Prediction time: which under-the-radar guy will make the NHL roster?

[nfreeman]

OK, let's have 'em.

I didn't include Guhle or Thompson as I think those are the 2 prospects most likely to make the NHL roster -- and thus not "under the radar."

I voted for CJ Smith out of camp, and O'Regan in stage 2.

 

[GASabresIUFAN]

I voted for Smith and Olofsson, but sadly I don’t think there will be any surprises on who makes the team.  I even think Thompson and Guhle don’t make the team. I think the biggest surprises in camp will be the line combos.

[Weave]

I could see Smith being the first call up.

[Taro T]

My hope is that Pilutis the answer (& deservedly) to one of the 2, but went w / Smith for 1 & Olofsson for 2.

[LGR4GM]

It's weird, this is the first season in a while where I feel like the pro team is close to being all set. CJ Smith was my camp guy. I could see them putting Sobotka and Berglund at center and I could see Smith pushing out Zemgus or Larsson on the wing. 

Pilut was my call up. Sometime in November there will be an injury and Pilut will come up. That's that. I think this is a long shot but hey it is still the offseason so whatever. 

[MakeSabresGrr8Again]

I went with Olofsson and then Pilut.

[dudacek]

Like this poll idea. It deserves some bold predictions.

I think the world of Rasmus Asplund. He’s just a very smart, very determined hockey player who refuses to let his opponent beat him. He might be small, but he’s played against men for four years now. He brings everything Girgensons, Wilson and Larsson do already, but has more skill. He will eventually replace ROR, minus the 25 PP points and 4 or 5 minutes a night.

He is almost certainly pencilled in to Rochester, but he will do everything in his power to change minds. I don’t think any of these guys make it out of camp, but if one does, he’s the guy.

I do not think the world of Alex Nylander, but I suspect he is going to raise a few eyebrows with his offence this year with the Amerks. He will force them into a mid-season call-up and produce enough on a scoring line that he sticks.

Also, neither Guhle, nor Thompson start the season in Buffalo.

Edited August 30, 2018 by dudacek

[Sabres Fan in NS]

Smith in poll 1 and the other Nylander in poll 2.

[Randall Flagg]

None -> Pilut

Just because we never get through October 12th without 4 injured defensemen.

I'd love for a guy like Asplund/Olofsson/Nylander to surprise but I can't be sure about any particular one to pick one 

[Mustache of God]

I voted for O'Reagan because why not? In my scenario he comes in, guns blazing, and is in competition for the Calder with Casey and Dahlin and makes the Kane trade a landslide victory for the Sabres.

[Hoss]

I went with Nylander out of camp and Asplund as first up.

[Doohicksie]

Ryan Vinz.

[jsb]

I went with None and O'Regan on 2. It would be nice to have none and none through December. An injury free year after last years in-cast fest.

[North Buffalo]

I went with Pilut and Oloffson.. Could see CJ too though.  I am assume Ghule makes the team as well.  Would love if Nylander and Asplund do too later in the season pushing out Sobotka, Wilson and Larsson not in any order, though likely one or more because of injury.  Though Wilson to me works well on a checking line Girgenson and CJ Smith.

[Thorner]

Everything O'Regan screams "JAG" to me. Even the way he looks on the ice. I'd be happy to be proven wrong. 

[dudacek]

42 minutes ago, Thorny said:

Everything O'Regan screams "JAG" to me. Even the way he looks on the ice. I'd be happy to be proven wrong. 

Me too. 

[pi2000]

Matt Moulson