2 – Second line winger
This is a position I’ve talked about a few times over the summer since we found out Jack Quinn will miss at least a month, but presumably longer in the regular season. Back in June, four-to-six months was his initial recovery time, slating November 2023 as the earliest he would return.
However, it’s likelier that he will be out until January 2024, so the Sabres must find someone to fill in through the season’s first half. Casey Mittelstadt has long been my top candidate, but if the Blue and Gold want him to stick around as a center, then it’s open competition.
Victor Olofsson could line up there, but he’s more likely a third-liner. Don’t be surprised if Jordan Greenway gets a look, though he’s also a likely third-liner. One of the Sabres many prospects could make an impression and build on their strong performances in either the 2023-24 Calder Cup Playoffs or in the Prospects Challenge.