Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt enjoyed a remarkable breakout season in 2022-23. Which player is likely to have the same experience next year?
This past season, Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt, for now at least, removed the bust label and enjoyed what many have called a breakout campaign, posting 15 goals, 44 assists, and 59 points. He will help fuel the third line in 2023-24, and he even showed that, in the event of an injury, he can play on the top scoring line.
Sabres coach Don Granato and his staff could have easily done away with Mittelstadt, stowing him into the press box on most nights, and calling him a failed project. But the coach didn’t quit, and Mittelstadt finally resembles a former eighth overall pick.
Now that we’re firmly entrenched in the offseason, and although training camp is still a solid four months away, the question swirling in everyone’s mind is, who could be next season’s version of Casey Mittelstadt? After looking at the roster, there is only one clear-cut answer.
Buffalo Sabres coaching staff can transform Jordan Greenway
The Buffalo Sabres acquired Jordan Greenway in a trade near the deadline in March, but he hasn’t done much to prove that he was worth trading a second and fifth round pick for. He never seemed to find a permanent home in the lineup, but he also seemed to be dealing with an injury that could have stagnated his game.
While Greenway had four goals in 17 contests, plus a solid 28 hits and 13 blocks in 14:03 of average total ice time, the winger struggled overall. His presence at 5-on-5 didn’t generate a lot of shots taken – 45.7% Corsi and Fenwick, respectively, and the Sabres on-ice save percentage was a meager 88.3 when he was on the ice.
For context, his Corsi and Fenwick numbers are similar to those of Mittelstadt’s in 2019-20, and 2020-21. Compared to the Sabres lower liners from this year, they were also the worst by roughly 3% or more. But again, it’s still important to remember that we’re looking at a 17-game sample size, so I’m not putting too much stock into them.
Further, Granato was admittedly a fan of Greenway, and the coach wanted him in the Queen City. That said, you can expect Granato and his staff to use the “never give up” approach with Greenway, similar to the one used with Mittelstadt this past season, for 2023-24. So if there is one player more capable of breaking out than any other this coming season, it’s Jordan Greenway.
Source: Casey Mittelstadt rewards Sabres’ faith with breakout year: ‘Sense of loyalty’ by Bill Hoppe, BuffaloHockeyBeat.com
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)