Ranking the Buffalo Sabres defensemen after Johnson, Clifton signings
By Sion Fawkes
Now that Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton are officially Buffalo Sabres, we need to re-rank the Blue and Gold’s defensemen for 2023.
Nine weeks ago, I ranked the Buffalo Sabres blueliners about a month after the 2022-23 NHL Season. But now that the Sabres signed a pair of dynamic D-men to the lineup, a re-ranking is in order.
Below, you will meet all 10 defensemen with the organization who played in a game for the Blue and Gold last season. Where do Johnson and Clifton rank in the hierarchy? Keep reading to find out.
Re-ranking the Buffalo Sabres defensemen for 2023-24
10- Jeremy Davies
Previous Rank: N/A
Jeremy Davies suited up for one game in 2022-23, and a strong showing in the Calder Cup Playoffs made me believe he deserves another chance with the organization and clearly, the front office agreed. At this point, however, he’s nothing more than insurance if injuries strike the Sabres rotation.
10 – Jacob Bryson
Previous Rank: 8
Jacob Bryson did hardly anything this past season to give us hope he could be a long-term fixture with the organization. Despite enjoying a solid leap in 2021-22, his regression in 2022-23, plus the signings of Johnson and Clifton tell me his days are numbered in Buffalo.
9 – Kale Clague
Previous Ranking: 6
Kale Clague re-signed with the Sabres on July 4th, and at times, he overshadowed Jacob Bryson during the 2022-23 season. However, Clague is likely another odd man out, and won’t see time in the Queen City this season barring a rash of injuries. He will provide a veteran presence in Rochester, along with Jeremy Davies.
8 – Riley Stillman
Previous Rank: 7
Despite bringing a more physical edge to the Buffalo Sabres blue line late last season, Riley Stillman still struggled when given ice time. However, I’ve recently given him the edge over Henri Jokiharju in my most recent lineup prediction based on the fact he’s part of the current regime’s additions, and that will play a role when it comes to the front office and coaching staff deciding who stays and who they deal elsewhere.
7 – Henri Jokiharju
Previous Rank: 5
This time last year, Henri Jokiharju was someone we hoped would develop into a solid piece on the top four alongside Owen Power. But he never hit his stride and could be dealt to another team in the near-future.