The Sabres still boast a strong pipeline, and it could be music to the ears of impatient fans who are wondering when the heck this team will finally break its 14-year playoff curse. Well, if the following three prospects enter training camp this coming September and play like they did in the AHL this season, they’ll provide adequate reinforcement.
Oh, did you not have a chance to follow the AHL this past season? No big deal. I went ahead and listed a trio of prospects who exceeded expectations in their own way. Not all of them were major point producers, so I’m not judging these guys based on production output only.
Instead, they all played well enough in their respective roles to garner serious consideration heading into 2025-26, helping to lead the Amerks on a decent playoff run. Let’s start our odyssey with the most obvious player in the crop.
The Sabres can’t stash Devon Levi forever
No, Devon Levi’s 2024-25 season didn’t go as planned, since he figured to be a full-time NHLer. Still, his 2024-25 outing was elite at the lower level. So much, that it may have Sabres fans thinking he’ll finally break through and become an integral part of the big club next year.
He enjoyed a dominant 25-13-4 record, with a 2.20 goals allowed average, and a 0.919 save percentage. Overall, his performance was a throwback to what we saw during his college days. And if that’s not an encouraging sign, you need to tell me what is.
Not a lot of goaltenders can perform poorly in a job they figure to keep, get sent down, and remain so dialed in and composed. But, Levi was the surefire outlier. That composure was telling, and it’s what made him one of the best netminders in the AHL last season.
Ryan Johnson is steady, smart, and may be on the cusp
He quietly built a strong, defensive resume in Rochester while making a cameo with the Sabres. Some may think it was a step back since Johnson played in 41 games with the big club in 2023-24, but sometimes, less is more, and Johnson drove that point home.
Plus, with Bowen Byram (most likely) on the move, along with the Sabres moving Henri Jokiharu at the previous trade deadline, there could be an opening for Johnson. Put Johnson on the third pairing, and let him be the puck driver and play stopper.
Points-wise, he probably won’t give the Sabres much, as he put up just 13, along with two goals in 66 regular season games. But still, points production isn’t Johnson’s endgame, so it’s something I don’t mind letting slide.
Isak Rosen’s offensive flash just might need that finishing touch
Yeah, Isak Rosen’s had it tough during his limited stints with the big club, but it’s only a matter of time until he sticks. Rosen’s been one of the pipeline’s best players in Rochester, and this past season was his best yet, notching 28 goals and 55 points in 61 regular season games.
Want more fun? He had five goals and six points in eight playoff matchups, further showing us that he can be a future depth scorer on the third line. And while the Sabres can score, this past campaign reminded us that you can never have too many scorers on the team.
Yeah, Buffalo has a logjam in the top nine, I get it, meaning Rosen could even be trade bait. But still, he’s an excellent player in transition, and if his shot becomes more of a weapon in the NHL, don’t be surprised when he’s putting up between 30-40 points a season somewhere down the line.