Respected network’s recent grade gives Buffalo Sabres hope

The Buffalo Sabres may not have made the playoffs in 2022-23, but their performance last season has created a stir in the hockey world. 

Adam Proteau of The Hockey News gave the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres a solid ‘B’ when grading their performance from last season. They cited a mind-boggling statistic as part of their grade, one that included the following:

• 149 goals and 323 points from their top four forwards (Skinner, Tage, Tuch, and Cozens)

Offensively, it shows that the Sabres are set, and the statistics shown above don’t count productive players like Casey Mittelstadt, Jack Quinn, and J.J. Peterka. Mittelstadt broke out last season and was the team’s fifth-leading scorer while Quinn and Peterka can take another step in Year 2 of their respective carers.

Buffalo Sabres productivity, depth, cap space likely reasons for positive grade

When you have forwards who are more than capable of putting up big games night in and night out and that productivity could trickle down to your third line this season, you know you’re going to be a dangerous unit offensively. Enter a prospect who can replace Victor Olofsson on the right wing and the first three lines could be among the NHL’s most dangerous for a long, long time.

Two other players we can’t forget about are Jordan Greenway and Peyton Krebs. Krebs’ presence on the fourth line should help create plenty of scoring opportunities for the top two lines, and Greenway’s physicality and efficacy in transition should also help keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Of course, despite the sound offense, Proteau didn’t give the Buffalo Sabres a perfect grade. They did cite the Blue and Gold’s poor defense as being in need of a major upgrade, which is something just about every fan can agree on. Proteau also touched on the fact that Buffalo also needs a solid goaltender, mentioning the aging but productive Semyon Varlamov as a potential fit.

Overall, the Sabres offensive identity has created shockwaves throughout the NHL universe, and it seems as though outlets everywhere are taking notice. Although Proteau stressed the Blue and Gold must acquire an experienced blueliner and goaltender, they also had this to say:

"“Once they add a goalie and another D-man, the Sabres will make that next step in the competitive cycle and assure their fans that NHL playoff hockey will take place in Upstate New York for the next decade or longer. ” – via The Hockey News"

If that’s not an enticing endorsement, then I don’t know what is. Look for general manager Kevyn Adams to do his due diligence over the next few weeks, bringing on some experience at both positions. When he does, there is going to be more excitement for hockey in the Queen City than there has been in a long, long time.

Source: 2023 NHL OFF-SEASON OUTLOOK: BUFFALO SABRES HAVE BETTER DAYS AHEAD – AGAIN by Adam Proteau, TheHockeyNews.com