3 Buffalo Sabres whose stocks are soaring in the preseason
The Buffalo Sabres have seen plenty of good things from their players and prospects so far in the preseason. Whose stocks have soared since camp started?
So far in the preseason, 13th overall pick Zach Benson has impressed just about every fan who supports the Buffalo Sabres. And it’s not often when I take an entire postgame article and tailor it around one player, but Benson performed so well in his first two preseason games, that he deserved the stage all to himself.
Benson’s stock is without a doubt skyrocketing, but for now, at least, that’s a given, so I don’t want to make this piece too predictable. Instead, you will see just one name that you may have expected to see, and two others who have really given Don Granato and the coaching staff a few reasons to at least give them an extended look.
Which players, besides Benson, are seeing their respective stocks skyrocket? Keep reading, and you will meet one forward, one blueliner, and one goaltender who have exceeded even some wild expectations.
3 Buffalo Sabres with skyrocketing stocks so far in 2023
1 – Devon Levi, G
We saw a lot of good things from Devon Levi last season, and oftentimes, you’ll expect a drop-off early when opponents get enough film and information on an upstart player. At least in terms of Tuesday night, that wasn’t the case, as Levi was perfect against the Boston Bruins.
Sure, Levi was playing against the B Group, and given the roster that the Sabres dished out, it was pretty much a guaranteed win for the Blue and Gold. But in today’s NHL, perfection is far from guaranteed, as Boston threatened to score in a sequence that saw Levi block about five shots in a 20-second span.
While it’s still relatively early and the puck won’t drop for just over another two weeks, if Levi performs the way he did last night, he’s the undisputed 1A. And at this point, there is little reason to doubt that Levi won’t at least enjoy another big-time performance, even if he’s goaltending behind a fringe group in his next outing.
2 – Brandon Biro, W
So far, Brandon Biro has three points and two assists, but his productivity has shown up in more ways than just scoring. Biro doesn’t have the same draft status as other high-end prospects like Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, and Zach Benson, but if there was a front-runner to make the big club at the moment, Biro could be the guy – unless, of course, the Sabres feel comfortable to roll with Benson.
He’s had a pair of solid seasons in Rochester, and last year could have been elite had it not been for injuries. Biro has driven the puck well in both preseason games, and he’s found a way to create space in the process.
Defensively, Biro has also stepped up, breaking up a few plays last night along with putting sound pressure onto opponents and forcing them to redirect plays. Overall, he’s once again enjoying a solid preseason, and if he builds on his first pair of performances, don’t be surprised if Biro ends up in Buffalo.
3 – Ryan Johnson, D
Barring something unforeseen, Ryan Johnson is slated to take the ice tonight and his play from Sunday served as the inspiration for this piece. Johnson was a standout last Sunday in the Buffalo Sabres win over the Washington Capitals, and if he keeps it up in tonight’s contest against the Maple Leafs, it’s all but a lock that he will be the top blueliner in Rochester this season.
His instincts led him to the puck numerous times last Sunday, much like it did during the Prospects Challenge. He was either breaking up plays, or if he couldn’t get to the puck carrier, Johnson had no problem skating in front of a shooting lane to block an incoming puck.
Related Story. Sabres: Breaking down Devon Levi’s monumental sequence. light
Johnson’s defensive game isn’t the most physical, but he’s a showstopper in his own right. I won’t get too bold on a prediction for this evening, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Johnson blocked at least a trio of shots and logged a takeaway or two.
(Statistics provided by Natural Stat Trick)