The Buffalo Sabres are still considered to have the NHL’s most impressive pool of young talent, although its significance has diminished slightly in recent years. Nonetheless, many of the prospects mentioned in this article may secure permanent positions in Buffalo next season.
It’s quite conceivable that each player listed will see action in multiple NHL games, and there may even be a few additional prospects who make brief debuts. The depth of talent in this prospects pool is remarkable, making it challenging to narrow down the selection to just five players, inevitably leaving some deserving candidates out.
While individuals like Nikita Novikov and Viktor Neuchev had impressive inaugural seasons in North America, their chances of breaking into the Sabres lineup for the start of the 2024 season seem slim, unless they have an exceptional showing in training camp and preseason matches. Even then, it’s doubtful they would secure a long-term spot on the main roster.
However, the same cannot be said for the following five players. Let’s delve into why they stand out as the top prospects in the Sabres’ system.
5- Matt Savoie had an incredible AHL cameo during his last WHL season.
Matt Savoie made a memorable impact during his brief NHL debut, showcasing his prowess once more in junior hockey. Despite playing only 11 games with the Wenatchee Wild, he maintained an impressive goal-scoring rate, tallying 24 points. Following a significant trade to Moose Jaw, Savoie continued his stellar performance, netting 19 goals in 23 games for the Warriors.
In Moose Jaw, Savoie amassed a total of 47 points, bringing his regular season totals to 71 points in just 34 games, averaging over two points per game. With 30 goals to his credit during this period, one can only speculate on the havoc he could have wreaked with a full season in the WHL.
However, Savoie’s stint in Rochester for “reconditioning” proved fruitful, as he notched two goals and five points across six games. Additionally, he contributed significantly during the playoffs for the Warriors, amassing seven goals and 13 points in eight games as of April 25th.
While it seems unlikely that Savoie will crack the Sabres’ opening-day lineup, he is poised to become a primary scorer in Rochester and could see NHL action in due time.
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