The Buffalo Sabres have quite a few defensemen signed with the organization in the prospects pool. Where do they rank for 2023-24?
The Buffalo Sabres don’t have a huge influx of blueliners in the prospects pool that are actually signed with the organization. Therefore, you will likely see this list grow as the likes of Mats Lindgren, Maxim Strbak, and Gavin McCarthy, among others sign their respective ELCs should they choose to become an official part of the organization.
Given the small number, I decided to include all the non-roster names listed on Cap Friendly, so you will see players ranked on here who I otherwise wouldn’t list as prospects given their age and in some cases, NHL experience. So how do the non-roster players stack up against one another? Keep reading for more.
Who is the best Buffalo Sabres blueliner prospect signed with the organization?
1 – Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson is one reason the Buffalo Sabres didn’t need to go out and sign a big-name blueliner. While it’s technically true they could always trade for an established piece, the 21-year-old Johnson could be ready for the NHL come 2024-25, depending on how well he adjusts in the AHL.
2 – Nikita Novikov
Nikita Novikov was so impressive following development camp, I listed him as a prospect to watch following the event. If he adjusts to the North American style quickly, Novikov could find himself neck-and-neck with Johnson in these rankings.
3 – Vsevolod Komarov
Vsevolod Komarov just added a Memorial Cup to his resume this past season. He won’t turn 20 until January, so he’s back in the QMJHL for another year before he’s eligible to hit AHL ice. However, since Komarov spent the last two seasons in Canada, he already has ample experience in the North American game.
4 – Kale Clague
Kale Clague isn’t necessarily a prospect, but he will return to Rochester this season given the sudden influx in the Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation, so he’s listed along with Joseph Cecconi and Jeremy Davies. We also know his ceiling as a professional hockey player is as a fringe third pairing, extra skater, which bumps him to fourth in these rankings.
5 – Joseph Cecconi
An older player, Joseph Cecconi is also likely in the same position as Clague – a high-end AHL player will, at most, see limited time in the NHL. He was impressive during the Calder Cup Playoffs, which states Cecconi can at least transform into a star at the AHL level.
6 – Jeremy Davies
Jeremy Davies also looked good during the playoffs, and it’s likely what earned him another season in the Buffalo Sabres system. Davies is in the same position as Clague and Cecconi in terms of his overall ceiling.
Overall, the Buffalo Sabres have three primary prospects signed with them on the blue line who could wind up playing in the Queen City regularly in time. Clague, Cecconi, and Davies are basically auditioning for the NHL’s other 31 teams this season, and they could eventually catch on with someone in rebuilding mode in the future.