Buffalo Sabres prospects trying to make a full-time jump from the AHL's Rochester Americans to the parent club face an uphill battle ahead of the 2025-26 campaign because of the team's crowded roster, which includes 17 returning players from last season.
Yet, opportunities always arise during the course of an 82-game schedule due to injuries, poor performance or other factors. The Sabres are in a better position than most teams given they have several top prospects who are either NHL ready or very close to that distinction.
Getting production out of those young players when they do get called up from the Amerks could play a key role in Buffalo's effort to finally end its 14-year playoff drought.
Isak Rosen (right wing)
Rosen received a cup of NHL coffee each of the past two years but he's still searching for his first goal. He recorded one assist, 16 shots on goal and a minus-six rating in 15 appearances. It's only a matter of time before he lights the lamp for Buffalo, though.
The 22-year-old Sweden native is coming off a terrific season with the Amerks. The winger recorded 55 points (28 goals and 27 assists) in 61 games to lead Rochester in scoring. He added five goals and an assist in eight playoff contests.
Buffalo faces questions about its scoring depth after the departure of top-line winger JJ Peterka, who was traded to the Utah Mammoth. Josh Doan, acquired in the Peterka blockbuster, boasts impressive two-way potential but lacks elite offensive production.
So, it's quite possible Rosen could be called on relatively early in the season if the Sabres offense sputters out of the gate and needs a spark.
Noah Ostlund (center/left wing)
While Rosen is Buffalo's best offense-first option waiting in the wings, Ostlund represents a more sound two-way forward who could soon occupy a role in the middle six.
The 2022 first-round pick racked up 36 points (19 goals and 17 helpers) in 45 games during his first full season in the AHL. His plus-20 rating was the second-best mark on the Amerks behind only defenseman Nikita Novikov (+28).
Ostlund, 21, is an alternative to consider if the Sabres' planned center quartet of Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod and Peyton Krebs falters for any reason. As it stands, there's a lot of pressure on Norris and Kulich to help carry the scoring load this season.
At minimum, the Swede should at least match his eight NHL appearances from 2024-25.
Devon Levi (goalie)
Listen, in a perfect world Sabres fans won't see Levi in Buffalo this year. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will bounce back from his horrendous 2024-25 season to serve as the starter and free-agent signing Alex Lyon will handle the backup role well for about 20 starts.
Things don't always go according to plan, though. If UPL fails to showcase a return to form — his .887 save percentage last season ranked 47th among 53 qualified NHL goalies — or injuries occur, the Sabres will be left with little choice beyond giving Levi another shot.
The 23-year-old goaltender has played exceedingly well for the Amerks (2.28 goals against average and .922 save percentage in 68 AHL games) but that success hasn't carried over to the NHL so far. He's compiled a 3.29 GAA and .894 SV% across 39 outings for Buffalo.
Levi is still firmly in the Sabres' future plans, either as a starter or in a potential crease split with UPL, but the best option for this season is a full development year in the AHL. He still represents a "break glass in case of emergency" option, though.