Josh Norris
The Sabres added Josh Norris last season in the Dylan Cozen trade, and his time was short-lived as he played in only three games before missing the remainder of the season due to injury. That, unfortunately, has been the story of Norris' career as he has dealt with a number of injuries and has never played more than 66 games in a single season.
However, that one season he showed how good he could be and if he reaches that ceiling with the Sabres it will have a major impact on how competitive this team can be. In 2021-22 while with the Senators, Norris would have 35 goals and 20 assists and be close to a point-per-game player.
If Norris can play over 70 games and return to that kind of average, along with Thompson and Tuch, this group has real potential.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
The biggest wild card and, in turn, the player who will probably determine whether or not the Buffalo Sabres end their playoff drought, is goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
In 2023-24, UPL had an excellent season with a save percentage of .910 and a goals against average of only 2.57. However, this past season was a different story as his save percentage dipped to a career-low of .887 and a goals against average of 3.20. He would allow 37 more goals than the season prior but faced only 19 more shots all season.
The Sabres did bring in Alex Lyon this offseason as a free agent after two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and they do have Devon Levi at the AHL level waiting for his chance, but if either player gets an extended chance to be the starter, it means UPL struggled and that isn't good news for the Sabres.