2. JJ Peterka
JJ Peterka has been absolutely awesome this year with Buffalo. In just his second year, he has already surpassed his totals from his rookie season. In 49 games played this year, he has 18 goals and 16 assists for 34 points. Last season he played in 77 games, registering 12 goals and 20 assists. It's too early to tell if this is a breakout season for sure because he will continue to get better, but as of now you can make a case for this year being a breakout season.
His production should not be a surprise. Ever since he signed with the Sabres, everyone was hopeful he was going to be a key player for the franchise in the future. Peterka is so much fun to watch and whenever he is on the ice, he is a huge threat to have on for Buffalo. There's a great chance he is the MVP but there are two more guys who might have a say.
3. Rasmus Dahlin
For the third candidate, Rasmus Dahlin is another guy who should be considered as the team's MVP. This season, Dahlin has scored 13 goals and registered 25 assists for a total of 38 points in 48 games played. As all Sabres fans know, Rasmus is the backbone of the blue line. We all know him to be the skilled defenseman we expected back in 2018 but now that he has a mean side to him, it makes a huge difference and gives Buffalo the physicality they are missing.
Just like Peterka, Dahlin is a huge threat when he's on the ice especially during a power play or 3 on 3 overtime. Just what he can do with the puck in the open ice is such a treat. He currently leads all NHL defensemen in goals so there is a very good chance we see him in the discussion for the Norris Trophy at the end of the year.
4. Jeff Skinner
The last Sabres midseason MVP candidate is Jeff Skinner. Ever since the season started, Skinner has been one of the most consistent players on the roster. Even though he has missed some games because of injuries, he has still been producing when healthy. Jeff has 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points in 41 games played this year.
As mentioned earlier, he is one of the few Sabres players who has been playing consistently during the first four months of the season. If you watch this team play on a nightly basis, then you know how incredibly inconsistent they are. It makes it refreshing seeing a player playing good for the most part instead of going up and down production wise.
For the midseason MVP, Peterka seems to be the favorite in my opinion. Him and Skinner are the two choices but you can make a case for the other two players talked about. We'll see who ends up being the MVP for Buffalo when all is set and done but it should not be a surprise if any of the players talked about in this article end up winning it.