Casey Mittelstadt making case to stay with Buffalo Sabres long-term

Buffalo Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt is coming off yet another solid performance, and he’s once again making the case to remain in the Queen City.

The doubters went from, “he needs to go,” to “he’s increasing his trade value.” Listen, this has definitely been a polarizing topic for fans, but as it stands, right now, Casey Mittelstadt is going to be with the Buffalo Sabres long-term.

It makes zero sense to be so critical of the former first round pick, and those who are looking for ways to justify such criticism are likely in that cluster of the fanbase who are unhappy unless they have something to castigate about this hockey team. And since Mittelstadt underperformed for most of his time here, it’s easy to pick on him, even after he played a crucial part in delivering the Sabres yet another nail-biting win.

Mittelstadt scored the game-tying goal last night, and the game-winner in the shootout to guarantee the Sabres at least 24 more hours in the playoff race. Sure, Devon Levi was the First Star, but Mittelstadt’s surge has also played a crucial role in putting Buffalo in this position.

Will Casey Mittelstadt keep making the case to stay with the Buffalo Sabres?

As it stands, Mittelstadt has one more year left on his contract, before he becomes a restricted free agent (RFA). This gives the Sabres an opportunity to see if Mittelstadt can repeat what has been so far another remarkable turnaround in recent memory.

Last season, the Sabres saw something in a similar capacity regarding Tage Thompson, who, prior to 2021-22, never had over 14 points in a season, before he erupted for 68, and finally, 93 this year. And before you call me out on it, yes, I realize they are two different types of players, and there are stark discrepancies in their game.

But that’s beside the point. As it stands, the odds for Mittelstadt returning beyond 2023-24 are in his favor. Sure, he needs to repeat, and ideally, augment his performance. And when he does, it should surprise none of us – we saw it happen this season with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner, both of whom struggled in recent seasons before they posted solid, and subsequently, elite or near-elite numbers.

With an influx of talent fighting its way onto the main roster, it’s also no secret Mittelstadt will face some competition. But if he’s still the “hot hand,” then you roll with him until someone’s play supersedes his.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

Source: Observations: Sabres stay alive in playoff chase with shootout win over Rangers by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com