bob_sauve28 Posted July 19, 2019 Report Posted July 19, 2019 We can't get better unless some of the new players really take it to another level. I think most of us agree Dahlin will continue his upward trajectory. I'm hopeful Casey Middelstat will hit 20 goals next year and play a more complete game. Even Rodregez (Sic) could also contribute more, as he has shown signs of being talented. Tage Thompson, well, here's hoping he starts to contribute more, puts on some weight, shows he can bury that shot of his. What do you think? Quote
Weave Posted July 19, 2019 Report Posted July 19, 2019 Dahlin, most certainly. Gawd, I hope Casey does as well. 2 Quote
Derrico Posted July 19, 2019 Report Posted July 19, 2019 Dahlin and everyone will also realize how good Montour is. 2 Quote
msw2112 Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 1 hour ago, North Buffalo said: Dahlin, Casey and TT is my hope These 3 seem to be the most obvious ones for me too. All young guys who were drafted in the first round, with lots of upside and potential (maybe not as much with TT, but we can only hope). Imagine the scenario in about 2-3 years if both TT and Cozens develop and play on the same line - two towering, talented forwards that can intimidate with size and skill. We'd need to find another 6'5" beast to put on the other wing. The "NBA" line. Just some fun thoughts to kick off the weekend. 2 Quote
nfreeman Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 @bob_sauve28 -- seems like a good topic for a poll! Quote
erickompositör72 Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 I think Dahlin is most obvious, and I think Mittelstadt is most critical. I think we've seen ERod's ceiling. Quote
#freejame Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 Eichel. Dahlin, Tage, Mitts in that order Quote
GoPuckYourself Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 My hope is that Casey Middlestadt, Linus Ullmark and Olofsson all take the next step, to me those are all the most crucial players. Dahlin I have no doubt will be a special player, he already seemed to fit in his 1st year. Quote
nfreeman Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 There are a lot of Sabres with room to make a leap next year. The Sabres need a number of them to do so if they are going to sniff the playoffs. Quote
Zamboni Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 I personally hope Sabretooth picks up his game this year. And the crew who picks the freakin music during breaks in play. Take a page or several pages out of SJ, MTL, and even Vegas. Quote
DarthEbriate Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 Ristolainen. Only being relied upon for 20 minutes a night vs. 25, and having a better surrounding cast will make his life much easier. Then, we might see him be able to put together more than half a season of competent hockey. Now... as to whether he's a Sabre during the season or not... he is one for the moment. Strictly Sabres, I'm for Mittelstadt as the most overall improved (he'll look like he belongs, but not in control... sort of like Reinhart's first full season). And for our overall success, assuming the team plays more cohesively defensively in general, it has to be Hutton and Ullmark who show the greatest statistical gain. 4 Quote
Pimlach Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 Dahlin will get even better for sure. Mitts is the guy we really need to see improve. If he comes to camp looking chubby I’ll be concerned. It’s time for him to get into his best shape and step up. After that Olofsson and Uhlmark could be pleasant surprises. 1 Quote
French Collection Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 I think Mittelsteadt has the most room for improvement. Dahlin will improve a lot and it is just a matter of whether it is 20, 30, 40 or 50 percent better. Ullmark is the next guy I would think can show he really belongs and is ready for more starts. Quote
StuckinFL Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 I think Ullmark is going to have the most surprising season. I actually expect Dahlin to backslide a bit at the beginning of the year and then make huge strides. I actually have this odd feeling that the inverse of last season is going to happen. I think we'll play mediocre hockey in the beginning of the year and then break out and play amazing and inspired hockey starting in December. I really do feel like we're going to be a lock for the playoffs for the second half of the season. We've been underperforming for so long that I think once the players start playing to their ability and talent, this thing is gonna explode. Quote
Taro T Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 (edited) Dahlin, obviously. My expectation is that Olofsson shows that last season wasn't a fluke. Mittelstadt will be better. But if he's made the 2C, it won't be as much as Botterill hopes. Eichel & Reinhart will be better as they each step 1 year closer to their primes. Should Ristolainen still be a Sabre, am expecting him to be much more successful as a 2nd pairing guy rather than the minute beast he's been for so long. Not really expecting anybody else to be significantly "better" than last year, but do expect more consistency across the board. Which, hopefully, will SEEM better & provide actual improved results. But Krueger is such a wild card there. Edited July 20, 2019 by Taro T 2 Quote
dudacek Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 2 hours ago, StuckinFL said: I think Ullmark is going to have the most surprising season. I actually expect Dahlin to backslide a bit at the beginning of the year and then make huge strides. I actually have this odd feeling that the inverse of last season is going to happen. I think we'll play mediocre hockey in the beginning of the year and then break out and play amazing and inspired hockey starting in December. I really do feel like we're going to be a lock for the playoffs for the second half of the season. We've been underperforming for so long that I think once the players start playing to their ability and talent, this thing is gonna explode. If Housley sucked as bad as we say, I doubt Krueger will be able to change the way we play immediately, so this seems likely. But it’s hockey, so who knows? Quote
SabrePat13 Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 E-Rod will. He has shown he can play anywhere in the line up and has quietly been one of our more consistent players. Quote
Thorner Posted July 20, 2019 Report Posted July 20, 2019 Dahlin, most likely to, most importantly, as well. He's the only guy headed for franchise D-man status. 2C is big too but Mittelstadt and Cozens both have that projection LT. Quote
triumph_communes Posted July 21, 2019 Report Posted July 21, 2019 Mittelstadt- a summer of conditioning will do him wonders. I believe Dahlin already looked great. Quote
GASabresIUFAN Posted July 21, 2019 Report Posted July 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Randall Flagg said: Scandella He would have to be better wouldn’t he. Mitts will have a significant jump in production. 45pts? Quote
Thorner Posted July 21, 2019 Report Posted July 21, 2019 No one on this team has close to the runway for improvement Dahlin has (not even Eichel), so to me he’s the safest guess. 2 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.