Two young Sabres players will cash in big if they breakout in 2024-25
The Buffalo Sabres have a pair of players who’d like nothing more than to forge their respective spots as key fixtures for the organization, and they can do just that if they enjoy an epic 2024-25 season.
One of them you may already consider to have broken out last year, considering his jump in production from 12 goals and 32 points in 2022-23 to 28 goals and 50 points this past season. For that reason, I even implied over two months ago that Peterka could have signed an extension this summer, even if that looks less likely now.
A jump into the 60-70-point range will all but guarantee JJ Peterka will sign come the end of the year and remain an integral part of this Sabres team for most if not the rest of the decade. Should he stagnate or regress, he’ll still have a future with Buffalo, but he will likely be limited to a bridge contract.
Jack Quinn is also one to keep an even closer eye on, as injuries wrecked what could have been a promising sophomore campaign. Still, 19 points and nine goals in 27 games despite barely picking up a rhythm because of those injuries is promising enough to be excited for the 23-year-old.
JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn could forge lucrative deals with the Sabres
Of course, Quinn’s been banged up even before his truncated 2023-24 season, so health will be the biggest question here. If he misses extended time with injuries, it will be tough to see Quinn receive a decent extension, even if he would likely remain a Sabre.
But if he breaks out and turns into the same type of scoring threat we saw from JJ Peterka last season, signing Quinn to a lucrative deal will be a much easier decision. Right now, both players have shown promise, and they ultimately control their own destiny if they stay healthy.
They will face competition, though, as Zach Benson will look to make his mark since he will be eligible for an extension following the 2024-25 season while Quinn and Peterka can sign theirs at any time. Overall, it should be fun to watch all three players, but particularly our veterans put their best game forward to try and earn a long-term spot in Buffalo.
feed
(Statistics powered by Hockey-Reference)