Top 10 forward prospects signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2023
The Buffalo Sabres have a few notable forwards in the prospects pool for 2023-24. So who are the top 10 signed to the Blue and Gold?
Last week, we ranked the Buffalo Sabres top ten overall prospects, regardless of whether they signed with the organization. This time around, we’re ranking each prospect at their individual position AND only if they’re signed to at least an ELC with the Blue and Gold. Therefore, you won’t see 2023 first round pick Zach Benson on the list below, or second round pick Anton Wahlberg.
Most of those listed below are also in Rochester, though I have a few outliers, like Noah Ostlund. The list is also based on several criteria, as I’ve taken into account NHL experience, how likely a player is to make the NHL, age, and overall potential.
So who takes the top spot in today’s list? Keep reading to find out.
Best forward prospects signed with the Buffalo Sabres
1 – Lukas Rousek
With two NHL games under his belt, Lukas Rousek is one of just a pair of prospects on this list with NHL experience. He also shined in his two appearances. And with the lineup shuffling following Jack Quinn’s injury, Rousek has an excellent chance of finding a spot on the roster AND playing ample minutes if he picks up where he left off.
2 – Jiri Kulich
Jiri Kulich’s performance during the season and in the playoffs will force the Buffalo Sabres to give him a look. And if 2023-24 were a transition season, I’d be all for him getting the nod over Rousek. But in a year when fans and the NHL universe expect playoffs, Rousek would get the nod over Kulich.
3 – Matt Savoie
Don’t be surprised if Matt Savoie makes the Buffalo Sabres roster purely so they can shuffle the 19-year-old to the AHL for a handful of games to give him more experience. Savoie looked so-so at best during his two-game stint with Rochester, and he needs to add strength before he plans on seeing NHL, or even AHL ice full-time.
4 – Isak Rosen
Now that he’s acclimated to the North American style, Isak Rosen could turn in a big season in 2023-24. He’s still not big or strong enough for a full-time spot on the Sabres roster, but after watching him in the playoffs, it could be the only thing holding him back.
5 – Tyson Kozak
In my Lineup Projection 5.0, I slated Tyson Kozak as the fourth line center purely because I bumped Peyton Krebs to the third line and Casey Mittelstadt to the second line winger to compensate for Jack Quinn. But given his ability to win faceoffs, look good on the penalty kill, and get physical with opponents, Kozak would bring value to the Blue and Gold’s roster.
6 – Filip Cederqvist
High motor, high energy, never give up attitude – those are just a few ways to describe Filip Cederqvist’s game. If he keeps that up in 2023-24, he’s going to receive a lot of attention. At this point, I have no doubt that Cederqvist will turn in a stellar season.
7 – Noah Ostlund
This should be Noah Ostlund’s final season in Sweden. And while he’s incredible at passing and creating opportunities, I see him as a distant third among the three 2022 first round picks and a potential trade chip should general manager Kevyn Adams surprise us with a blockbuster.
8 – Olivier Nadeau
Olivier Nadeau enjoyed a remarkable showing for the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques, and now that he’s AHL eligible, it will be interesting to see what he can do this season. Given his larger size, I have no doubt Nadeau can become a physical presence, but he will need to get used to the game’s speed early in the year.
9 – Brandon Biro
Brandon Biro had a great year in 2022-23, but injuries, unfortunately, marred his season, which explains why he’s pushed back here at ninth overall. However, if he’s healthy all year, Biro will be an impact player for the Rochester Americans and he could be a missing piece to help push them to a Calder Cup Final.
10 – Linus Weissbach
Linus Weissbach is one of the better players in Rochester whose ceiling is mainly the AHL. However, if injuries struck the Buffalo Sabres forwards, Weissbach makes for a good insurance policy to insert into the lineup in spot duty should the need arise.
Related Story. 3 Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch following development camp. light
Overall, I can see a few of the prospects listed making their way onto NHL ice in 2023-24, and Lukas Rousek could see a full-time role. Tyson Kozak is my darkhorse for the roster should the Sabres refrain from signing a forward, and if he stays healthy, Biro could be one player to move up in these rankings as the season progresses.