2013-14 record: 21-51-10 (52 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
The story of the Buffalo Sabres last season read like a tragic comedy. From their third jersey unveiling to the change in regime to unloading the last of their veterans from the last good years of the club, it was a miserable time to be a Sabres fan. Fortunately, the new brass is showing promise and a familiar face is leading the way behind the bench, and there are top-end prospects waiting to get the Sabres back to prominence...three years from now, minimum.
As for right now, the goaltending situation is unsettled, as Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth are battling for the starting role vacated by Ryan Miller after a mid-season trade last year. Nathan Lieuwen and Matt Hackett will bide their time in the minors, but both will be ready to pounce if either or both falter. Defensively, Josh Gorges and Andrej Meszaros were brought in to provide a veteran presence for the likes of Rasmus Ristolainen and Mark Pysyk. Ultimately, how the blue line will fare will fall on the shoulders of Tyler Myers, who has not played well since his Calder Trophy year of 2010. The forwards will be better by default simply by having somebody that can score goals for a full season, something that did not happen, as Thomas Vanek, Matt Moulson, and Chris Stewart were there for only a portion of the season at some point. A healthy and motivated Stewart plus Moulson not bouncing around will offer some help on the wings. However, center remains a concern, and for better or for worse, 2014 first round pick Sam Reinhart may be forced into the first line center role. That would mean the Sabres could have their top three centers be Reinhart, Mikhail Grigorenko, and Zemgus Girgensons, all first round picks within the last three years. Leadership up front was addressed with the signing of Brian Gionta.
Prediction: 8th in the Atlantic Division
The Sabres will stink again, but they may be winners for doing so, as it may very well mean they get their pick of Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. They also own the Islanders' first round pick from the Vanek-Moulson trade last year, so they are rubbing rabbits' feet that the roll of the dice will go their way.
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