ATLANTIC DIVISION

Buffalo Sabres (5th)

2022-23 Record: 42-33-7 91 Pts

Missed the playoffs

Key Subtractions: Craig Anderson (retirement), Ilya Lyubushkin (traded to Ducks)

Key Additions: Erik Johnson, Connor Clifton

Overview: The Sabres nearly ended their playoff drought with a strong 2022-23 season that saw them finish with 91 points. They just missed out. The improvement thanks to star center Tage Thompson, along with Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Jeff Skinner, Rasmus Dahlin, and Casey Mittlestadt, demonstrated that they’re very close to getting back to the postseason.

With both key pieces, Thompson and Cozens signed to long-term deals that pay each at least $7.1 million on average through 2030, GM Kevyn Adams has solidified a young nucleus that also includes Owen Power, Devon Levi, and eventually top prospect Jiri Kulich.

In re-signing well-respected veteran Kyle Okposo along with checking forward Tyson Jost, that should keep the locker room close-knit. When you have a young roster, it’s important to have some proven vets that can provide some leadership. They’ll play supporting roles.

Most notably, Adams addressed the blue line by adding proven vets, Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton. Johnson is a former Stanley Cup winner. He’s a smart player who provides solid defense and is good in the room. Clifton is a tough defenseman who should bring physicality to the back end. His no-nonsense style should be popular in Western New York.

The Sabres boast one of the game’s premier defenseman in Dahlin. Still just 23, the former top pick is coming off a career season that saw him supply consistent offense along with a mean streak. He was overlooked for the Norris, finishing eighth. He won’t be this season.

Power impressed in his rookie campaign to place third for the Calder. A big defenseman with size, skating, and skill, he should continue to improve in Year Two. Mattias Samuelsson plays a strong positional game. He will finish checks and block shots. The key is staying healthy. He’s a key cog on the blue line.

By adding Johnson and Clifton, that should help stabilize the defense. Henri Jokiharju won’t be asked to do as much. Jacob Bryson and Riley Stillman supply depth.

If goalie was an issue, perhaps Devon Levi can be the answer in the net. The 21-year-old netminder debuted to lots of excitement. He won five of his first seven starts, nearly carrying the Sabres into the playoffs. How will he handle his first full season?

With popular veteran Craig Anderson retiring, that leaves both Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to compete for the second spot. Neither were good enough last year. It can’t all be on Levi. They need to perform better.

Jordan Greenway should have a key role up front. A physical agitator, he brings size and strength to the roster. When Adams acquired him from Minnesota last season, it was with that in mind. He can be effective on the forecheck. Hopefully, he can add some secondary scoring, along with Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, and dangerous shooter Victor Olofsson.

J.J. Peterka was overlooked as a rookie. Only 21, he has a chance to improve. It would be nice if Peyton Krebs was more consistent. He’s been a disappointment since coming over from Vegas. At least, they got Tuch in the Jack Eichel trade. He’s a power forward who finally came into his own in a career year. It’s all about staying on the ice.

If they can get Jack Quinn back by sometime next calendar year, that would be a bonus. He could become a good finisher. He will be out at least the first half due to Achilles surgery.

Analysis: Offense shouldn’t be a problem. Buffalo was amongst the best offenses last season. Can Thompson continue his upswing? If he does, 50 goals and 100 points are possible. They are counting on the big boys to perform.

Cozens isn’t only a good offensive center. But he’s also solid all-around. Coach Don Granato trusts him to play in all situations, including the penalty kill. He led the Sabres with two shorthanded goals. To take the next step as a two-way player, he must improve on face-offs. An area Buffalo needs to get better at.

There’s plenty to like about the defense. Dahlin could contend for the Norris while Power and Samuelsson continue to improve. Adding the necessary experience should help.

The only question is the goalie. Levi almost has to perform for this team to be in the hunt. It’ll be a lot of pressure and expectations.

The Sabres family lost legendary voice Rick Jeanneret. The recently retired play-by-play man spent half a century as one of the most exciting and best hockey broadcasters since the franchise’s second season. He passed away on August 17.

There’s no doubt that the team will honor him with a special RJ patch on their jersey. They’ll have a little extra incentive to reach the postseason.

Prediction: If they can improve defensively, that should go a long way to supporting Levi and either Comrie or Luukkonen. They can’t be left out to dry.

The Sabres should be one of the most exciting teams to watch. The high-end skill they boast should make them formidable.

Thus far, Granato has done a good job behind the bench. It really is all about the team taking that next big step. They’re kind of similar to where the Devils were before last year. It’s all about making the playoffs.

Buffalo will be competing with the Bruins, Senators, and Red Wings for the postseason. They should be able to win 45 games and have over 90 points. It could come down to the all-important regulation wins tiebreaker. If the goaltending holds up, they’ll finally return to the playoffs.