Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a talented young team looking to become a part of the Atlantic Division's playoff picture. To help them achieve that goal, they will need the following young players to step up this season.
Jack Quinn
Some would say that Jack Quinn's breakout season came during the 2022-23 season when he registered 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points in 75 games. However, he registered 19 points last season in 27 games after returning from injury. His pace last season hints at what he is capable of if he can stay healthy. Quinn could be a 25+ goal scorer and produce 55+ points in an 82-game season.
Zach Benson
Zach Benson registered 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in 71 games with the Sabres last season as an 18-year-old rookie. He was a scoring machine for the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL, which led to the Sabres drafting him 13th overall in the 2023 NHL draft.
The ceiling is high for this kid, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him explode into a 20-30-goal scorer. The 2024-25 season could be his breakout season.
Devon Levi
Devon Levi played in net for 23 games with the Sabres last season. He posted a 10-8-2 record with a 3.10 GAA and a .899 SV%.
His AHL numbers were much better, with a 16-6-4 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .927 SV% in 26 games for the Rochester Americans. Levi will be looking to improve on his NHL numbers and become a reliable goaltender for the Sabres.