As we approach the 2016-17 season, we’re previewing what’s ahead for each of the 30 NHL teams. Here’s a look at the Buffalo Sabres.
MAIN SUMMER HEADLINES
• Panthers defenceman Kulikov traded to Buffalo for Pysyk
• Forward Kyle Okposo signs $42 million contract with Buffalo
• Sabres acquire goaltender Anders Nilsson in trade with St. Louis
• Sabres forward Kane being sued over alleged assault
Head coach: Dan Bylsma
GM: Tim Murray
Team payroll: $64.46 million ($73 million salary cap)
2015-16 Record: 35-36-11 (Seventh in Atlantic)
GF: 201 (26th in NHL)
GA: 222 (16th in NHL)
Result: Missed playoffs by 12 points
Key acquisitions: Kyle Okposo, Dmitry Kulikov, Anders Nilsson, Tyson Strachan
Key departures: Mark Pysyk, Jamie McGinn
Rookies to watch: Hudson Fasching, 21, had three very successful seasons with the University of Minnesota before joining the Sabres last year for their final seven games.
He’s a power forward, who has an efficient skating stride and a knack for scoring big goals.
Fasching is also well-seasoned, having spent two years with the U.S. National Development Team, participating in two World Junior Championships before joining Minnesota and leading them in points in his junior year en route to a national championship.
Forward Justin Bailey might also get an extended look in Buffalo after scoring 20 goals and 25 assists in 70 games with the AHL’s Rochester Americans last season.
The 21-year-old was selected 52nd overall by the Sabres in 2013.
Buffalo will have a successful season if…
Goaltender Robin Lehner stays healthy and carries the team with similar numbers to the ones he posted last season.
The 25-year-old, 6-foot-5 Swede had a .924 save percentage over 21 games last season. The Sabres need him to be every bit as good over at least 50 games this season for them to have a chance at making the playoffs.
A big key to that will be Lehner’s health, which has been a constant source of concern since he entered the NHL in 2010. He has yet to appear in more than 36 games in a season.
Buffalo will have an unsuccessful season if…
The offence doesn’t break out.
The Sabres have some elite talent up front in the form of Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, Kyle Okposo, Ryan O’Reilly and Sam Reinhart. If this team can’t muster a considerable increase from the 201 goals they managed last season, it doesn’t have a chance of making the post-season.
