3 – Mats Lindgren, D/Red Deer Rebels
An exciting offensive defenseman, Mats Lindgren will continue the quest to further improve his defensive game in 2023-24. While it’s true Lindgren has a long way to go before he’s even remotely NHL-ready, keeping tabs on him while he hones his skill on the blue line will be fun to follow this year.
This could result in fewer points, as evidenced with his regression from 44 in 2021-22 to just 34 in 2022-23, although he did put up nine in 12 playoff games for the Red Deer Rebels. But at this point, Lindgren will be doing all he can to show that he’s ready to take the next step and compete for a spot with the Rochester Americans come 2024-25.
2 – Vsevolod Komarov, F/Quebec Remparts
Vsevolod Komarov is another prospect who will be showing that he can sneak his way into Rochester next season, and the 19-year-old also has potential to be a two-way player. A pivotal piece to helping the Remparts snag the Memorial Cup, Komarov scored 39 points and 12 goals during the regular season, and another eight points in 18 playoff games.
Look for one of the newly-signed Buffalo Sabres prospects to make another leap this season on both sides of the puck. And yes, I am already projecting him to end up in Rochester not next season, but once the QMJHL’s season ends and the Amerks are in the playoffs.