The Buffalo Sabres have lost six of their past seven games. They have picked up three out of a possible 14 points. Their recent results have erased the positive of a good start.
I do wonder if they would have won a couple or three more games if goalie Craig Anderson wasn't injured.
But despite their recent swoon, I’ve witnessed some signs of encouragement about this franchise.
I still believe ownership bears much of the responsibility for the mess they are in. Still not ready to say the Sabres are ready to turn any corner. Not even close. But here are some signs I like about the Sabres today.
1. Don Granato’s coaching: When you watch the Sabres play, you can see Granato’s impact. The players want Granato to succeed. He empowers players. Granato is a teaching coach, and you can see younger players such as Rasmus Asplund, Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens and even Tage Thompson benefiting from his style.
2. Kevyn Adams’ managing: When he was picked as GM, I thought he wasn’t the right guy. I said he could be a quality GM up the road, but this job required an experienced navigator to steer this ship in the right direction. The Sabres didn’t have time to wait for Adams to learn on the job. But what I didn’t factor in was the possibility that his on-the-job learning would be expedited out of necessity.
The Jack Eichel saga forced him to grow quickly in the job. Ultimately, he did a good job in acquiring a fair return for Eichael. Team 33, an independent player assessment algorithm, said the Sabres won the trade. Adams also picked up a strong return from Philadelphia in the deal for Riston Ristolainen (Robert Hagg, a No. 14 draft pick (Isak Rosen) and a second-round pick). I didn’t think he got enough from the Florida Panthers for Sam Reinhart (2022 first round pick and prospect goalie Devon Levi).
But batting .667 on those major deals is a decent percentage.
3. Three first-round picks in 2022: The Sabres have their own, Florida’s and the Golden Knights’ first rounders. They are lottery protected. Those three first-rounders could fuel a quicker rebuilding. The Sabres also added a second rounder from Vegas.
4. Jack Quinn developing quickly: In his first 11 games, Quinn has nine goals and 16 for the Rochester Amerks in the American Hockey League. A right wing, Quinn is going to be a difference-maker. It wouldn’t be surprising to Quinn, 20, with the Sabres at some point during the season.
5. Vegas additions will help: Alex Tuch is excited about playing for the Sabres. He rooted for the team as a kid. It helps to have players who are happy to be there. He’s a proven secondary scorer. Peyton Krebs can eventually become the No. 1 center to replace Eichel. He’s a skater and a superb playmaker.
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