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.