3 sabers that could be big surprises

Every season, NHL teams have players who make a more significant impact than expected and are big surprises. When looking at the Buffalo Sabres’ projected 2024-25 roster, they have a few players who could follow this trend.

Related: Worst trades in Buffalo Sabers history – #14

Because of this, let’s discuss three specific Sabers who could be big surprises next season.

Peyton Krebs

The expectation was that Peyton Krebs would take a step forward in his development last season. However, this did not come to fruition as he only scored four goals and 17 points in 80 games. While it was a down year for the 2019 first-round pick, there is still time for him to reach a new level. Maybe it will do so in 2024-25.

Krebs should enter training camp even more motivated. With the Sabers adding several forwards this summer, he now has plenty of competition for a bottom-six spot. Although Krebs’ development has not been as expected thus far, the 23-year-old has the potential to improve his offensive game next season. Because of this, he is a player to watch closely from here.

Beck Malenstyn

The Sabers made a notable move earlier this offseason when they traded their second-round pick to the Washington Capitals for forward Beck Malenstyn. With this move, the Sabers added a young forward who is coming off a breakout season. Now, his goal will be to build on that in Buffalo.

While Malenstyn is known more for his immense physicality than his offense, he has the potential to be a more significant scoring threat in 2024-25. Keep in mind that last season was his first full NHL campaign, so he absolutely has the potential to reach a new level in 2024-25 now that he’s more adjusted.

Jason Zucker

On the first day of free agency, the Sabers signed veteran wing Jason Zucker to a one-year, $5 million contract. While he isn’t necessarily the big name six winger that Sabers fans were hoping the team would land, he has the potential to be an excellent addition to the Atlantic Division club.

Zucker, 32, is quietly coming off a solid 2023-24 season, scoring 14 goals and 32 points in 69 games. However, he also has the potential to do more when playing in the right role, as he has scored 27 goals and 48 points in 78 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022-23. Noting that he is expected to have a real chance to play in Buffalo’s top six, he could surprise many by having a big year again.

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