Top Buffalo Sabres prospects to get excited for in 2024-25

2 - Ryan Johnson will be a permanent part of the rotation next year

Ryan Johnson saw significant time in Buffalo this season, and while he has yet to find twine in either the AHL or NHL, points aren’t where he brings value. He may never be a scorer or even log primary or secondary assists, but that’s no different from what we saw across his four seasons at the University of Minnesota. 

Instead, Johnson is good at staying in position, retrieving the puck, and setting up opportunities, which when the Sabres or Amerks decide to click offensively, is all he needs to do. His possession quality at even strength during his time in Buffalo sat at plus-2.4 in 41 games, and in reality, he was on the ice for 22 goals for and just 18 against. 

He played like he belonged in the NHL, but the Sabres also knew Johnson would be better off playing his postseason in Rochester, so he’ll have even more time to hone his game for what will be an inevitable spot in Buffalo when the puck drops this October. 

Or better yet, it would either take a complete meltdown in September to see Johnson back in the Flower City, or general manager Kevyn Adams acquiring a more established talent for the rotation. The chances of that occurring aren’t likely, so expect Johnson to start next season in a blue and gold uniform.