One player who has seemingly gotten lost in the shuffle this summer for the Buffalo Sabres is Jack Quinn. He isn't mentioned in the same breath as Noah Ostlund, Jiri Kulich, and Konsta Helenius, but not on the same level as Zach Benson or Josh Doan.
However, through the first few practices and then again during the scrimmage, he has made his presence known, and people are taking notice. On Saturday, he had one goal and one assist in the Sabres' Blue & Gold Scrimmage.
Birthday boy’s putting on a show 🎉 #LetsGoBuffalo | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/PtYH3IGfOv
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 19, 2026
After the scrimmage, Lindy Ruff said the line of Noah Ostlund, Zach Benson, and Jack Quinn was probably their best line today. However, he was then asked specifically about Quinn and whether he has looked different in this camp compared to last year.
"I do. I think he has made another step and I think this is just a small sample size but the first two practices and today were really good days for him," Ruff said.
Jack Quinn is primed to have a breakout season with the Buffalo Sabres
Fans have been patiently waiting for this type of play from the former first-round pick. After only 97 points (39 goals, 58 assists) through 178 NHL games, this past season was a career year with 20 goals and 51 points. However, the start Quinn has had so far in training camp could set him up for an even better season.
If the scrimmage is any indication, the line of Ostlund-Benson-Quinn will be the Sabres' second line this season. Quinn also looks to be part of the Sabres' top power-play unit this season after practice on Friday. If he can hold onto a spot on that unit with players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, Benson, and Doan, it will only help his chances of surpassing his career totals from a season ago.
This expanded role with the Sabres couldn't come at a better time, as he is entering the final year of his contract. He will be a restricted free agent after this season, and if he plays at this level with additional ice time, then he can set himself up for a big contract between now and next summer.
As Lindy Ruff noted, this is a small sample size, and the Sabres haven't even taken the ice against another team. It is a long season, but with the questions the team had about how they might replace Alex Tuch, these early performances by Quinn are a great sign for the upcoming season.
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