How close is Isak Rosen to finding a spot in the Sabres lineup?
Isak Rosen played well enough to earn a spot in the Sabres lineup for a handful of games in 2023-24, so will his role expand with the Blue and Gold in 2024-25?
Isak Rosen wasn’t impressive during his seven-game trial with the Sabres last season, though you can argue he at least snagged a decent on-ice save percentage of 91.2 at even strength, a number that increased to 93.9 at 5-on-5. But he was also playing fourth-line minutes and with a group that played well defensively.
Meanwhile, he has yet to snag his first NHL point, so the burning question for Isak Rosen is this: Will it occur in 2024-25? Let’s review Rosen’s 2023-24 season, then talk about his 2024-25 outlook.
Last year, Rosen played in 67 AHL games, buried 20 goals, and logged 30 assists, good for 50 points to finish the season. With an additional two goals in five playoff games, he showed his presence as a formidable scorer, and that’s something he will continue next season in the AHL.
Isak Rosen was promising in 2023-24, but won’t be with the Sabres in 2024-25
If Isak Rosen were projected to earn a spot in the Sabres lineup, it would be on the lower lines. But that was an area general manager Kevyn Adams fixed this past month, meaning Rosen will continue to hone his game in the AHL.
But, given the improvement he showed from 2022-23 to 2023-24, if a spot opens up in the middle-six for 2025-26, look for him to become part of the big club. He was encouraging in 2022-23 and even more encouraging last season, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with him coming to Buffalo just yet, especially after the way he fared when he got his chance.
Patience with Rosen is key here, and if he can get his overall points total up to somewhere near one per game with Rochester, put on even more muscle, and grow into his 6’0 frame, he could ultimately transform into a physical presence.
This isn’t to say Rosen won’t see the ice at all in Buffalo, as an injury bug could hit and leave the organization with no choice but to recall him. But this wouldn’t be the preferred route, and if the team isn’t unlucky enough to get hit with injuries, expect him to play another encouraging role in Rochester this season.
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(Statistics powered by Hockey-Reference and Elite Prospects)