2016-17 record: 33-37-12 (78 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
Another season of missing the playoffs was nothing new for the Buffalo Sabres. However, constant infighting, failure to take that next step forward, and overall poor play led to Dan Bylsma and Tim Murray losing their jobs and in their place, Phil Housley will be the new man behind the bench and Jason Botterill as General Manager. Their task will be not only to get back to the playoffs, but also get Jack Eichel to buy into their system.
Eichel missed the first portion of the season to injury, but still managed to lead the team in scoring while only playing 61 games. Given that he's being perceived (fair or unfairly) by some as the guy that got Bylsma fired, however, he is definitely in the hot seat. It didn't help that Kyle Okposo missed the last part of the season due to his own injury issues, which exposed a major lack of scoring depth. The closest thing they have to a pure goal scorer is Evander Kane, and it remains questionable if that ability outweighs his off-ice issues. To add to the front lines, they picked up an old favorite in Jason Pominville, who should at least provide 50 points for a team that needs any scoring they can get. Defensively, Rasmus Ristolainen has become the team's best defender, but badly needs help, as depth remains an issue. That was why the Sabres picked up Nathan Beaulieu and Marco Scandella in separate trades. In goal, things weren't that much better, as Robin Lehner has yet to prove that he's a capable starter. Chad Johnson was brought back after a year in Calgary to push Lehner.
Prediction: 8th in the Atlantic Division
The Sabres will struggle again, and it remains to be seen if Eichel and Housley will get on the same page quickly. Whiat is certain is that the Sabres are starting over, and need a lot to go right just to contend for the playoffs.
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