The puck was dropped in the first preseason game for the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night, a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The exhibition slate is about the development, looking at players competing for roster spots and deciding what role they end up in.
Justin Danforth played just four games a season ago, and is now looking to have a less frustrating upcoming season. After the injury, he has been working hard to get back but now has a lot of work to do to secure his place on the roster. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Justin Danforth is entering the last season of a two-year deal for the Sabres
He made a limited impact in the four games he played last season before the knee injury, and now will be looking to compete for fourth-line spot for 2026-27. Several players he will have to leap frog and beat out for a spot, though.
Beck Malenstyn and Sam Carrick both are forwards who at times last season proved their value in the same role that Danforth is looking at. Malenstyn has elite speed and Carrick provides a boost in the faceoff circle. Danforth has shown flashes in training camp, though.
Sam Carrick is competing with Justin Danforth for the veteran forward on the roster
Both are in their 30s and, with the Sabres being young within their starting core, they will also need veterans on the bench to help mold and teach the younger players. Carrick has one advantage and that is playoff experience. He previously played for Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 postseason.
While the Sabres did lose against the Penguins, Danforth showed coach Lindy Ruff and Co. what he may provide after injury.
He skated over 17 minutes and had two shots. He also displayed why the Sabres signed him in the first place. He added to his stats with two hits and two faceoff wins on Monday night.
It once again demonstrated the speed that he will need to compete with Malenstyn for a spot on the lineup card. For him to show his ability, it proves how far he has come and the work he has done since he went on injured reserve last season.
The Sabres have three more preseason games, and training camp continues to roll on. If Danforth continues to show his worth, it could lead to a roster spot, either on the fourth line or maybe as the reserve forward.
However, the question will be who he will bump off to get there.
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