Now that the Rochester Americans season is over, let’s talk about why a few of their players can find a spot on the Buffalo Sabres roster for 2023.
The Buffalo Sabres have more than a few prospects in the system who are capable of playing in the NHL. The problem, however, is if they bring back the likes of Zemgus Girgensons and Tyson Jost, then chances are, they will only have one slot open, which would be an extra at forward.
However, if they either a) don’t bring back both Girgensons and Jost, or b) move Victor Olofsson, then a few more openings emerge, granting a few prospects the chance to work their way into the NHL ranks. One notable prospect is Isak Rosen.
Why Isak Rosen can earn a spot on the Buffalo Sabres
1 – He would fill a potential need
We all believe the Buffalo Sabres will do all they can to move Victor Olofsson in the near future, meaning a potential void will open at winger on the third line. In Rochester, Rosen showed us time and again that he can position himself well and log shots on goal from the circle, something Buffalo will need next season if they trade Olofsson.
Rosen would be one of several prospects looking to earn the job. And he would need to beat out the likes of Jiri Kulich and perhaps even Lukas Rousek. Matt Savoie could even contend for the job if he ends up having a strong camp.
2 – Rosen plays a sound two-way game
One reason Victor Olofsson is, or will be, on the trade block is that he can do little more than score goals. And while scoring more than the other team is the only way to win in the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres have so many sound scorers, it does little (if any) harm to part ways with Olofsson, who found the back of the net 28 times last year.
Buffalo also wants someone who can do more than just score from the circle, something Rosen proved he can do this past season. Having shown the ability to create turnovers, use his speed on the back check, and provide pressure, Rosen’s two-way game adds a dimension that the Sabres didn’t get from Olofsson.
3 – Toughness
One knock on Rosen has been his overall lack of size. And the 20-year-old is listed at 5’11, 174lb on Elite Prospects, causing many fans to believe he couldn’t handle the rigors of the NHL.
But following the six-game series vs. the Bears, that narrative should change, as it seemed like Rosen was on the receiving end of a massive hit every time you turned around. This shows us the sheer level of toughness Rosen displays, and in the NHL, it’s a requirement.
Source: Hamilton Take 2: Sabres’ young players will benefit from lengthy AHL playoff run by Paul Hamilton, WGRZ.com