2014-2015 Review
The Buffalo Sabres finished last season with the worst record in the NHL. They only had 23 wins and finished with a pathetic 54 points. They had the worst offense in the league when it came to GPG and the worst defense in the league when it came to GAA. To summarize, on average they were outscored 1.4 goals a game. The one real bright spot came in the 2015 draft, where they drafted Jack Eichel with the second overall pick.
New Additions
Jack Eichel
The second overall pick in this year's draft should eventually be a great player. It’s not every day that you hear a player getting compared to Paul Kariya, but his workmanlike effort every game out has led to the comparison being made. He should find his way onto the roster this year, but the jump from NCAA to NHL is a big one. It likely won’t matter to Sabre fans though, they will be more than happy just to see him play. Getting 7 points in 10 games for USA in the World Championships will do that for you.
Ryan O’Reilly
O’Reilly has enjoyed plenty of success in the past two seasons on the ice. In the 2013-2014 season he scored 28 goals and notched 64 points to help lead the Avalanche back into the post season. In 2014-2015, he continued his offensive prowess with 55 points. Off the ice, he has run into problems, and we will have to wait and see what kind of an effect his presence makes on a young team.
Key Losses
Michal Neuvirth
Although he only played in 27 games last year, he was able to prove that he could be successful in Buffalo’s net. He had a .918 save percentage when the team was at its worst, and it would’ve been interesting to see how he played with an improved offense. He is now the back up in Philadelphia, but could have been a starter on a rebuilding Sabres team still looking for Ryan Miller’s replacement.
Biggest Strength
Center
The team has a lot to choose from at the center position. O’Reilly is probably the most proven out of this group, considering his point totals the last two seasons. Tyler Ennis also had a good season last year, scoring 20 goals and notching 46 points. Zemgus Girgensons was an All-Star last year, so he has to play into the picture somehow. Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel are two of the highest quality prospects around, and they could possibly make the team next year.
Biggest Weakness
Goaltending
Robin Lehner and Chad Johnson both let in over three goals a game last year. The fact that one of them has to be the starter opening night doesn’t bode well for Buffalo’s playoff chances. They let in the second most goals last year with arguably better goaltenders, so the question is how do they expect to let in fewer goals with lesser goaltender play?
Bottom Line
The Buffalo Sabres are not trying to make it to the playoffs this season. They are in a middle of a rebuilding process, and that rebuilding process means that losses are more valuable than wins. A year after many accused the team of “tanking”, they haven’t done much to prove they are not about to try the same thing again. Youngsters Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel will get preferential treatment, as they are cornerstones of the future Buffalo is currently building for themselves.
Fantasy Slant
Most Overrated: Evander Kane
Kane gained many critics by the way he exited Winnipeg. The former 30-goal scorer almost forced the Jets to release him with all of his controversies. After Winnipeg traded him away, they became ultimately a better team, surprisingly making the playoffs. Since his 30-goal season, he has not played in about as many games as he has played. He has proven that he will not play if he does not feel up for it, and its hard to see him being very motivated on a team that shouldn't be very good.
Most Underrated: Tyler Ennis
He has been getting closer and closer to becoming a true top liner. In the three seasons he has played over 50 games, he has scored 20 or more goals. He was marred by a lack of talent around him, and last year he was one of two players to get 40 or more points. At age 25, the time could be right for his breakout season, as he will have more talent around him.
Biggest Surprise: Matt Moulson
Before coming to Buffalo, Moulson was a key part of the Islanders return to prominence. For three straight seasons, he was able to score 30 or more goals. In 2013-2014, he was thrown off due to being traded twice. Last year wasn't a bad season by any measure, but he still did not have the kind of production that was expected out of him with the Islanders. This season, with improved center play, could have him return to his 30 goal efforts.