As fans wait for the NHL regular season to start, hopes are high once again. Last year, the Blue and Gold suffered a regression, as some previous top-scoring forwards saw their numbers drop.
At the same time, there are new players and potential prospects vying for a spot on the team. Let’s look at three players who are overdue for a comeback and three who could join the Sabres this season.
Tage Thompson
Center Tage Thompson came to Buffalo in 2018 as part of the Ryan O’Reilly trade. After a lackluster three seasons with the Sabres, Thomson blossomed in 2022-23, enjoying a 38-30-68 record, He did even better the following year, nearing 50 goals before an injury sidelined him. Unfortunately, No. 72 took a step back this past season, only scoring 29 goals, getting 27 assists and finishing with just 56 points.
Thompson’s nickname used to be TNT, because his initials matched his ability to make offensive explosions happen on the ice. Unfortunately, he hasn’t blown up anything in a while and he’ll need to step up his game if he wants to stay on Buffalo’s top line. Fans hope he does and look forward to a new and improved TNT this year.
Alex Tuch
Right winger Alex Tuch joined the Sabres in 2022 along with Peyton Krebs in exchange for Jack Eichel. Tuch had a 12-26-38 record in 50 games that season, but like Thompson, shined the following year, finishing 36-43-79 in 74 matchups. Similar to No. 72, No. 89’s numbers also declined this past season, dropping to 22-37-59.
When the Sabres rehired former head coach Lindy Ruff, Ruff mentioned accountability in his opening press conference. Alex Tuch welcomed the new approach and looked forward to the next training camp and showing what he could do to help the team. If Tuch improves his offensive production once again, he’ll cement his place as one of Buffalo’s highest scoring forwards.
Peyton Krebs
Center Peyton Krebs came to Buffalo with Tuch, but hasn’t enjoyed the success level his former Vegas teammate has. Krebs’ numbers these past three seasons are 7-15-22, 9-17-26 and 4-13-17, respectively. He’s struggled to find his place on the Sabres’ roster. While he’s had his moments, they’ve been too few and far between.
Despite his record, the Sabres’ managers must see some potential in No. 19. The Blue and Gold recently signed him to a new two-year contract, worth almost $3 million. Even so, he’ll need to prove he deserves a full-time role, because there’s a chance he could end up a healthy scratch many nights if he doesn’t shore up his stats.
Jiri Kulich
Sabres’ prospect and AHL player Jiri Kulich performed at a high level during the team’s Prospects Challenge, netting five goals, getting two assists and skating away with seven total points. Kulich’s performance earned him accolades from the hockey press and from Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams, who tweeted that Kulich “dominated” during the event.
Kulich’s solid showing could earn him a place with the Sabres in 2024-25. One of the Rochester Amerks’ top forwards, Kulich showed great production during the past two seasons, where his stats were 27-18-45 and 24-22-46, respectively. While the NHL is a little tougher, Kulich proved his ability and might be in Buffalo this October.
Isak Rosen
Fellow prospect and Amerks teammate Isak Rosen made a strong effort during the Sabres’ Prospects Challenge. While he didn’t score any goals, he did have five assists, including three in Buffalo’s 8-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. His five total assists were the most by any Sabres player in the tournament. Those numbers bode well for his chances to be in Buffalo this fall.
Rosen led Rochester with 50 points last season and 30 assists, solid stats for the young prospect. He’s also played alongside Kulich, making his NHL debut during the same game. Rosen even appeared in seven contests for Buffalo in 2023-24. Based on Rosen's skill, both he and Kulich could wear Blue and Gold jerseys again this year.
Konsta Helenius
One of the Sabres’ latest prospects, Finnish forward Konsta Helenius had just two assists in the Prospects Challenge, yet he impressed his teammates and coaches with how he handled himself. Michael Leone, the Amerks’ incoming head coach, noted Helenius’ ability to break up forechecks and his poise with the puck. Jiri Kulich also liked what he saw, saying Helenius didn’t look like he was 18 years old.
Young hockey prospects usually don’t play in the NHL immediately, normally spending a stint in the CHL or AHL before managers decide they’re ready. However, this doesn’t always happen. Sabres' defenseman Owen Power went straight from college to the NHL, with no stop in the minor leagues. That’s not to say Helenius is as NHL-primed as Power was, but if the Sabres try him out for a few games and he proves his ability, there’d be a strong argument for keeping him around.
