Six-time Stanley Cup champion praises the Buffalo Sabres
By Zach Jezioro
![Feb 21, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports Feb 21, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cab1b039564ce09d982e14682a42191e223b8da4344f630265465ae43eadadb9.jpg)
Not long ago, six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier shared some optimistic thoughts about the Buffalo Sabres. Here is our reaction.
The Buffalo Sabres are getting some recognition. After having one of their best seasons in a long time, people are starting to pay attention. In a game last year against the New York Islanders during the first intermission, Mark Messier had some pretty nice things to say about Buffalo.
6-time Stanley Cup Champ Mark Messier on the Sabres:
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) August 31, 2023
“They have all the ingredients you want in a championship team.” pic.twitter.com/cmaFaWb3LI
In case you don’t know who Mark Messier is, he’s a pretty good hockey player. He is a 16-time All-Star, two-time MVP, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and a six-time Stanley Cup champion. It’s been a long time since anyone has ever said anything positive about the Sabres and for good reason.
With that being said, it’s pretty awesome having an NHL legend praising the team. Messier said it best. They have the youth, the talent, all things that a successful team needs. Obviously they are still in the playoff drought, but all things are looking up for Buffalo.
Mark Messier implies great things are coming for the Buffalo Sabres
He pointed out their slump was due to being young which is expected when it comes to being the youngest team in the NHL. But the fact they were able to be pretty successful while not making the playoffs is very encouraging considering how bad the last decade was.
Even though fans have heard, “The future is bright” before, it truly does feel like this Sabres team is different. I like to call it the Rebuild 2.0 since the last one was a straight up disaster. Why do I feel like it’s going to be different?
First and foremost, Buffalo is loaded with good prospects. Looking at the current team, they have one of the best offenses in the league. Even with Devon Levi, goaltending is a question mark, as is the blue line even, though they made some moves.
Looking Ahead: Who will be the Buffalo Sabres captain in 2024-25?. light. Hot
With that being said, I thought it was cool hearing a Hall of Famer saying this about the Buffalo Sabres. And I can’t wait to see what the upcoming 2023-24 season brings.