3 burning questions for the Buffalo Sabres halfway through preseason
By Sion Fawkes
2 – Are any of the prospects worth keeping around?
Zach Benson wasn’t great in the Buffalo Sabres loss to the Penguins, but he also wasn’t terrible. So far, he’s looked NHL-ready and he at least held his own against Pittsburgh’s NHL-worthy squad. But then again, is there any point to rush Benson along even if you deem him NHL-ready?
With the talent the Blue and Gold already have, perhaps they feel he’s ready for the big club, but may not believe it’s worth the risk of letting him play an 82-game schedule just yet. Ditto for Ryan Johnson, who has more than shown he can handle the grind for at least the short-term.
But do you trust a player who has never appeared in over 54 regular season games in his career to be ready for an 82-game stretch? If the Sabres are talking playoffs, then they need to think long and hard before allowing two of their most recent signees to play on the big club.
Someone like Brandon Biro, on the other hand, could be worth it since he’s had two years of pro hockey experience in the AHL. If I’m making an overreaction, then I’m saying Johnson and Benson should be in the NHL. But if I’m being logical, I’d only roll with Biro.
Update! The Buffalo Sabres released their first round of roster cuts earlier today, and Ryan Johnson, Brandon Biro, and Zach Benson remain with the team as of 5:30 p.m., Saturday September 29th. Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen are also still in the Queen City.