3 major takeaways from Buffalo Sabres training camp – Thursday
The Buffalo Sabres took the ice for the first time on Thursday, and a few major topics jumped out at us, both on and off the ice.
The Buffalo Sabres held their first training camp practice today, and we got some incredible insight both on and off the ice. Of course, on the ice, there is rarely anything incredible worth noting on Day 1 of practice, so two-thirds of our takeaways today are discussing what happened or is happening off the ice.
There was, however, one notable thing to note that occurred at practice regarding a certain defensive pairing. But at this point, it’s not something you need to read into too much. However, there is more insight on the Jack Quinn situation, and who ultimately will (or won’t) take this spot at winger on the second line.
So what jumped out at Sabres camp as the team took the ice? Keep reading for a trio of insights and our opinions on each.
Takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres camp on Thursday
1 – A Clifton-Dahlin Pairing?
Early in camp, I often take one look at the lineups, shrug, then go about my day. But the one pairing that jumped at me had Connor Clifton lining up next to Rasmus Dahlin. This was the first time we saw Clifton out on the ice as a member of the Buffalo Sabres, and the physical 28-year-old would make an interesting complement to the two-way Dahlin.
However, it’s also imperative not to get too locked up on the lines and pairings at this point in camp. It’s still so early that we got prospects skating next to established players, and head coach Don Granato is doing nothing more than experimenting, as he should be.
That being said, I fully expect Clifton to pair primarily with either Dahlin on the first, or with Owen Power on the second.
2 – The Jack Quinn Situation
Jack Quinn could return to the Buffalo Sabres lineup in January, but there is also a chance that he could be out even longer, mainly as a precaution.
“Quinn faced a six-month timeline to return once he had the procedure in late June, but he won’t necessarily be cleared to play by January. The Sabres will be cautious with Quinn, especially with the nature of his injury.” – Lance Lysowski, via Buffalo News
The Blue and Gold are playing this correctly, as the last thing Quinn needs is a setback if he’s rushed back into the lineup. If he can make it back and be cleared in January, then great, but it would be better if the Sabres eased him back.
There is too much talent in the prospects pool to rush Quinn – not that he should be rushed regardless, but the Sabres have a few prospects who could step in as a stopgap right now. Or, if Kevyn Adams and the front office don’t feel any of their prospects are ready to take the next step, then they can always sign a forward to a one-year deal.
In other words, there are options here, and the Sabres are wise enough to realize that they don’t need to rush Quinn or even a prospect if the situation doesn’t call for it. Once again, if a prospect shows up and proves they can step in, then great. If not, go out, sign a free agent forward, and go from there.
3 – Don Granato sets the record straight
It took one day of on-ice practices for Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato to debunk the rumor that Casey Mittelstadt would play winger on the second line. Instead, Mittelstadt, thanks to his remarkable performance last season at the position on both primarily the third and later, the first lines, is still playing center.
When Quinn went down with his Achilles injury, the consensus that many of us here at Sabre Noise and elsewhere was that Mittelstadt would step in. But now, that position is up for grabs, and it will be exciting to see who ultimately fills in.
Related Story. Will the Buffalo Sabres seriously consider trading for Trevor Zegras?. light
As mentioned earlier, I’m not putting too much stock into who is lining up alongside who just yet. But as camp continues, we may get a better idea of who Granato would like to flank Mittelstadt on presumably the third line.
Source: Sabres notebook: Connor Clifton opens camp next to Rasmus Dahlin by Lance Lysowski, Buffalo News