Scoring inconsistencies continue to plague the Sabres, as they were shut out twice recently, and they had scored just one goal vs. the Vancouver Canucks through the first 40 minutes of play on Friday. It’s not a good look for a team that, at times, looks like it can be rather high-octane.
But right now, this squad is picking and choosing when it wants to put up goals. Either that, or some opponents are figuring them out, and it’s leading to stagnation in goal-scoring if you wish to use a rather unique term. Anyway, it continually justifies the need for the Blue and Gold to seek out a scorer on their top six, and yes, I’m talking about this again, as it’s more evident now than ever. Or, maybe someone who can simply put others in position to score?
Today, I’m focusing on Nick Schmaltz, who didn’t get off to a great start as a scorer, but who cares? The guy’s been a playmaker all season for a struggling hockey team, and it shows with 17 assists in 24 contests. Yeah, let’s do our famous adjustment to 82 games, and you get something in the neighborhood of 58 helpers, something the Sabres can use on its hockey team right now.
Could Nick Schmaltz be the top-six forward the Sabres need?
So far, Schmaltz has struggled scoring goals this season, with both of them coming in Utah’s big win over the Vegas Golden Knights. That’s given him just a 3.7 shooting percentage this season, but I wouldn’t let that meager number be a dealbreaker.
Over the past three seasons, Schmaltz has more than proven his worth with 22-plus goals, but he’s also been more than just a scorer and playmaker for the Arizona Coyotes/Utah Hockey Club. The Sabres need to improve defensively, and Schmaltz can be there for that, too, with between 52 and 66 takeaways in the three preceding campaigns.
That said, a player like Schmaltz will provide a ton of value to the Sabres if they can work out a deal with Utah to bring him over. Utah continues to tumble in what has been a tough Central Division featuring two of the league’s best teams, and if that continues to be the case, they will be sellers.
As for the Blue and Gold, it’s been a mixture of hot and cold hockey, but the sense of urgency remains high in the City of Good Neighbors. That said, even if the Sabres are on the fence, they’ll likely buy, and Schmaltz is one player Utah could make expendable.