3 Takeaways From Sabres Prospects This Preseason

With the 27 highest-ranking Buffalo Sabres on the depth chart over in Europe, the prospects got a chance to show what they can do in four NHL preseason games. The first two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators included facing a mix of NHLers. The third preseason game was against a full NHL Columbus Blue Jackets squad, while the final contest was against the Detroit Red Wings destined for the AHL.

Between the preseason action, training camp, and the Prospects Challenge, Sabres fans and management alike have gotten a good, long look at what’s to come in the organization.

Top Prospect Noah Ostlund?

First-round selections Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, Konsta Helenius, and Isak Rosen are considered Buffalo’s top prospects.

Kulich was the star of the Prospects Challenge for the Sabres and earned a spot with the NHL team overseas. That left Ostlund to shine for Buffalo, with a goal and three assists in four preseason games. Helenius and Rosen also scored in the preseason, while each added an assist.

Konsta Helenius ends it in OT 🚨

Sabres win their last preseason game 4-3. Up next, regular season hockey!!! pic.twitter.com/vjxlLJfisW

— Sara Holland (@SaraaHolland) October 1, 2024

That’s the downside to promoting Kulich from the get-go in training camp. He’s only played in one game prior to the regular season and will likely start back in the AHL. Meanwhile, Ostlund, Helenius, and Rosen have had the chance to mesh with teammates and establish themselves in front of the coaching staff.

Ostlund’s highlight-reel assists showed that he may have a higher ceiling than anticipated heading into training camp. He’s always been recognized as a good all-around player, but displaying that level of offensive upside should have him in talks as the top prospect in the system.

As an 18-year-old, Helenius should also earn rave reviews for his performance against NHL talent. He’s a play-driver and another player with high playmaking skills and a knack for being in the right areas.

Rosen’s dynamic skating ability was also on display. Being the one of the four with the most NHL experience, it’s no surprise that he looked the most comfortable throughout training camp.

Distinguishing the top prospect in the Sabres prospects pool may come down to preference, as the gap has narrowed after strong preseason showings from the group.

More Ostlund: Helenius, Ostlund, Ratzlaff Impress for Sabres Against Full NHL Blue Jackets Lineup

Amerks Lineup Is Deep

Throughout the preseason, the top two forward lines included Ostlund, Anton Wahlberg, and Mason Jobst, and Helenius, Rosen, and Viktor Neuchev. Josh Dunne primarily centered line three with Brett Murray and Tyler Tullio. Graham Slaggert centered a combination of the remaining forwards.

Considering that there are likely two forwards headed back to Rochester with that group, the Amerks will have options. With Kulich and Lukas Rousek that most likely to join the team in the AHL, Rochester’s forward lines could look like:

Lukas Rousek – Jiri Kulich – Isak Rosen

Anton Wahlberg – Noah Ostlund – Mason Jobst

Brett Murray – Konsta Helenius – Viktor Neuchev

Graham Slaggert – Josh Dunne – Tyler Tullio

The defense isn’t too shabby either, with Zach Metsa establishing himself as a reliable go-to player on the backend. Here’s how they could line up:

Ryan Johnson – Kale Clague

Nikita Novikov – Zach Metsa

Jack Rathbone – Vsevolod Komarov

Since two-thirds of this group went 3-1 in the NHL preseason, the additions of Kulich, Rousek, Clague, and a healthy Ryan Johnson should only help what looks like a strong AHL squad.

More Prospects: One Word to Describe Each Sabres Player in Prospects Challenge

Felix Sandstrom Suspect in Net

After prospect Scott Ratzlaff stopped all 20 shots in half of Saturday’s game, Felix Sandstrom struggled in his place. The third period of Monday’s final preseason game against the Red Wings also saw two weak goals slip by him. Every other period Sandstrom’s been in net has been relatively strong, including the scrimmages against Buffalo’s NHLers in training camp.

Sandstrom has a history of up-and-down play, especially in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers. At times, he looks like a bonafide NHL goaltender. Other times, there seems to be a disconnect.

If the Sabres can pass James Reimer through waivers, Sandstrom will be in a secondary role in Rochester. Otherwise, he’ll have to step up and shoulder the bulk of the starts. Perhaps the team in front of him will help, but the Amerks can’t afford Sandstrom losing his confidence again this season.