This Sabres prospect needs to be watched closely in 2024-25.
The Buffalo Sabres have an incredibly deep prospect pool. Because of this, while the Sabres have suffered plenty of heartbreak over their 13-year playoff drought, it is hard not to feel some optimism about their future.
Isak Rosen is one specific prospect that Sabres fans should keep a close eye on next season.
With the Sabres having plenty of big-name prospects and young NHL talents like Zach Benson, JJ Peterka, Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius, Rosen can sometimes be overlooked. That ought to change, as Rosen is noticeably improving.
After posting 14 goals and 37 points in his first season with the Rochester Americans in 2022-23, Rosen's production was better this past season. In 67 games, the 2021 first-round pick recorded new career highs with 20 goals, 30 assists, and 50 points. Overall, the Stockholm, Sweden native showed off his offensive potential and raised his value in the process.
Rosen also appeared in seven games this past season with the Sabres, posting zero points. While Rosen did not get on the scoresheet in his first short stint with the NHL club, he should get more chances to change that next season with the Sabres.
When looking at the Sabres' current roster, it seems likelier that Rosen will start the campaign in the AHL. The Sabres added several bottom-six forwards, so things are a bit crowded for Rosen. However, if he takes another step forward in this campaign, he should not be surprised if he gets opportunities with the NHL squad when injuries arise. The potential for him to become a middle-six forward in the near future is there.
