5 standouts on the Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge roster
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge roster has arrived, and there are several major standout players you should be excited for.
The Buffalo Sabres are just days away from the 2023 Prospects Challenge commencing, and finally, we know who will be making up their roster. Look for some of your favorites from last season like Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, and Mats Lindgren to grace the ice, but there are also a slew of other prospects to check out.
These players include a pair of defensemen who have a realistic chance to sneak their way into the Blue and Gold’s lineup a couple of seasons from today. There is also one goaltender whose season you may want to follow closely in the WHL this year, along with a pair of ultra-talented forwards.
5 Buffalo Sabres players to be excited for at 2023 Prospects Challenge
1 – Ryan Johnson, D
What a difference a few months make, as back in April, we didn’t know if Ryan Johnson would even sign with the Buffalo Sabres. After inking his entry-level deal, however, excitement has been brooding for the former first round pick.
We will get a chance to see what Johnson can do against other prospects at his level, plus an initial feel for how close (or far) he is from being NHL-ready. Johnson enjoyed a productive collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, so it will be interesting to see where he currently stands.
2 – Scott Ratzlaff, G
Scott Ratzlaff could, a few seasons from today, end up as Devon Levi’s 1B, and I’m not just saying that lightly. The Seattle Thunderbirds product enjoyed some remarkable outings in 2022-23, and you can expect his numbers to improve this season.
Ratzlaff did some good things at the 2023 Development Camp, and it won’t be long until we find out if he can hold his own against some of the league’s top prospects. During the Challenge, he will share the net with invitee Josh Fleming, who spent time in the QMJHL.