than enough to warrant serious interest to climb another rung. And as a former first round pick, he will likely receive precedent over the likes of Weissbach or Lukas Rousek.

So where would Kulich line up? He’s most likely going to supplant Victor Olofsson, or at least he should.

2 – Brandon Biro

Formerly an undrafted free agent, Buffalo unearthed a diamond in the rough with Biro. He was good last year and he caught my eye several times during the preseason, but his 50 points in 47 contests has been magnificent.

Case in point, it’s more than about time the Sabres start to consider Biro. This is a guy who multi-point games in six straight contests in December 2022, and he’s clearly been consistent all season. He may’ve been undrafted, but Biro’s playing like a former first round pick.

Some may claim there will be no room on the roster for Biro. But I disagree. Look for him to perhaps find a spot as a rotational piece going into 2023-24, basically serving in a Vinnie Hinostroza type of role.

3 – Brett Murray

I’ve been saying it for a while now, but Brett Murray could re-sign, then find himself in the Queen City if the Buffalo Sabres opt to let Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons walk. While many fans would love to see Buffalo keep one of the two, it comes down to whether the Sabres believe they have a younger prospect in Rochester capable of delivering a better performance.

And Murray could be that guy. He is a hitter, and he’s proven in Rochester that he can also be a sound scorer, with 34 points in 56 contests. And not just that, could you imagine a fourth line comprising Murray, Jordan Greenway, and Peyton Krebs?

If the Sabres gave this guy a look, he’d further erase their reputation of lacking physicality. Murray won’t bring the same high-octane edge as Kulich, but he will bring a physical one nonetheless.

(Statistics provided by Amerks.com)

Source: Sabres prospect Brandon Biro quietly becoming elite AHL talent with Amerks by Bill Hoppe, BuffaloHockeyBeat.com