The Buffalo Sabres look to continue to rise up the ranks in the NHL as they aim to make their return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
2022-23
Record: 42-33-7 (91 pts) – 5th in Atlantic
Playoffs: Did Not Qualify
Key Losses
Craig Anderson (G – Retired), Vinnie Hinostroza (F), Ilya Lyubushkin (D – ANA)
Key Additions
Connor Clifton (D), Erik Johnson (D)
2023-24 Preview
The Buffalo Sabres had a record of 42-33-7 (91 pts) during the 2022-23 NHL season, finishing 5th in the Atlantic Division. Despite their solid performance, they did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The team experienced key losses with the retirement of goaltender Craig Anderson and the departure of forward Vinnie Hinostroza. Plus the late trade of Ilya Lyubushkin to Anaheim, but despite these losses, the Sabres did not take any steps backwards. On the other hand, they made key additions to their roster with the acquisition of defensemen Connor Clifton and Erik Johnson. With these moves the Sabres would stabilize the defensive corp.
Goaltending the Future
The Sabres’ goaltending situation for the 2023-24 season is a topic of interest and uncertainty. Anderson’s departure opens up an opportunity for the Sabres to explore other options and determine their starting goaltender.
One potential candidate to step into the starting role is Devon Levi. The young goaltender has shown promise and potential, and the Sabres will give him a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. Levi’s performance and development in the seven games played last season showed he belonged in the league.
In addition to Levi, the Sabres will also look at 24 year old Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen who went 17-11-4 with a 3.61 GAA and .892 save percentage in his first full season with the club. It will be crucial for the Sabres to have a solid presence between the pipes in order to compete against the tough competition in the league. Especially if they are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Sabres are determined to continue their rise in the ranks of the NHL.
Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS
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