The Buffalo Sabres are projected to enjoy another jump in 2023-24, building on their success in 2022-23. Who will lead the charge this season?
The Buffalo Sabres demanded and received a lot of attention last year, and in this campaign, everyone is talking playoffs. But today at Sabre Noise, were are talking all about stats, and who will lead the team in each major statistic come April 2024.
Below, I listed eight major statistical categories, including points, goals, assists, shooting percentage, hits, takeaways, goals allowed average, and save percentage. Who is projected to take the top prize in each? Keep reading to find out, and see if your favorite player made the list.
Who will lead the Buffalo Sabres in….
Points
Last season, Tage Thompson took the title for the second year in a row with 94 points, building off of a 68-point outing in 2021-22. This season, Tage will once again take the title, scoring over 100 points for the first time in his career.
Goals scored
Just like in points, Tage took the title for two seasons running, scoring 47 last season. It was a nine-goal increase over the 38 times he found twine in 2021-22. For the third year in a row, Tage should pace the team in goals scored, sinking at least 50.
Shooting percentage
For all members of the Buffalo Sabres who played in at least 50 games, Victor Olofsson stole the honor, scoring on 17.4% of his shots on goal. It looks as though Olofsson will stay in the lineup this season, perhaps even taking Jack Quinn’s spot, and that could give him plenty more scoring chances. Look for Olofsson to threaten the 17% mark again this season, and perhaps even set a new personal best.
Assists
Rasmus Dahlin won the title last season with 58 assists, outpacing Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner by 11. This year, I had Dahlin’s ceiling set at 59 assists, but let’s get bolder than bold for the purposes of this piece and set it at an even 60, where he will once again lead the Buffalo Sabres.