3 WAY too early predictions for the Buffalo Sabres in 2024/2025
We are only in the month of June, but it's never too early to start thinking about next year if you're the Buffalo Sabres. After a disappointing 2023/2024 season, it's time to turn the page. While October is four months away, let's discuss next year.
Even though the draft and free agency have not happened yet, let's get crazy! In this article, I'm going to give three predictions for the team next season. Whether it's a specific player or the organization itself, I got a couple of predictions. Enough talk, here are my predictions!
Dylan Cozens rebounds with 40 goals
There is no denying that it was a regressing year for Sabres forward Dylan Cozens. While he wasn't the only player who took a step back, his numbers from this season were definitely concerning. In 79 games played, Cozens scored 18 goals and registered 29 assists for 47 points and was a -4.
In the IIHF World Championships though, Cozens shined. While it didn't help Buffalo, it was good to see the Workhorse from Whitehorse have a good tournament. Looking ahead to next season, I think Dylan responds in a big way as I predict him to score 40 goals.
It was a down year for him, but with him under new head coach Lindy Ruff, Cozens will find his scoring touch. During the 2022/2023 season, he scored 31 goals and earned himself a well-deserved contract extension. He struggled defensively as well, but I see him having a bounce back year in 2024/2025.
Dylan is one of the most accountable players on the team and it's possible he could be one of the alternate captains next season. Hopefully, he can find his game next year because he is a vital piece on a team trying to take the next step.
Kevyn Adams makes an impactful trade at the deadline
For my second prediction, it comes at the NHL trade deadline. This is more of a hypothetical prediction, but let's say the Sabres are in the playoff race. I think general manager Kevyn Adams will make an impactful move to help Buffalo make a push for the postseason. Two years ago, the Sabres acquired Jordan Greenway at the deadline as they were battling for the playoffs.
Even though they didn't make the playoffs, Greenway added some much needed grit to the lineup. For this years deadline, Adams pulls the trigger to improve the roster. We have talked numerous times about this offseason making or breaking the Sabres GM. If that is the case and the team is doing well, I think he pulls the trigger at the deadline.
I understand talk is just talk and actions speak louder than words. However, if Adams does indeed have a good offseason and Buffalo is in the middle of the playoff race, I do see him making a move to help their chances of breaking the playoff drought.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a Vezina finalist
For my last prediction, Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will finish as one of the Vezina candidates. Luukkonen had an exceptional year this season as he was 27-22-4 with a SV% (save percentage) of .910 and a 2.57 GAA (goals against average).
After some questioned if he could put together a complete season, UPL did just that and you could make the case that he was the team's MVP. I'm not trying to get ahead of myself, but with good he was this year, I do see him having another strong season in 2024/2025.
With his five shutouts, Luukkonen was a huge reason why the Sabres were in the playoff race until the last few games of the season. Along with Devon Levi, he and Luukkonen give Buffalo a reliable 1-2 punch. UPL is due for a well-deserved contract and he will build off his terrific season. If he has another good season, I think he will be one of the finalists for the Vezina trophy.
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