Grading the Buffalo Sabres forwards for 2023-24
By Sion Fawkes
Even without Jack Quinn, the Buffalo Sabres could boast one of the finest forward units in the NHL. Just how good can they be in 2023-24?
The trio of Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch has evolved into one of the NHL’s best, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. What’s more? When someone like the 31-year-old Skinner’s time eventually comes to an end, the Buffalo Sabres have so much talent in the prospects pool that nothing but a seamless transition seems to be in order.
To say the least, it’s beyond impressive, but focusing on the 2023-24 season, Skinner, Tage, and Tuch could wind up enjoying their best year yet. Even if they may not need to score as much for Buffalo, something we will touch on in a minute, their growing chemistry makes them a threat to find twine every time they take the ice. Here are just a few advanced statistics that jumped out at me from last season:
- Each scored 4.5 or more goals above expected, with Tage leading the way at 12.8
- Top 30 in goals per 60 minutes at 1.52 or more in the NHL
- Top 25 in points per 60 minutes at 3.34 or more in the NHL
- Tage and Tuch gracing the Top 10 in Goals Above Shooting Talent
Not half-bad numbers at all, and even if the trio doesn’t reach those same numbers this season, the overall reason would be that the talent behind them is better than ever. And that talent will only improve when Jack Quinn returns to the lineup.
Buffalo Sabres forward unit can be a formidable group
Beyond the obvious talent that the Sabres have in their first unit, Dylan Cozens leads the rest of the forwards in many distinct categories. Not only did the Workhorse from Whitehorse break out with 68 points last season, he’s also a brewing leader and one of the team’s most complete players. Cozens can easily become a complete forward for the Blue and Gold this season, excelling in offense and defense.
Youngsters like J.J. Peterka and Jack Quinn once he returns will also enjoy an uptick in play. Like Cozens, Quinn could become a more complete forward while Peterka could be on the verge of a breakout if his dominating performance at the IIHF Worlds serves as an indicator like it did for Cozens.