The Buffalo Sabres need help in the defensive rotation for 2023-24 if they want to maximize their chances to snag the elusive playoff berth.
Defense is a primary area of concern for the Buffalo Sabres. While they have three top players in Mattias Samuelsson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Owen Power, a lot of mystery surrounds the rest of the rotation, and you can expect general manager Kevyn Adams to look outside the organization to find a suitable player to skate alongside Power.
Unlike the forwards, where there is a good deal of depth in the system, you can’t say the same regarding the defensemen. Most of their top prospects in Rochester will never see, or will rarely see, NHL ice, and their top prospect, Ryan Johnson, remains unsigned and he could be heading toward free agency.
So what is the overall state of the Blue and Gold’s defensive rotation both at the NHL level and below? Keep reading for more.
Analyzing the primary defensemen in the Buffalo Sabres system
Shoo-ins for 2023-24
Mattias Samuelsson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Owen Power will, when it’s all said and done, be part of the Buffalo Sabres lineup for as long as they want to play in the Queen City. Dahlin is an established two-way defenseman who will contend for the Norris Trophy for the next decade, while Power may be trotting right behind him.
Samuelsson doesn’t display a flashy style of play. He won’t score you points or give you much offensively, but no one helps the Blue and Gold win games more than he does. When Samuelsson is in the lineup, the Sabres are one of the NHL’s better teams and a legit playoff contender.
Contrary to my claim that they ‘may’ be back in 2023-24, it’s almost a given that Henri Jokiharju and Ilya Lyubushkin will return. However, Jokiharju needs to step up his game if he plans on sticking around in 2024-25 and beyond, while Lyubushkin could move on to another organization regardless.
Mysteries
I also see Riley Stillman getting another chance. However, since general manager Kevyn Adams will bring in someone to help man the top four, Stillman will likely start the season off as the extra skater, but he may need to fend off competition.
Kale Clague outplayed Jacob Bryson, but right now, it’s a mystery of whether either will return to the organization. Buffalo could cut ties with Bryson when eligible, while they could hang onto Clague, where he will be, at worst, play in Rochester.
Top Prospects
Lawrence Pilut returned from a stint in Russia and saw action in 17 games. He didn’t show enough to stay in the NHL, but he could re-sign to provide depth and remain in Rochester.
The Buffalo Sabres also acquired Joseph Cecconi and Austin Strand via trades, and both could be back for the Amerks next season. Buffalo also signed Jeremy Davies, and he saw time in one NHL game for the Sabres. Like the others listed, he too would need to re-sign and fill the rotation in Rochester.
Ryan Johnson, at this point, is the top defensive prospect, and the clock is ticking as to whether he signs. Right now, we don’t know what’s going on with him, but if he doesn’t sign with the Blue and Gold, I’m not sure what his thought process is. He has a clear pathway to the NHL in Buffalo, but perhaps he’s thinking differently.
Source: Inside the Sabres: Analyzing the depth chart and where GM Kevyn Adams will add this summer by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com