3 Buffalo Sabres Who Will Regress In 2024-25

The Buffalo Sabres will have another go at snapping their playoff drought and a lot of players have to step up. While a number of players have to have better seasons, there are some players who will find it difficult in new situations to even replicate what they did in 2023-24. These are three Sabres who will regress this season for various reasons.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen broke out last season for Buffalo and was the starter. He did so at the perfect time because Devon Levi wasn't ready and Eric Comrie was a non-factor. Luukkonen went from a .891 SV% the season prior to a .910 SV%. There is a feeling that he may land somewhere in the middle, closer to a .910 SV% after he played so well. The defense is still very young, so that could continue to be a factor. Luukkonen will also now have James Reimer and Levi with another year of experience challenging for starts.

Sam Lafferty

Sam Lafferty scored the most goals in his career (13) last season with the Vancouver Canucks and he can do more than he will be able to this season. He will be playing on the fourth line, so time and opportunity will be limited. Lafferty's linemates also won't be as good as Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel are expected to flank him. I don't expect Lafferty to replicate his career goals or top his points from last season (24). He will be in much more of a defensive role as the Sabres need it.

Jason Zucker

Jason Zucker played for the Arizona Coyotes and Nashville Predators last season and his production definitely took a dip. He's still a solid player to have, but as a complementary player on the third line. He should find himself in that role on the Sabres after signing in Buffalo. The young guns will be challenging him for playing time and likely receiving more. Zucker dropped from 27 goals and 48 points in 78 games in 2022-23 to just 14 goals and 32 points in 68 games last season. He is also expected to have Ryan McLeod and Jordan Greenway on his line. This is a line that will struggle for offense if the past has any indication.