Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 48

The Buffalo Sabres just completed Game One of their weekend tripleheader at the 2023 Prospects Challenge to kick off the season.

The Buffalo Sabres put on a remarkable show in their 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens prospects, with Matt Savoie headlining the evening with a wild pair of goals. But there were more than a few players who stood out this evening, with Isak Rosen also joining in on the fun by helping open the scoring with an assist before he scored his own goal.

But defensively, Nikita Novikov, Ryan Johnson, and Zach Metsa all showed up, played well, and gave us a taste of what they will show us in Rochester this season. And this is where Bold Prediction #48 comes in.

Trio of Buffalo Sabres prospects will put together stellar seasons in Rochester

Johnson showed off his overall awareness, smooth play, and stickhandling on several occasions against Montreal.  And it’s something that will continue to develop at the professional level as he spends at least a season in Rochester. Look for him to take over a few games late in the year and play more than an integral role as the Amerks make a playoff push.

Novikov pitched in earlier tonight with physical play, along with a few denials. A noticeable one occurred when he put himself in perfect position between between goaltender Scott Ratzlaff and a Montreal forward, breaking up a potential shot on goal. Novikov also had a huge hit in the middle of the ice, and he even set up more than a few offensive sequences.

While the 20-year-old will have a definite transition period when the games start to count in the AHL, you will eventually see him make such plays on a nightly basis. Such performances will demand your attention as the 2023-24 season wears on, and don’t be surprised when he raises a few eyebrows at camp next season.

Finally, Zach Metsa got his chance late last season during the Amerks playoff run, and that experience will be the catalyst in him taking a major step this season. Like Johnson and Novikov, Metsa will steadily improve, and ultimately evolve into one of the AHL’s better defensemen by the time April 2024 rolls around.