3 Sabres Things to Be Thankful For

22 games into the 2024-2025 NHL season, the Buffalo Sabres are one point out of a Wild Card spot. Thanksgiving Day is a perennial benchmark in a team’s outlook, as 77% of the NHL teams sitting in a playoff position end up qualifying for the postseason. Whether it’s Tage Thompson, the new additions, or Lindy Ruff, the Sabres have plenty to be thankful for.

It’s one of the best starts to the season the Sabres have had in quite some time during their 13-year hiatus from the playoffs. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but certain players and team dynamics give fans reason to be excited.

More: Rollercoaster Season Taking Right Turn for Sabres in Standings

Let’s run through the five biggest things going for the Sabres this season.

Tage Thompson

Tage Thompson is putting together an incredibly solid season, proving that last season’s performance was hindered by his injury. His 11 goals and 18 points in 17 games have him on a 53-goal, 86-point 82-game pace.

Per PuckLuck’s model, Thompson ranks in the 95th percentile of all NHL skaters. His even-strength offensive and defensive metrics are elite, in the 92nd and 97th percentile, respectively. His powerplay impact is in the 86th percentile as Buffalo’s success with the man advantage picks up.

Thompson’s providing a deadly combination of shooting and passing, keeping defenders on their toes. His play-driving ability is pushing play in the offensive zone, positively impacting his defensive metrics.

Compared to players like Brock Boeser and Sam Reinhart, Thompson has a unique ability to shoot at a high percentage while also pumping out a high volume of shots. Having a true number-one center is something the Sabres desperately needed, and Thompson is just that.

Related: Sabres Star Deserves Early MVP Consideration

Offseason Additions

General manager Kevyn Adams was criticized heading into the season for leaving cap space on the table and failing to upgrade the top six of the forward group. Adams does deserve credit, however, for the moves he did make.

Jason Zucker has been a revelation, boosting the play of his teammates regardless of who he’s played with. For much of the season, he combined with newcomer Ryan McLeod to form two-thirds of a quality shutdown line.

Beck Malenstyn, Sam Lafferty, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel haven’t flashed offensively, but they’re a steady, physical, defensive presence that has helped give the bottom six an identity.

Dennis Gilbert has provided a spark at times in limited spot duty. James Reimer was outstanding in his only start for the Sabres this season. The acquisitions haven’t been the flashiest, but they’re playing a big part in the team’s success this season.

The Sabres’ problems have come from other areas, not from the new guys.

Lindy Ruff and Return to Sabres

The return of Lindy Ruff behind the Sabres’ bench could’ve gone in a few different directions, but the one it’s headed in seems like the best outcome. The worry about his hiring being purely nostalgic has passed. The accountability and competitive fire are already on display only 22 games in.

Ruff is barking up the right tree with his analysis of the Buffalo Sabres. Whether it’s making better plays in the offensive zone, improving defensive zone coverage, or taking fewer penalties, he’s harping on the right things.

He may be one of the older coaches in the league, but his experience is proving invaluable and he’s open to the new-age NHL. The Sabres are starting to adapt to Ruff’s preferences and it’s showing in the standings.

More Ruff: Comparing Current and Former Lindy Ruff Sabres Players