Defensemen
Rasmus Dahlin: With more help in the rotation this season, Dahlin has a better chance to stay healthy which will let him contend for the Norris.
Mattias Samuelsson: Will likely miss a few games here or there because of his playing style, but Samuelsson will once again be responsible for the Buffalo Sabres success.
Owen Power: Expect a leap in Year 2 after a rookie season landed him in contention for the Calder Trophy as he will likely forge a formidable tandem with Connor Clifton.
Connor Clifton: One of the newest members of the Sabres should be sledgehammer on defense and a perfect complement to Power.
Erik Johnson: Won’t bring the same productivity he enjoyed earlier in his career, but he will be the leader and one-season stopgap the Blue and Gold needed.
Ilya Lyubushkin: Will line up on the third pairing this season and likely play 2023-24 on a “pitch count” to stay healthy.
Henri Jokiharju: Will be one of the odd men out in battling for a spot in the lineup and will likely end up elsewhere for the 2023-24 season.
Jacob Bryson: Another member of the Sabres who will likely find themselves wearing a different uniform for 2023-24 and deserves to be gone.
Riley Stillman: Nothing more than a rotational piece who will likely sit in the press box at least half the time, but he should provide an edge against more physical teams.
Kale Clague: Will return to Rochester full-time in 2023-24, but he will also be the first call up if injuries strike the rotation.