Opinion: Where would Patrick Kane fit in the Buffalo Sabres lineup?

The Patrick Kane to the Buffalo Sabres rumors are still swirling, leading to the question of where he would fit in the Blue and Gold’s lineup. 

While I don’t endorse the Buffalo Sabres potentially signing Patrick Kane, the possibility remains that he will be in a blue and gold uniform. To that end, if it happens, I’ll accept and support it, so that led to the question: Where would he fit in the lineup, exactly?

Now, throughout the first 15 games of the 2023-24 season, head coach Don Granato has done A LOT of shuffling, both by choice and because of injury. There are also players missing time, so I’m going to simplify the lineups to where everyone is healthy, and what they could most likely look like with the addition of Kane.

The lineup you are about to see below wouldn’t be set in stone, since again, Granato’s been shuffling them like none other. However, it makes for a good starting point, only a starting point, and nothing more – so take this hypothetical lineup with a grain of salt.

Where would the Buffalo Sabres put Patrick Kane if he signed?

In this scenario, I’ll roll with the following transactions: Zach Benson goes to the IIHF and ultimately reverts to the WHL following his nine games, Lukas Rousek sticks around as a fourth liner, and Victor Olofsson plays the role as an extra. Jack Quinn will not be included.

This piece also originally comprised Tage Thompson at center on the first line, but given recent circumstances, it has been changed from its original format.

• Jeff Skinner – Casey Mittelstadt – Alex Tuch
• Jordan Greenway – Dylan Cozens – JJ Peterka
• Zemgus Girgensons – Peyton Krebs – Patrick Kane
• Lukas Rousek – Tyson Jost – Kyle Okposo
• Victor Olofsson

Originally, the Skinner – Tage – Tuch line reunited, while it made little sense to break up the Mittelstadt line, given their productivity. However, that has since been changed here, with Mittelstadt, who built sound chemistry centering Skinner and Tuch last year, returns to the first line.

As for Kane, the Buffalo Sabres would do well to put a pair of physical forwards next to him in Zemgus Girgensons and Peyton Krebs. Krebs, despite a lack of points production, has two-way ability, so he could develop chemistry with Kane.

Meanwhile, Jost would take over at center on the fourth line, with Rousek at winger and Olofsson factoring in as an extra. Rousek could stay in town UNTIL Quinn or at least Tage returns. Kane would also ideally see time on and hopefully help revive the Blue and Gold’s power play.