3 biggest standouts at Buffalo Sabres 2023 Prospects Challenge
The Buffalo Sabres finished their 2023 Prospects Challenge with a 2-1 record, and three players rose a cut above the others.
The Buffalo Sabres basically threw their third game in the 2023 Prospects Challenge by sitting Isak Rosen and Jiri Kulich. They also held out Viktor Neuchev and Aleksandr Kisakov since they had minor injuries, but nothing that would likely keep them out for a real game.
Of course, Matt Savoie’s injury is alarming, but we should receive more insight into what’s going on with him at some point today or in the near future. Savoie put together a good pair of games before the injury, including a two-goal outing to open the season, and it would be devastating if he missed extended time.
But he wasn’t the only standout at the 2023 Prospects Challenge. Instead, several players looked fantastic over the four-day, three-game stretch, and those who put up the greatest performances are listed below.
3 Buffalo Sabres standouts at Prospects Challenge
1 – Isak Rosen
Just one year ago, none of us were sure how well Isak Rosen would fare in the AHL. He never stood out from a points productivity standpoint in Sweden, and the undersized winger played little in the SHL, which threatened to hinder his development.
These days, Rosen looks nothing short of a stud, as he recorded more than a few points across a two-game stretch, earning the day off in Game 3’s loss to the Penguins. Though still undersized, Rosen showed more than just spectacular speed, agility, and incredible on-ice instincts – he also played well defensively.
While he’s not physically big or strong enough to sustain an 82-game slate in the NHL, Rosen’s in a perfect position to just go off in the American league this season. He went through his growing pains between October and December last year, so the thought of him putting together a full-season’s worth of excellent productivity is nothing short of scary.
2 – Zach Metsa
Zach Metsa is an undersized player who you just can’t help rooting for. Having gone undrafted, Metsa had to stand out during his five seasons at Quinnipiac to gain traction with professional hockey clubs, and it culminated with him becoming the team captain and national champion in 2022-23.
He first signed with Rochester before the Calder Cup Playoffs and put up respectable performances that continued over the past weekend. Metsa showed us that he could be a feisty blueliner, and he also did a remarkable job finding the open man and creating space at the top of the offensive zone.
Look for him to build on his solid performance at the Prospects Challenge and to become a fixture in the Amerks defensive rotation this season. If he proves himself, expect the Buffalo Sabres to eventually sign him to a two-way deal. His current contract runs through 2024-25, so Metsa has an ample amount of time to keep improving his game.
3 – Zach Benson
Zach Benson did almost everything right this past weekend, and while he made a few errors, they weren’t incredibly detracting. It seemed like no matter where the puck went, Benson was in on the play, either looking to break things up defensively, or to make something happen when he or his team had possession.
And while the Penguins blanked the Sabres on Monday, you can still argue Benson was the best player on the ice. He was constantly outmaneuvering opponents, he protected the puck well, and he also set himself up near the net to try and snag a quick score.
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Like Savoie and Metsa, Benson is also an undersized player, but what also jumped out at the Prospects Challenge was his ability to constantly play bigger than his size. Expect Benson to just light up the WHL this season, and if there is room in the lineup next year, he will at least get his chance, even if he will be competing against more than a few prospects.
Source: Observations: Matt Savoie’s injury might hurt prospect’s bid to make Sabres’ roster by Lance Lysowski