Through the first two games of the season, we know two things about the Sabres. One, they’re off to an awful start, and two, they made a grave mistake failing to address the top six. If Buffalo acquired anyone close to a top six-caliber scorer, it’s Jason Zucker, so let’s take a deep dive into how well his first two games have gone.
If you watched Zucker and the team play, you may have your own opinion of where I’m going with this, but some hard numbers never hurt. Through two games, Zucker, like most of the team, has exactly zero points, 13:16 of average total ice time, no hits, no blocked shots, and a giveaway.
Not great basic numbers, but Zucker has spent a lot of time in the offensive zone, with a 73.3 Corsi For Percentage at even strength despite 36.4 percent of his starts coming in that same zone. So, he’s at least been on the ice when the Blue and Gold have been at their best, at times, offensively.
Obviously, the jury is still out on Zucker, as the (very) early numbers show he’s been neither all-world nor has he been terrible. But with middle to bottom six ice time so far, it indicates what the Sabres might be looking for in Zucker, and that’s someone who can factor in as a depth scorer.
Sabres need to start working the phones ASAP for a top six forward
Before I go any further, I understand that a trade’s not happening so early in the season, but it doesn’t hurt to start inquiring and gauging interests. If I were Kevyn Adams, I’d start looking for players with top six potential and between one and two seasons left on their respective deals.
Targeting forwards from teams that don’t figure to contend, like San Jose, Anaheim, and Calgary, you get the picture. Once the first of November hits and reality sets in for all the above teams, Adams should reach out again, this time with a trade package in hand, and one that involves sending a prospect or two, and even a second-round pick, plus a mid-round pick.
And for the team and the fanbase’s sake, acquire someone who would immediately excite the Sabrehood. Frank Vatrano would be perfect, as would Blake Coleman or Mikael Granlund, who somehow ended up with 48 assists in San Jose.
There’s talent out there, and each team I listed won’t be in contention long. While the Blue and Gold may not be the ideal situation for these older players looking to contend for a Cup, they could also factor in as the missing piece that opponents would need to take note of, and that alone makes the Sabres a better hockey team.