Under 23 Team Spotlight: Buffalo Sabres

Welcome to a new Spotlight blog where I will be looking at players for each team, that are under 23. Why 23? Well last August the World Cup had a team comprised of "Young Stars" who were 23 or younger. A team that surprised at the tournament, and represented the future of the league. That is where I got my inspiration to do this list. Within this spotlight, I will look at teams, with players that are 23 or under. I will give ranking, opinion, and an overall team grade. Today we look at the Buffalo Sabres

***Left Wing***

1) William Carrier age 22

-Still trying to find his place in the NHL. Possible 3rd or 4th line forward. Could be solid, but will never stand out.

2) Brandon Hagel age 18

- Sixth round pick who could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Feisty, energy forward, and those type of player fit in with today's NHL. Reminds me alot of Brendan Gallagher and Brad Marchand.

Other notables: Brett Murray age 18 , Victor Olofsson Age 21

***Center***

1) Jack Eichel age 20

- If not for an early season injury, he would be right up their with Connor McDavid for the top NHL scoring race. He has all the tools to be a dominant force in the NHL. Probably more of a complete player than McDavid. Buffalo is very lucky to have a player like him!

2) Sam Reinhart age 21

-Lost in the shadows of Eichel, Reinhart is still a top tier forward. He provides the Sabres with two elite centers. Might not have the scoring touch of Eichel, but he can still be productive.

3) Evan Rodriques age 23

- Gritty 3rd center who played college with Eichel. He provide the Sabres with a high energy player. Adding much needed depth to the team. He has looked good in his recent callup.

4) Zemgus Girgensons age 23

-Has fallen off the radar of late. He has slowly being surpassed by Rodriques, and his future with Buffalo could be in jeopardy. Could be nice trade bait.

5) Rasmus Asplund age 19

-Currently playing in the Swedish Elite league, but could make the transition to the NHL next season. 3rd line center possibilities.

Other notables: Jean Dupuy age 22, Connor Hurley age 22 , Vasili Glotov age 19

***Right Wing***

1) Alexander Nylander age 19

-Has had a tough season in the AHL, however he is learning and developing his game. No need to rush him, but the thoughts of him playing along side Eichel are very tantalizing. One of the top prospects in the league.

2) Hudson Fasching age 21

-Recently called up from the AHL Could provide 3rd line scoring, with some punch.

3) Justin Bailey age 21

-He has a heavy shot, and is a very skilled player. Has the speed and size that all teams are looking for. However he has still yet to make an impact in the NHL.

4) Nicholas Baptiste age 21

-Skilled forward who could provide grit and scoring on the 3rd line.

Other notables: Eric Cornell age 22, Vaclav Karabacek age 20, Cliff Pu age 18

***Defense***

1) Rasmus Ristolainen age 22

-Has the three "S" (Speed, Size, Scoring). Defenseman that can score 50 points don't grow on tree's. He has a long future in front of him. Already one of the elite D-man in the league.

2) Jake McCabe age 23

-Rugged rearguard who has found his place on the team. Almost averaging an ATOI of 20 minutes. Solid all around.

3) Brendan Guhle age 19

- Tank style defenseman that can take the hits, and dish him out. Reliable at both ends of the ice, and can log big minutes.Still in development, but when he makes it to the NHL, watch out!

Other notables: Brycen Martin age 20, Austin Osmanski age 19, Votjech Budik age 19, Casey Fitzgerald age 20 , Philip Nyberg age 19, Devante Stephens age 20,

***Goalies***

1) Linus Ullmark age 23

-Fringe goalie who continues to struggle in the AHL. Still has not proven that he can handle a NHL starting goaltender role.

2) Jonas Johansson age 21

- 6ft4 goalie who could be the future of the Sabres in net. It is highly probably he will make the jump from the Swedish league, to the NHL next season. Has a good glove, and is a very consistent netminder.

Team Ranking:

- The Sabres are loaded up front with talent. As well, they have a few core pieces on defense, that will keep the team competitive. The only concern is in goal, and they might need to trade one of their top tier forwards to get a bonafide netminder. Goaltending is the one thing that is setting this team back.

Overal score: 86/100 B+