5 Buffalo Sabres prospects to keep an eye on in training camp in 2023
By Sion Fawkes
Training camp is brewing for the Buffalo Sabres. And while we know who are shoo-ins to make the team in 2023, others will look to make an impression.
With a strong prospects pool, the Buffalo Sabres have plenty of players worth watching as they head into training camp. Of course, we know what the likes of Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin, and others can do. And even with a team (finally) featuring several established veterans, there are still numerous prospects who will demand your attention.
Below, you will meet five of these players who either a) could wind up as a lower liner or as an extra skater with the Blue and Gold, or b) are worth watching in camp in terms of measuring their overall progress. The last two players listed below are NHL-ready, but thanks to the interest they brought at the 2023 Prospects Challenge, they are still worth keeping an eye on.
5 Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch
1 – Lukas Rousek
Of all the prospects on this list who are waivers exempt, Lukas Rousek has the best chance to make the big club. He was impressive in his two outings earlier in the year with the Sabres, and he should also build on his strong season with the Rochester Americans.
During the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs, Rousek didn’t shoot the puck often, but he still snagged five goals and 12 points in the postseason. His breakout 2022-23 season came on the heels of a strong 2022 playoff run when he scored six points in 10 games, and if he climbs another rung, he may just be in the Buffalo Sabres lineup come opening night.
2 – Brett Murray
Brett Murray is not waivers exempt, and that could give him an edge to earn a spot with the Blue and Gold IF he proves he’s among the best of the bunch in camp. Murray has NHL experience, so that could also give him a leg up against the likes of Rousek and Brandon Biro, and his imposing frame brings more than enough size.
If there is one drawback with Murray, it’s that he’s had plenty of chances to show he can handle the NHL grind, and that hasn’t happened yet. Another mark against him comes in the form of Jordan Greenway, who boasts similar size and is the clear-cut favorite to play the kind of role that best fits Murray.