Why did the Buffalo Sabres call up Lukas Rousek?

The Buffalo Sabres called up Brandon Biro earlier this week, and now, Lukas Rousek is joining him. But why did the Blue and Gold call him up?

Welcome back to the Buffalo Sabres, Lukas Rousek! The 24-year-old got his first taste of NHL action last season when he appeared in a pair of games, scoring a goal and an assist in his debut with the big club. During the preseason, the Sabres sent Rousek back down to the Rochester Americans, but after the first three weeks of the season, he is back in the City of Good Neighbors.

But for what, exactly? There could be several reasons, like “insurance,” as Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat suggested. However, there could be other reasons, too. We know Victor Olofsson has been ineffective this season, and it’s possible that the Sabres would rather rotate in a more capable player like Rousek.

However, given the discrepancy in their respective salaries, plus the fact that Rousek was waiver-exempt, the Sabres had no choice but to keep Olofsson and send down Rousek. Another reason could be that head coach Don Granato wants more rotation in his fourth line that mainly includes Tyson Jost, Peyton Krebs, Kyle Okposo, and Zemgus Girgensons.

Okposo, 35, isn’t the player he was, despite the Sabres looking good defensively as a whole when he is on the ice at 5-on-5 (currently on oiSV of 91.8). But, sooner than later, the 35-year-old may be better off reverting onto a “pitch count” to preserve his efficacy as the season begins to progress. The Sabres also have a tough time generating opportunities with Okposo, as seen in his paltry 41.7 percent CF%.

Why did the Buffalo Sabres decide to call up Lukas Rousek on Thursday?

Peyton Krebs has been above-average in the faceoff dot, and their oiSV sits at 91.7 at 5-on-5 when he’s in the game. However, as with Okposo, the Sabres also haven’t fared incredibly well with Krebs, thanks to his pedestrian 47.8 CF%. Unlike Okposo, Krebs has seen time at other spots in the lineup, so it’s not like he’s strictly been on the fourth line this whole time.

With Girgensons, it’s the same issue – the Sabres can’t generate much offense thanks to his 40.3 percent Corsi For, despite his incredible 93.5 oiSV. But again, Girgensons is strictly a fourth-liner known more for his defense. However, with Rousek in there, perhaps head coach Don Granato is looking for more offense, and the 24-year-old could offer that.

Or, perhaps the Blue and Gold are just tired of Olofsson, who in six games has a measly 10 shots on goal, a 46.1 percent CF%, and the team has a paltry 88.5 oiSV at 5-on-5 when he’s in the game? Maybe it’s a combo of all of the above?

Either way, it’s great to see Rousek back in the blue and gold, at least for the time being. And all eyes will be on the Sabres lineup in the near future to see how Granato and Company decide to use him.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)