Despite the 8-3 drumming against the Tampa Bay Lightning this week, the Buffalo Sabres' strongest position group is the defensemen.
They have remarkable depth at the position, and there is no shortage of players who have emerged the last few years as top defenders in the NHL. But now, as the team falters, it may want to look at fresh legs to inject on the ice.
Throughout each season, the Sabres do call up several players from their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. One player they may want to look at is a defender currently excelling.
Caleb Jones has seven points in just nine games for the Amerks
There is no time like the present for Caleb Jones to warrant a possible recall.
He was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Sabres in October. He has played very well in Rochester, and has valuable experience in the NHL. If they want to see if he could contribute as third-pair defender, he may be given a look in December or January.
His biggest strength may be his skating mobility on the ice, which has been on full display since he joined the Americans.
However, he has bounced around the NHL since drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. He has suffered from injuries and had a suspension earlier this year for a violation of the league's Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
The key for the Sabres is to find depth anywhere they can given the team's lackluster play this season, even in an area of strength like the blue line.
Several defenseman on the roster have suffered injuries already. Matt Grzelcyk was placed on injured reserve after suffering a lower-body injury. Captain Rasmus Dahlin is back in the lineup after suffering some injury setbacks.
The Sabres will need players like Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson to be healthy in March if they want to make a playoff run. They might need a few days off or rest if they want to fully heal from injuries. That may be a reason for a player like Jones to get called up for a few starts.
The best thing Jones can do if he wants to have a shot with the Sabres is continue to play well with Rochester. Demonstrating not just defensive ability but generating chances to score should make sure the Sabres keep an eye on him.
His 255 games of NHL experience suggest he'll be ready if called upon.
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