Top 10 players acquired through trades that built the Buffalo Sabres
By Sion Fawkes
7 – Isak Rosen
It will be interesting to see how much of a leap Isak Rosen will make this season after he transitioned well to the North American game. Like Wahlberg, Rosen is a product of the Ristolainen trade, and he’s given Sabres fans every indication that he will be wearing a blue and gold uniform down the road.
Look for Rosen to take over games in Rochester this year if his performance in the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs serves as an indication. If he performs well enough and puts on more muscle, he could sneak his way into the Sabres lineup in 2024-25 with players like Tyson Jost, Zemgus Girgensons, Kyle Okposo, and Victor Olofsson potentially on their way out.
6 – Jiri Kulich
Jiri Kulich was phenomenal in the regular season and in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The 28th overall pick was a product of the Sam Reinhart trade, and he could find himself in a Sabres uniform sooner than later, perhaps even this season if he enjoys a good camp.
Kulich could eventually fill the void Olofsson leaves behind given his scoring ability. And as his body continues to mature, Kulich will better handle playing an 82-game slate in the NHL when he makes the ultimate leap.
5 – Jordan Greenway
The Buffalo Sabres traded for Jordan Greenway using the second pick they acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Jack Eichel trade. Greenway struggled at times after the Blue and Gold acquired him, but he also showed flashes, so the jury remains out on how much of an impact he will make.
However, Greenway is a bigger, physical player who could evolve into a solid bottom six piece under head coach Don Granato. It won’t be long until we see if an offseason and subsequent training camp and preseason will help the 26-year-old.
4 – Devon Levi
Devon Levi could be the steal of the four major trades that helped build this team and its prospects pool. Drafted 212th overall, Levi has so far outperformed his initial draft position in college and during his seven-game stint with the Sabres.
If Levi proves he can withstand an 82-game season with at least 40 starts, then he is the unquestioned goaltender of the future for the Blue and Gold. In the early going, he has given every indication that he can be that guy.