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

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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Buffalo Sabres
Jan 28, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) has the puck knocked away as he shoots on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Goaltenders

  • Levi
  • Luukkonen

We have a young but hopefully brewing duo in Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Buffalo Sabres neglected to bring in an experienced goaltender, but luckily, Levi has already showcased his skills at the NHL level. He just needs to put together a steady 2023-24 campaign, and with more experience in front of him in the defensive rotation and at forward, it’s a real possibility.

The same goes for Luukkonen, who has more experience than Levi. However, Luukkonen also showed that he would have a hard time putting the entire team on his shoulders. If the Blue and Gold stay healthy, especially on defense, Luukkonen could shine when he’s called on.

Eric Comrie is the third man, but there won’t be enough room on the 23-man roster to keep him aboard. Therefore, he’s either heading to Rochester, or a goaltender-needy team may end up claiming him on waivers.