Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 75

The Buffalo Sabres regular season starts this evening, so today marks the finale of the 75 In 75 Bold Predictions Series for 2023-24.

We have made it to the last day of the Buffalo Sabres 75 In 75 Series, which featured predictions that, at times, tested the limits of reality. For some, we don’t know if they will be fulfilled until the season ends. Others have already come and gone, since I sprinkled in some Prospects Challenge and preseason projections in this series, too.

But a good 80% of them have been geared toward the big club, and the regular season, including Bold Prediction #75. So let’s reveal the big projection. As you know, the Sabres extended a pair of high-profile blueliners in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, but they won’t be finished just yet.

No, I’m not saying that the Sabres will go out and sign anyone else to monster extensions. I mean, they can, but sooner or later, that cap space will become an issue with that mentality. But that doesn’t mean they won’t keep things intact for the long game, as they’ve been doing over the past three seasons.

Buffalo Sabres find cost-effective ways to extend pending RFAs

One look at Cap Friendly confirms the Sabres have quite a few RFAs, but two of those names jump out: Casey Mittelstadt and Peyton Krebs. And yes, general manager Kevyn Adams will bring them both back on solid three-year deals, even if the two players can make more money elsewhere.

Why? What this bold prediction is saying is that I’m more than certain the current group wants to win a Cup together in the 2020s. And unless another contender out there offers them more money, Krebs and Mittelstadt are also sticking around for at least a few more seasons to see this process through.

But even if a contender offers more cash, this prediction just got bolder and is telling you that they will turn it down and stay in the City of Good Neighbors. Why? Think of the culture change they have been a part of. And in all honesty, that plays a much larger role than you may understand.

So, to close things out, you will see two more extensions coming to the Sabres this season for Mittelstadt and Krebs. No, they won’t be giant contracts, but thanks to the culture change they have been part of and the fact that there is no indication out there they don’t want to be Buffalo Sabres, the duo will stick around for the greater part of the decade to try and help the Blue and Gold win a Cup.