There hasn't been much to celebrate for fans over the past few weeks as it pertains to the Buffalo Sabres. They have won only one game in their last nine and lost their last four games in regulation. The struggles certainly can be attributed to a long list of injuries they have had to deal with but Isak Rosen is one who has clearly taken advantage of the opportunity before him due to those injuries.
The former first round pick from the 2021 NHL Draft hasn't shown much before this season and this season looked to be a pivotal one. Entering this season, Rosen had played in only 15 NHL games with one point over that stretch.
It didn't seem like it was going to happen after a lackluster preseason performance and the Sabres sent him back to Rochester to begin the season in the AHL. During that time, something clicked for Rosen and he had five goals and seven assists in eight games before the Sabres brought him up.
The move was out of necessity as the team was dealing with injuries at the forward position and was missing Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, Jason Zucker, and Zach Benson, to name a few players. Rosen has continued that strong play in Rochester, and in six games this season, he has five points. with three goals and two assists.
Isak Rosen is playing his way into a full-time role with the Buffalo Sabres
Once the Buffalo Sabres get fully healthy, they are going to have to make some decisions with their line-up. Isak Rosen is going to be one of those decisions they have to make but if he continues to play this week, the team is going to have no choice but find a way to keep him in the lineup.
This season, Rosen currently ranks fifth among Sabres' forwards who have played at least five games in xGF% at 49.66% according to Natural Stat Trick. He also leads the team in On-Ice Shooting Percentage at 21.74%.
Over the past few games, the Sabres have had a lot of success with Rosen on a line with Jack Quinn and Noah Ostlund. Their time together in Rochester and the familiarity they gained in the AHL have carried over to what they can do for the Sabres.
It is going to be tough for the Sabres to keep this group in place once they get some of these key players back. However, of the three players, Rosen might be the one who has made the best case for himself over the past five games to warrant a long-term spot on this roster.