Buffalo Sabres projected third line will be a major X-Factor in 2023-24

The Buffalo Sabres 2023-24 season is close and for the first time in ages, the hype is real. It also means everyone must hold their own this year.

Jacob D. Strozyk of The Hockey Writers recently listed three Buffalo Sabres who must make an immediate impression. Those mentioned included all three players on my projected third line in Peyton Krebs, Jordan Greenway, and Victor Olofsson – though I have also discussed the possibility that Olofsson could play in the top-six. Hey, you need to leave all options open, right?

Strozyk also stressed the trio should find themselves on the same line, and for good reason. Check out what they said about the matter:

"“They complement each other’s strengths and compensate for some of the weaknesses, so putting them together would be a potentially rewarding endeavor. Krebs at center gives them two-way physical play, Greenway on the left gives them size and reach both ways and Olofsson on the right keeps him in an optimal shooting/one-timer position to make the most of any scoring chances generated by the other two.” – via The Hockey Writers"

Source: 3 Sabres That Need to Impress Right Away This Season

When I was designing my own projections, the same thoughts crossed my mind. Krebs has evolved into a sledgehammer, but many of us forget just how effective he was offensively during his time in junior hockey and in the AHL.

He last played in the WHL in 2020-21, when he logged 43 points in 24 games. Krebs also saw time with the Henderson Silver Knights, when he put up five points in as many contests. He appeared in 20 regular season AHL games in 2021-22 and accumulated another 20.

If Krebs finds the net or at least puts players like Olofsson in prime position to score in 2023, then you are looking at yet another undisputed two-way forward for the Blue and Gold. Speaking of Olofsson, he’s the all-out offensive chess piece of the trio. While we have no idea what’s going on with the winger, he will provide a major boost for the Sabres if he scores early and often assuming he sticks around.

Buffalo Sabres projected third line could substantially affect the team in 2023

If the top-six is set with Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Casey Mittelstadt, Dylan Cozens, and JJ Peterka, we can believe there will be a lot of scoring going on. But it’s also unwise to fully rely on the top-six, and this is what makes Olofsson such a major X-Factor on this team. And if the 28-year-old proves he can bring a consistent offensive game, then there aren’t two, but three lines opponents must worry about, assuming everyone stays healthy.

The Buffalo Sabres have a pair of two-way players in Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens in the top-six, and Krebs can join them in that regard. However, they are still lacking big hitters, and that’s an element Jordan Greenway can bring more of in 2023-24.

Like Olofsson, Greenway was an up-and-down player last year, but he also didn’t join the team until March 2023. Also like Olofsson, Greenway just needs consistency in his role, and he will complete what could be a dangerous and well-rounded projected third line.

We know Krebs is going to show steady growth, but the jury remains out on Olofsson and Greenway, supposing they end up playing alongside one another. If the duo can match Krebs and bring their A-game night in and night out (with the occasional matinee), then this Buffalo Sabres team is going to be even tougher to beat.

Considering the experience they have on the projected fourth line with Kyle Okposo, Tyson Jost, and Zemgus Girgensons, there isn’t a single weak spot at forward. And this is all without Jack Quinn in the lineup.

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)