The prospect challenge has finished. With a 2-1 record, the Sabres continued to highlight their deep farm system. So what did we learn from the three games, and what changes going into the season?
Has The Bubble Changed?
In my last article on the Sabers prospects, I mentioned which prospects I thought might be on the bubble of making the show. Let’s discuss how that has changed.
Matt Savoie
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Matthew Savoie looked dominant. He was flying around the ice and seemed to be involved in every single goal his line scored. A specific highlight that showed just how electric he can be was him catching a dump-in like a wide receiver and proceeding to palm it down and immediately score. This proves to me that he can play some games at the NHL level this year. Unfortunately, he did go down with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. We hope for the best on that front
Isak Rosen
Let it be known. I have been skeptical of Isak Rosen’s potential to play NHL caliber hockey. His showings at the World Juniors always seemed lacking. But he looked great in this year’s challenge. He finally showcased that playmaking potential I’ve been waiting for. Rosen was generally creating a lot of his line’s chances, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was given some looks this year.
Ryan Johnson and Jiri Kulich
I talked briefly about these two as bubble guys in my last article. And while they both looked good, I think it will take another year for either of them to make the jump. However, Johnson still looked good, and Kulich proved his release is still unbelievable.
An Interesting Development
If I asked you who Tyson Kozak was, you’d give me the answer I would have given before this challenge. Who is Tyson Kozak? Well, he is a 2021 7th round pick who earned an entry-level contract the next season. And he proved he was something Buffalo could use in the bottom six right now. A physical forechecker who is also secure on the defensive end. I was extremely impressed with Kozak. He looked great, and while I don’t think he will get NHL looks this season, he is for sure on GM Kevyn Adams’ radar now.
Predictions
Here are some predictions for training camp. Winger Victor Olofsson has been rumored to want a trade out of Buffalo. I think it would be best for both teams to move on. Buffalo has a surplus of great young forward talent, and Olofsson is too good to be playing 3rd line minutes. If and when he gets dealt, it feels like Rosen will be the next man up. Savoie will most likely head back to the WHL, but this is the last year of non-NHL hockey he will see. He is simply too good. Kulich and Johnson will report to Rochester, who will look to make a push for the Calder Cup. And Tyson Kozak will be someone I personally have an interest in. Like a broken record, I have to repeat myself. The future is bright in Buffalo.
