3 – Peyton Krebs
Another product of the Jack Eichel trade, Peyton Krebs looked like a solid up-and-comer when he broke into the Buffalo Sabres lineup during the 2021-22 season. Early in 2022-23, he looked so-so, at best, before he found his niche as a bruising fourth-liner, and you can expect him to be a game-changer in that role this season.
Although the former first round pick will never be a star in this league, Krebs still plays an incredible role as a defensive forward. Overall, you can expect the Sabres to keep him around beyond this season when he becomes an RFA.
2 – Alex Tuch
Alex Tuch was little more than a middle six talent when he came to the Blue and Gold as part of the Jack Eichel trade. Now, he’s one of the best scorers on the Sabres and there is a chance he can spend most, if not all of his career in the Queen City.
Tuch is the top power forward on the Sabres, and this season, he could become a Top 5 power forward in the NHL if he hasn’t already gotten there. And best yet, Tuch has basically picked up where Eichel left off from a performance standpoint.
1 – Tage Thompson
And finally, we got Tage Thompson topping the list. Initially, it looked as though acquiring Tage was an ill-fated move, but under head coach Don Granato, the former first round pick has since emerged as one of the NHL’s most dangerous scorers.
Tage broke out in 2021-22 when he scored 68 points and 38 goals, good enough for the Buffalo Sabres to sign him to an extension. In 2022-23, he proved the previous year was no fluke, logging 47 goals, 47 assists, and 94 points. Expect Tage to once again contend to pace the Blue and Gold in scoring.
Source: Hamilton Take2: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams’ strategy of sustainable success by Paul Hamilton, WGRZ.com
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)