Training camp on the ice is almost here for the NHL and the Buffalo Sabres. There is a lot of questions to answer as they hope to make the postseason for the second straight time. They have not accomplished that feat in nearly two decades.
The Sabres last year had a penalty kill rate of 81.9%, which ranked fourth in the league. It was one of the better successes of the team. One of the reasons was winger Jordan Greenway. When healthy, he was a huge catalyst for why the Sabres kept the puck out of the net when shorthanded.
He had a long reach due to his height (6'6''), a key factor on the PK. That was not just last season. Greenway was a part of the Sabres penalty kill during four seasons with the team. He also had over 100 hits in both 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Greenway was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in June which, when combined with the departure of Alex Tuch, creates concerns up front on the penalty kill.
So, the Sabres have a question to answer: Who can step up and be the same catalyst that Greenway was last year?
Buffalo Sabres may use a variety of players in different ways to replace Jordan Greenway
In terms of blocking shots, defenseman Conor Timmins could step up even more this season for the Sabres. He is slightly shorter (6'3'') than Greenway but was effective on the penalty kill and was a team leader in blocks.
However, the Sabres may be leery of making him a primary part of the penalty kill. Like Greenway, he has had an issue with staying healthy. One of the reasons he has such a high penalty kill is that he missed four months of time due to a leg injury.
The Sabres will also need to look to what winger they can use. Having a strong defenseman on the kill is only half the battle. Greenway was an asset because he can stay on the front end.
Ryan McLeod was one of the stronger parts of the penalty kill. This may be due to his ability in the faceoff circle as well as his speed.
The Sabres also have forwards who are physical like Zach Benson or Beck Malenstyn, who use that physicality throughout an entire game. What made Greenway special was when he came through when needed with the physical approach.
Benson and Malenstyn both figure to receive opportunities to prove their penalty-killing acumen during the new season.
All told, if the Sabres can find a healthy replacement for Greenway, they could pick up right where they left off on the penalty kill, a key aspect of their success.
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