The Buffalo Sabres third line should invigorate fans if what’s projected below is indeed what the team will roll with. There is a common theme among this projected trio, and it’s that they all don’t mind laying at least one body check per game, and that’s something we couldn’t always say about what should have been a rather physical line.
So unless head coach Lindy Ruff, for some reason, seeks to continue the rather passive play that Don Granato brought to the team, there’s no way that the following three players won’t combine for a good 350-400 hits. But hits are nowhere near everything, and all three of the names mentioned have more than enough potential to contribute offensively.
While you can draw this projected third line up in a few ways, let me show you why I rolled with the following intriguing trio.
Jason Zucker
It would be a mistake to place Jason Zucker in the top-six, but it doesn’t mean he can’t jump down into the bottom-six and provide decent depth scoring. If he’s enjoying a solid season, he will score, but inconsistencies as a scorer should ultimately demote him to the third line while the Sabres take chances on giving their younger players more ice time.
But when it comes to the ‘jack of all trades’ mantra in Buffalo, few may wear the label better than Zucker, and that’s not a knock on his game. Zucker will score his goals, even if that final number lands somewhere between 13 and 15. He will land some body checks, and if the Sabres need him on the ice longer, Zucker can log more time in the rink on any given day.
Ryan McLeod
He’s ultra-fast and can win faceoffs, and that’s what makes Ryan McLeod so valuable to a Sabres team that could use an uptick in both categories. The speed will help this team move the puck up ice quicker while creating space when in the offensive zone and giving the team more opportunities to shine.
As for his ability to win faceoffs, well, that should be rather easily explained since the Blue and Gold haven’t had any luck in the circle for roughly a half-decade. His 66 takeaways will also help land the Sabres more chances, and with a sensational 91.9 on-ice save percentage at even strength last year in Edmonton, especially with ticky-tacky goaltending at times, there’s a lot to get excited about with Ryan McLeod.
Jordan Greenway
There’s hardly another member of the Sabres who you can’t help but think will just break out and enjoy a strong season, but Jordan Greenway always emerges as a strong candidate. Yet he’s someone who routinely came up short in Minnesota, and that’s so far been the story of his stint so far with the Sabres.
Still, you can’t help but remain optimistic about Greenway since he has the size and ability to create space near the goaltender and deflect would-be shots on goal into twine. He’s also someone who can always lay at least a pair of big hits in a game, if not more, so even if he never reaches his scoring potential, Greenway should carry value on the bottom-six.