Strengths: The Sabres currently boast very good youthful depth on their NHL blue line with Mark Pysyk and Jake McCabe and will add excellent prospects Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov on a likely full-time basis next season. Center Mikhail Grigorenko disappointed this year as a pro, but he has all the tools of a top-line center. Johan Larsson also projects as a very good checking forward after another solid year in the AHL. Right wing Joel Armia had a tough regular season, but was impressive in the postseason for the Rochester Americans. College forwards Hudson Fasching and J.T. Compher, two forwards who possess intriguing NHL potential, had strong freshman seasons with their respective programs.
Weaknesses: Finishing last in the NHL usually means there are systemic problems somewhere. Matt Hackett has a very spotty track record as an NHL goaltender and, while there is several candidates, there is no sure number one goaltender in the system to take over for the departed Ryan Miller. There is good overall depth at forward, but the system is short on star potential.
Top Five Prospects: 1.Rasmus Ristolainen, D; 2. Mikhail Grigorenko, C; 3. Nikita Zadorov, D; 4. Mark Pysyk, D; 5. Jake McCabe, D.
Key Additions: Hudson Fasching (trade-LAK), Nicolas Deslauriers (trade-LAK), William Carrier (trade-STL).
Key Losses: Zemgus Girgensons (graduation), Brayden McNabb (trade-LAK), Jonathan Parker (trade-LAK).
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