Buffalo Sabres Ultimate Player Rankings: Players 15-11

The Buffalo Sabres have a few middle of the road players they’d love to see keep trending north in 2023-24. So who snagged a spot between 11 and 15?

The Buffalo Sabres finally have talent all over the roster, so even those I ranked in the lower tiers bring value, or will bring value, to the team. Now that we’re in the middle tiers, every player listed below did more than their part to help the Blue and Gold snatch 91 points this season, and it’s realistic that they will all return for 2023-24.

Sho who cracked the top fifteen? Keep reading to find out.

Buffalo Sabres Ultimate Player Rankings – No.s 15-11

15 – Devon Levi

If there is one player on this list set to skyrocket, it’s Devon Levi. And although he finished the year 5-2-0, with a 0.905 save percentage and a 2.94 GAA, the truth is, we still haven’t seen Levi play a full NHL season. Therefore, he must earn the Rite of Passage to break into the top ten, but I can see that happening this time next year.

14 – Zemgus Girgensons

With just 18 points in 80 games, former first round pick Zemgus Girgensons will never be a scorer. But he doesn’t have to be. Girgensons is a high-energy, physical player who could once again return to the fourth line if general manager Kevyn Adams keeps him around next season, though he could also sidle in as an extra skater.

13 – Tyson Jost

Tyson Jost, like Girgensons, is a former first round pick who will never be a star. But he’s effective on the penalty kill, despite relinquishing his spot on the primary unit this past season to Peyton Krebs, and he’s good on the forecheck. Jost isn’t a flashy player, but his contributions helped the Blue and Gold enjoy their best season since their previous playoff appearance.

12 – Ilya Lyubushkin

When Ilya Lyubushkin is 100%, he’s one of the league’s most physical players. If he finds a permanent place on the third pairing next season and stays healthy, look for him to be even more of a physical presence in 2023-24. Like other players on this list, he doesn’t do much in the way of scoring, but he helps this team win nonetheless.

11 – J.J. Peterka

J.J. Peterka had just 32 points in 77 contests, but I’m looking for that number to increase substantially next season. Starting in late February, Peterka started giving himself remarkable looks, especially near the circle. Expect that trend to continue.

Overall, the Buffalo Sabres have a few players here who will be trending north and perhaps cracking the top ten following the 2023-24 season, especially Levi and Peterka. Jost is likely to remain in the middle, assuming he re-signs, and if Lyubushkin puts up a strong campaign, perhaps he also stays long-term.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)