The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of training camp, and while they are more stable in 2023-24, there are still a few issues to work out.
We have finally made it after the Buffalo Sabres 2022-23 season ended with so much hope. Last year, we entered camp expecting to see the NHL’s youngest team develop, and they kind of…just kind of…overachieved.
Entering the 2023-24 season, everyone from the fans to the NHL universe itself (it’s remarkable to see how much of a difference a single year makes) are expecting one thing: Playoffs! It’s been 13 years – 13 years since we’ve last seen this team take the ice in the postseason. Or, at least it will be 13 years when April 2024 rolls around.
So, will 13 times be the lucky charm for the Blue and Gold? Even if the Sabres weren’t my main focus, I’d say they’re in if I were to make a logical prediction on the topic. However, there are still a few issues they must address in camp, and they are listed below.
Roster issues the Buffalo Sabres must sort out in camp
1 – Goaltender
While Devon Levi is the presumed starter or at least the 1A here, there’s no guarantee who will take up the 1B spot behind him. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen enters camp as the favorite, but Eric Comrie is also looking to prove he’s better than what he showed us last season.
It would take a monumental meltdown for Levi to lose the 1A spot. And given the young goaltender’s calm demeanor, the entire fanbase would be shocked if he ended up as the 1B or in Rochester. If Luukkonen shows growth, then he has the 1B job wrapped up, but if he’s still inconsistent, then Comrie will do all he can to take advantage.