Buffalo Sabres: 3 players who must shine at Prospects Challenge
The Buffalo Sabres have several players in the 2023 Prospects Challenge who could at least get an extended look in camp and in the preseason.
There is intriguing talent up and down the Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge roster, but none of them are likely serious candidates to earn a spot in the lineup this season. That doesn’t mean they won’t at least make their NHL debut at some point this year, but realistically, and as my most recent lineup projection indicated, at least the top 21 spots are locked up, barring injuries or performance issues.
However, a few players will at least get an extended look in camp and in the preseason if they come in and put up a dominating performance or two during the tripleheader. Below, you will find a trio of prospects who, with a strong showing, will create some dialogue among the coaches, front office, and the fan base.
Who needs to shine in order to take that next step? Two of the three talents listed are former first round picks who became steady points producers in their respective leagues. The third prospect on this list transformed into a fan favorite, and he has adopted a defense-first approach to his game.
3 Buffalo Sabres who must shine at 2023 Prospects Challenge
1 – Jiri Kulich
Somewhere in outer orbit, Jiri Kulich will be in the conversation to sneak his way into the Buffalo Sabres lineup for 2023. But at this point, he is buried in the system and would need a stellar Prospects Challenge, training camp, and preseason to warrant more than just an honorable mention or two.
Kulich, however, showed us that he can be an impact player at the AHL level, so if he shows growth during the tripleheader, the coaching staff will give him his chance. The likeliest scenario is that he will wind up back in Rochester for another year before becoming a legitimate threat to win a spot in the lineup for 2024-25.
2 – Matt Savoie
All summer, we’ve been saying Matt Savoie is in that awkward spot where it’s either the WHL or the NHL. Last season, Savoie clearly showed he can outpace everyone not named Zach Benson, but his two-game stint in the AHL showed he needed to put on size and strength.
Like Kulich, Savoie isn’t making the Sabres roster barring a few injuries and poor play from the veterans, but we’re also expecting to see improvement in this tripleheader. If Savoie takes over games starting this week, then he can ride that momentum into camp and at least put his name on the map.
There could be a slight chance that he earns a roster spot, makes his debut, then sits out the number of games required for a “conditioning stint” in the AHL before returning to the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild. But realistically, this is only happening if the Sabres coaching staff and front office feel Savoie can handle an extended look against men.
3 – Tyson Kozak
Over the summer, I love getting bold with roster and lineup takes (just like almost everyone else), so in my 5.0 projection, Kozak snagged a spot on the fourth line as a dark horse, surprise addition. Logistically, Tyson Jost will open camp as the favorite to win that spot, while Kozak will face an uphill climb.
But the tenacious defensive forward will eventually sneak onto the roster thanks to the fact Victor Olofsson is likely in his final season with the club, along with Kyle Okposo, and Zemgus Girgensons. There is also a good chance Jost doesn’t return for 2024-25, so Kozak has some very, very good odds next season if he continues improving his game.
Related Story. 5 standouts on the Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge roster. light
Like Kulich, if he wants the Buffalo Sabres coaching staff and front office to at least give him an extended look in camp and in the preseason, then this weekend is the opportune time to enjoy a couple of stellar performances. He was one of the best in the 2022 Challenge, so let’s hope for a repeat outing in 2023, but with even more of a physical edge.