3 players at Sabres rookie camp who need a strong showing in the Prospects Challenge

Yesterday, we talked about five players to watch at Sabres rookie camp, but let’s shift gears and discuss a few prospects who must benefit from a strong showing at the Prospects Challenge this weekend. Or, to be exact, this Friday. 

These players may be unknown to some fans, but the forward we’re talking about isn’t. Or at least he shouldn’t be, as he just came to the organization this summer in a big trade. If he makes a strong first impression with his new team, some fans critical of that trade may give him a longer look.

Tyler Tullio

This one is obvious. While I’ve continually praised the Sabres for acquiring Ryan McLeod, Tyler Tullio was also part of that deal. Buffalo traded prospect Matt Savoie, someone who could become a high-end NHL talent in time, and that’s not exactly something McLeod will be. 

He’ll be a good, solid player in Buffalo, but not someone who will put up 60-plus points in a season. Nor will Tullio, but for the Sabres to win out on this trade, the versatile forward must show he can at least provide sound organizational depth or even evolve into a lower-liner at the NHL level at some point.

Tullio’s first test will come Friday, and if he proves to be one of the better players at the Prospects Challenge, he’ll start winning over some fans. 

Norwin Panocha

Last year’s seventh-round pick has the size and, now, some experience to evolve into a valuable asset, but he’s still a long way off when compared to other blueliners in the system. But since those playing in college won’t be part of the Prospects Challenge, this gives Panocha an advantage to show that he’s grown over the past season. 

His first year in junior hockey saw him shut out from scoring in 52 games, but he did show some playmaking ability with 15 assists. But at 6’2, 192 lbs and still growing, Panocha’s forte could be a disruptive force at the blue line, and that should get him noticed if he shows off some defensive prowess this week. 

Ryerson Leenders

After his second full season in the OHL, Ryerson Leenders showed off some much-needed improvement, and the Sabres were lucky to take a chance on him in Round 7 of this past summer’s draft. But he’s still well behind Scott Ratzlaff if I were to make an organizational depth chart, but the Prospects Challenge gives him a chance to not just close in on Ratzlaff but to perhaps supersede him. 

Leenders, alongside Ratzlaff, also find themselves in an ideal situation regarding the Sabres goaltenders. Both will take a few seasons to develop, and by which point, the Blue and Gold may be looking to make a long-term decision on current goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. 

Depending on how Luukkonen plays this season, it will also affect what Devon Levi’s future looks like with the organization. That said, a good first impression this weekend could set the stage for a long-term development plan if Leenders takes advantage of the opportunity.