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Buffalo Sabres 2023-24 Preview Part I: Lineup Projection 6.0

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 6, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) controls the puck against Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensemen

  • Dahlin – Samuelsson
  • Power – Clifton
  • Johnson – Jokiharju
  • Stillman

This projection remains unchanged from Lineup Prediction 5.0, with one huge exception. Before, I had Ilya Lyubushkin pegged in as the extra, but that spot will now go to Riley Stillman given the former’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks.

Against more physical hockey teams, Stillman could make a great one-two punch with Erik Johnson. And if Johnson needs a breather, Stillman complements Henri Jokiharju well.

While I’ve made a case for Mattias Samuelsson pairing with Owen Power, this projection is all about logic. This puts Samuelsson on the same pairing as Rasmus Dahlin, while Power forges a reciprocal tandem with newcomer Connor Clifton.

So where does Jacob Bryson fit into all of this? Not with the Buffalo Sabres, or at least not immediately. Therefore, Bryson’s either getting traded or placed on waivers. If no one claims him, he will end up in Rochester, and you will only see him if they need a call-up. That’s if Kale Clague doesn’t outplay him first.

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