Buffalo has a chance to contend for the Stanley Cup within 5 years.
By John Rooney
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Sabres have been struggling this season. Sitting at 16-30-10 through 56 games, all that is left to do is look to the future. Though it seems far away, the Sabres have a chance to contend for a cup within the next 5 years. The additions of Mittelstadt, Guhle, their 2018 First-Round Pick and (maybe) Nylander should push the Sabres over the edge and into the playoffs in the next couple of years. With that being said, here are my predictions for the Buffalo Sabres opening day Roster:
Center:
Center was relatively easy to pick, especially those at the top of the depth chart. Also, unfortunately the Sabres don’t pick up Tavares. Sorry.
1. Jack Eichel
Duh.
2. Ryan O’Reilly
This would seem more obvious than it really is. Even though I’ve Seen discussions about his relationship with Eichel, I don’t see him going anywhere.
3. Mark Letestu
I thought about putting either Mittelstadt or Reinhart here, but ultimately decided against it. Letestu is a solid NHL player who I could see the Sabres picking up in the offseason for somewhat cheap.
4. Johan Larsson
I couldn’t decide who I wanted to put here so I went with Larsson. He hasn’t played particularly well since coming into the NHL, but the potential for him to become a 30+ points a year guy is still there albeit it becomes more and more unlikely every year.
Left Wing:
Perhaps the most difficult position to pick and order. I don’t see Kane or Pouliot returning next season, so that left me with Scott Wilson and Girgensons as the only two left on the depth chart.
1. Patrick Maroon
I don’t see Maroon as a legit number 1 winger. I do see the Sabres having a chance at signing him when he becomes a UFA. I think Maroon could be a solid no. 2 or 3 but he will have to do at 1 for now, until the guy who is 2 on this list shows he is what he’s hyped up to be.
2. Casey Mittelstadt
I know, I know. His natural position is center. I see Mittelstadt as taking the Sam Reinhart path with more success. I’d put him on the wing and let him develop before putting him at center in a couple of years. I also see him moving to the number 1 left winger spot in the middle of the year.
3. Zemgus Girgensons
Not much to say. Hope he will rebound from a down year this year
4. Scott Wilson
Ditto.
Right Wing:
By far the easiest position for me to pick. Nothing has changed.
1. Sam Reinhart
Been playing exceptional since January 1. If he continues to play at that pace, I see him having a great year next year.
2. Kyle Okposo
He hasn’t played the way the Sabres and fans expected him to. Regardless, he is still the clear number 2 right winger.
3. Jason Pominville
Hasn’t played great this year, but brings great leadership and could rebound to have a good year next year. I have seen calls to trade or otherwise dump him, but I think he stays for at least 1 more year.
4. Nick Baptiste
Has looked good at times this season. Expect him to potentially move past Pominville.
Defense:
This is where it gets interesting. I’ll talk about the top 4 and list the other 2.
1. Rasmus Ristolainen
Duh. Not having the greatest year (by his standards) but, still, duh.
2. Rasmus Dahlin
This one was tricky. I do think the Sabres will get Dahlin, if only because Jacky boy is hurt. I was tempted to put Guhle here, but with all the Dahlin hype and the Sabres lack of defensive prowess, to put it nicely, I think Dahlin’s good enough to handle the first pairing.
3. Marco Scandella
Scandella has been a disappointment for Sabres fans but, he is still a good defenseman and could provide some veteran leadership for the man at number 4.
4. Brendan Guhle
The moment many Sabres fans have been waiting for is finally here. Guhle makes the jump to the NHL and I think could be a great player. I don’t think he’ll be a Calder contender like Dahlin but he has top 2 potential.
5. Zach Bogosian
6. Jake McCabe
Goalie:
1. Robin Lehner
I didn’t want to put him here either. Regardless, I wouldn’t trade him unless you know you can sign a good goalie or if Ullmark is ready to make the jump (maybe).
2. Harri Sateri
Anybody but Chad.
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