It’s agreed that the 2024-25 season for the Sabres has been fail on all areas of the organization. Buffalo sits at the bottom of the Eastern conference and bottom four in the NHL. The remaining 16 games for Blue and Gold are to show the fans that there is light at the end of the tunnel as the drought year turns 14 years.
Rasmus Dahlin frustrations with losing
One of the biggest storylines in the past week for the Sabres was when the report of Sabres top defenseman Rasmus Dahlin met with GM Kevyn Adams and asked if things within the organization didn’t change. Later that day, reporters questioned Dahlin about the report; he confirmed meeting with Kevyn Adams, but denied mentioning the word “leave.”
Dahlin refuted the report, and said to reporters “I don’t want to lose, we have to get better. I never said I want out of here thought that was clear." The star defenseman saying he wants to stay in the blue and gold uniform is refreshing to hear as just a few years ago the Sabres went through a core change, eventually leading to Eichel and Reinhart becoming Stanley Cup Champions.
Dahlin’s mind is moving in the future and wants the best for the franchise. All players say and want the best, but it also comes with a breaking point. Dahlin isn’t quite to that point. Dahlin has been one of many bright spots for the Sabres this season, as he is one goal shy of tying second place for the most goals by a NHL defenseman prior to turning 25.
Keeping Dahlin happy in Buffalo has to be one of the biggest storylines moving forward for the Sabres organization as the race to end the drought gets longer.
The effects of the Josh Norris deal
One of the biggest risks of the NHL trade deadline was Josh Norris to Buffalo. Adams gave up Dylan Cozens a second in the deal to get Norris. The injury bug has rattled the young 25-year-old missing 58 games over the last two seasons and only played eight games in 22-23 season.
Norris, in his sixth season in the NHL, hasn’t exceeded playing in over 66 games in one season. The former first-round pick back in 2017 has landed back on the injury report after three games in a Buffalo sweater missing the last two games with an undisclosed injury.
Josh Norris brings a wicked shot when in the lineup for the Sabres, nabbing a career high 35 goals back in 21-22, and has been a consistent 20+ scorer when on the ice. Norris, a strong 6’2" skater with a high hockey IQ, is an ideal second-line center for the Sabres, capable of creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates.
Rochester’s Chase for a Calder Cup
The Rochester Americans are well on their way for a potential a long Calder Cup playoff run. The Amerks sit second in the North Division with 76 points, five back of first. Notable Sabres prospects that will take part in an Americans’ playoff run include Devon Levi, Isak Rosen, and Noah Ostlund. Rosen sitting atop of the Amerks stat sheet with 56 points that includes 27 goals the most on the team.
Ostlund sits fourth on the Americans with 11 goals. All the attention goes to Devon Levi, the top Sabres prospect who is once again dominating the AHL at 23. Levi sits top 10 in the AHL in all major goalie statistics.
A long playoff run for the top prospects in the organization not only gives them extra games to play in, but most importantly, playoff experience to bring with them to the NHL. The group of young talented players can secure the Americans’ first Calder Cup since the 95-96 season and bring a winning mentality to the future Sabres lineup.