Buffalo Sabres Supreme 25 Underneath 25
The Buffalo Sabres have built one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, and it is exciting to see so much young talent coming through the system at once. This post is a starting point for discussing the best Sabres players under 25 years old and what this core means for the future of the franchise.
Up front, Dylan Cozens (22) is emerging as a powerful two-way center with 30-goal potential. He combines size, speed and skill and already logs heavy minutes in all situations. Jack Quinn (22) has a lethal wrist shot and plays with pace, though injuries have slowed his development. JJ Peterka (22) brings energy and offensive creativity to the middle six. Together they form a young forward group with high upside.
On the blue line the Sabres are stacked. Rasmus Dahlin (23) is already one of the best defensemen in the league, capable of playing 25 minutes per night and driving offense from the back. Owen Power (21) is the perfect complement — smooth, smart and poised beyond his years. Add Bowen Byram (22), acquired via trade, and the Sabres have three top-pair caliber defensemen all under 24. Ryan Johnson (22) adds further depth on the left side.
In goal, Devon Levi (22) has shown flashes of brilliance. His positioning, athleticism and compete level are elite, and he could become the franchise goaltender the Sabres have lacked since Ryan Miller.
Looking at the prospect pipeline, 2023 first-rounder Zach Benson (18) has elite hockey sense and compete level — he projects as a top-line winger. Jiri Kulich (19) has a rocket of a shot and NHL-ready size. Matt Savoie (20) is undersized but electric with the puck and a dynamic playmaker. Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen and Viktor Neuchev round out a deep forward pipeline that gives the Sabres both internal options and trade capital.
The big question is whether this young core can take the next step together and end the longest playoff drought in NHL history. What is your take on the Sabres young players? Which prospect are you most excited to see in the NHL?