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What might the Sabres 2024-25 lineup look like with no trades or free agent signings?

What if Kevyn Adams made no big trades or free agents signings this summer? The Sabres 2024-25 lineup would inject even more youth into the equation.

By Todd Matthews

Apr 13, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) moves the puck against
Apr 13, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) moves the puck against / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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Defensemen

  • Rasmus Dahlin (C) - Bowen Byram
  • Owen Power - Mattias Samuelsson
  • Ryan Johnson - Connor Clifton
  • Henri Jokiharju

Defensively, the Sabres would see more of a rotation, but if we were to roll with the likeliest scenario for most games, why not put a pair of players who are physical AND can also score at the top? This gives projected team captain Rasmus Dahlin the privilege to line up alongside Bowen Byram to start things out under such a situation in October. 

Owen Power showed off more physicality this season, but he would fare better with a hard-hitter in Mattias Samuelsson. Samuelsson could be the real winner here and in what the true situation will look like, as Byram’s presence should warrant him lesser ice time. 

Ryan Johnson predictably gets the full-time role, and Connor Clifton returns as the more physical of the duo. Johnson would keep playing the same type of game he developed as a puck mover while Clifton lands body checks and knocks around opponents. 

It wasn’t tough to choose between Henri Jokiharju, Kale Clague, or Jacob Bryson as to who would be in the best position to return on a bridge deal. As with Jost, Clague and Bryson are either in Rochester or they will go elsewhere. 

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