3 Sabres With The Most To Prove In 2023-24

The Buffalo Sabres had a solid season in 2022-23, but just barely missed the playoffs. They have gotten better now and are expected to make the playoffs, but not without a full team effort. The East is still strong and it won't be an easy road, despite some of the great young talent they already have. with higher expectations, here's a look at which players have the most to prove this season.

Jordan Greenway

Jordan Greenway was moved by the Minnesota Wild last season over to the Sabres (who had lots of cap space) because he just wasn't contributing to the level they hoped. The Sabres helped out the Wild and actually paid a second and a fifth for him. Unfortunately Greenway played the same with his new team as with the Wild, scoring just four goals in 17 games. It looks like he will be slotted onto the third line, but he has to contribute points along with the physical play he provides. He is paid more than he proved he was worth last season and that has to change to help the Sabres.

Devon Levi

Devon Levi has been highly touted for a while and he delivered once he got to the NHL. We haven't had a long enough look at him to say without a doubt that he is the Sabres' savior. He has to come back in a starter role and have a great full season, helping the team get to the postseason. There is some competition behind him, but the Sabres think they have their guy. He is being given the reins, so he has the pressure to play well as a rookie.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

There is even more pressure on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen this season because he doesn't have a spot secured on the team. He does become eligible for waivers, so the team might look to keep him in the NHL regardless, but Eric Comrie is also in the fold. Last season when Luukkonen was part of a three to four goalie system, he wasn't very happy. There was this feeling that he, a young talented goalie, was getting passed over, and he was. He has to prove early that he belongs on the team to start the season and that he's a part of the solution in Buffalo.