READING, PA – The Buffalo Sabres had an excellent comeback season and not only made the playoffs this past season but finished with the league’s 10th best record. Despite the team’s early exit from the playoffs, the future once again looks bright for the Sabres.
The Sabres were 10th in offense, 4th in defense, 23rd in face-offs, 17th on the power play, and 2nd on the penalty kill. Needless to say their defensive play was great all season long thanks in large part to Vezina winner Ryan Miller in net.
The Buffalo offense had four players with over 20 goals and eight players with 10 or more. Despite their solid offensive numbers, no one fears playing the Sabres. Their defensive style of play is part of the reason why. Still, balance on offense matters as much as anything in a salary capped NHL.
Most of the team’s offense came from the center and right wing position and other than Raffi Torres the Sabres don’t have a UFA that would be major los in terms of salary if they moved on.
The Sabres last season needed an offensive defenseman, one that would help get the offence in gear and, in more general terms, would benefit from adding size and toughness up front. What they got this season was the Calder Trophy winner for rookie-of-the-year in Tyler Myers.
That’s the good news. The bad news is Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallander are UFA’s so the Sabres could lose one of both should teams decide to raid the economically sound Sabres.
Still, the Sabres could use some size up front. The problem is, there won’t be too many huge power forwards out there to draft at 23 if the real draft goes the way that PHN’s mock draft is shaping up.
Buffalo has always taken talent over need so we expect to hear these words from Darcy Regier come draft day.
“With the 23rd pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select, from Eastern Junior Hockey League, forward Charlie Coyle.” To learn more about Charlie Coyle click on his name. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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