One of the biggest priorities when training camp opens later this month for the Buffalo Sabres is to try and finalize what the top line for their forwards is going to look like. There is no question that Tage Thompson is going to be one of those players but after that it might be anyone's guess.
The good news for Lindy Ruff and his coaching staff is that they are going to have plenty of options of how they build that top line. When looking at the roster, these are the three most likely combinations they could explore early in training camp.
3 most likely top forward lines for the Buffalo Sabres this season
Zach Benson - Jiri Kulich - Tage Thompson
One option is for the Buffalo Sabres to continue with the line that they finished the season with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson as the wings and Jiri Kulich at center. According to Money Puck, this was the second best forward line the Sabres had last season among lines with 100 or more minutes with an xGoals % of 57.7%.
The biggest question with this combination is whether or not Jiri Kulich is ready to step in as the team's top center. Last season was his first extended look in the NHL and he played in 62 games with 15 goals and nine assists.
As the season went along, Kulich's role grew as he was inserted into that top line and was averaging over 15 minutes per game in the final 19 games of the season but had only seven points over that stretch. With the increased ice time, he will need to increase his production or the Sabres may explore other combinations.
Zach Benson - Josh Norris - Tage Thompson
Another option would be keeping Benson and Thompson on the wings but have Josh Norris at center. He was the key part of the return from the Ottawa Senators as part of the Dylan Cozens' trade but only appeared in three games before dealing wtih injuries.
That is the biggest question for Norris and the Sabres is whether or not he can stay healthy. This has been an issue for Norris in his career as he he has played over 60 games in a season only once in his career. However, that season showed just how good he is as he had 35 goals and 20 assists for the Senators in 2021-22.
A healthy Norris would give the Sabres probably their best top line and might be the one they are hoping emerges this training camp.
Zach Benson - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
One other option the Buffalo Sabres have is to load up that top line with as much talent as possible and put Alex Tuch next to Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. However, this would have the biggest impact across all the forward lines as well as move Thompson back to center after he played wing.
The Sabres could be forced into this option though if the question marks around Jiri Kulich or Josh Norris become an issue and they aren't able to handle the responsibility of that top center spot.
Last season, the Sabres best forward line was Thompson with Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka as they had an X Goals % of 60.7, according to MoneyPuck. However, with Peterka traded this offseason that line is no longer an option but replacing him with Benson could work.
While this is an option, it is probably their last option because it raises the question of what the other lines might look like by moving Tuch up. It might create too many questions as a permanent option but might be used during a game when the Sabres need some help on offense.