The Buffalo Sabres ranked fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.45) last season en route to ending the longest playoff drought in league history. The team's offensive production his dipped considerably (23rd at 2.93 goals per game) early in the current campaign, though.
It becomes clear with each passing game that Buffalo's forward group could use a spark. While that's led to a lot of conversation about a potential blockbuster trade, with the Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin among the rumored targets, that's an unlikely path at the moment.
Instead, the Sabres may have to consider a recall from the Rochester Americans if they're seeking a quick, short-term boost. Several Amerks forwards are playing at a high level through the AHL club's first 11 games, including the three leading scorers discussed below.
Matthew Peca
14 points (five goals and nine assists)
Matthew Peca — no relation to former Sabres star Michael Peca — signed an AHL contract with the Amerks over the summer to provide some much-needed veteran leadership. He's done that while also scoring at a 92-point pace.
The 33-year-old undersized (5'9'', 183 pounds) Canadian has spent most of his pro career at the AHL level after a standout four-year college run at Quinnipiac. His most productive season came with the Springfield Thunderbirds in 2024-25 when he tallied 63 points in 68 appearances.
Peca, who owns 83 games of NHL experience, would have to sign an NHL contract before he could join the Sabres (the other players on this list are signed to two-way deals), making it a more unlikely option for Buffalo. That stance could always change if he continues to produce at such a high level.
Jason Polin
11 points (seven goals and four assists)
Jason Polin was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Colorado Avalanche in 2023 following a breakout senior season at Western Michigan (47 points in 39 games). He played 13 games for the Avs over the last three years, though he mostly resided with the AHL's Colorado Eagles.
The right-shot winger has usually operated as a defensively focused forward, topping out at 21 points with the Eagles, so his point-per-game pace so far with the Amerks was a bit unexpected. His shooting percentage (31.8%) does suggest it's probably an unsustainable surge.
Yet, the Sabres don't need Polin, 27, to transform into an elite scorer over an extended period. They just need somebody who can provide a little spark with some hard-nosed hockey around the net, and he's thrived in that role for Rochester so far.
Trevor Kuntar
10 points (four goals and six assists)
Trevor Kuntar started his development in the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program before making stops with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms and at Boston College. The 2020 third-round pick of the Boston Bruins joined the Sabres organization in 2025.
The Buffalo native made his NHL debut last December, skating just over five minutes in the team's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. It's his only appearance with the Blue and Gold so far. He did rack up 21 goals for the Amerks last season.
Kuntar, 25, is a strong bet to receive another cup of coffee with the Sabres at some point in 2026-27. He's another high-energy forward capable of crashing the net to generate some second- and third-chance goals, which Buffalo could certainly use more of right now.
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