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.