Analyzing the Buffalo Sabres forwards for 2023-24 (Position of Strength)
The Buffalo Sabres had among the best forwards in 2022-23, a far cry from what they were when training camp rolled around in 2021.
Unlike my forwards rankings, this list goes beyond the NHL level and dips into the prospects pool. While we know more about the state of the forwards than we do the defensive rotation and goaltenders – to some degree – there is still some mystery surrounding what the unit will look like when the puck drops roughly six months from now.
So what do we know about this position group heading into next season, and what questions need to be answered? Keep reading for a full breakdown.
Analyzing notable forwards in the Buffalo Sabres system
Shoo-Ins for 2023-24
Obviously, Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch will headline the unit once again. They were the most productive scorers in the lineup, and you can only expect them to get better as the team improves as a unit.
You also have the center position as a whole locked down, since Dylan Cozens, Casey Mittelstadt, and Peyton Krebs could line up behind Tage. At winger, Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka saw their ups and downs, but they both dramatically improved as the season reached its twilight phase.
Will Trend North
Jordan Greenway struggled, despite scoring four goals in 17 contests. But at this point, he’s no more than a fourth liner/extra skater, the latter of which is where I put him in my latest 2023-24 projections.
Why trending north, you may ask? This is the kind of player head coach Don Granato can really work with. Give Greenway a full offseason and camp, and he might turn into a more serviceable player.
Mysteries
Tyson Jost is only here because he’s a pending RFA. I fully expect him to return and to perhaps bump down to the fourth line, potentially kicking out to winger or maybe even swapping positions with Krebs. Victor Olofsson doesn’t become a UFA until 2024-25, but he’s likely done as a Sabre, barring something unforeseen.
Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons are UFAs, but they could both wind up in a Buffalo Sabres uniform again next season. They were both serviceable fourth liners last year, but they could serve more in a part-time role for 2023-24 if they return.
Brett Murray and Linus Weissbach are a couple of top prospects who I’ve bumped up into this category since they are also RFAs. Murray could actually get a look as a fourth liner or an extra skater if he re-signs, but Weissbach will have his work cut out for him.
Top Prospects
Starting at center, we got Matt Savoie as the likeliest candidate to jump to the NHL. However, since there’s a potential logjam at the position, he could kick out to winger.
Noah Ostlund is another center to watch, though there won’t be any room for him to jump to the Sabres roster in 2023-24, and he’ll likely stay in Sweden. Brandon Biro could have been the top forward prospect this season, but the former undrafted free agent has struggled with injuries, which hurts his stock.
As for winger, Jiri Kulich is another one who could easily take over for Olofsson. And as was the case with Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka this past season, it wouldn’t surprise me if he and Savoie eventually played on the same line – likely the third line for the time being.
Lukas Rousek is another possibility to take over, and my latest lineup projection actually has him holding a slight edge over Kulich. However, a rumor is brewing that he may head back to Europe, but at this point, it holds little if any water.
Related Story. Ranking the Buffalo Sabres goaltenders from 2022-23. light
Isak Rosen’s stock has been rising in the prospects pool, though barring a remarkable camp, it’s tough to envision him coming to the Buffalo Sabres main roster next year. Expect him to potentially become the top prospect at forward next season if Savoie, Rousek, AND Kulich end up making the jump.
Source: Inside the Sabres: Analyzing the depth chart and where GM Kevyn Adams will add this summer by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com.
(Contract information provided by Cap Friendly, statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)