Buffalo Sabres: Full line combination predictions for 2018-19

For the first time in several years, there is optimism around the Buffalo Sabres. Here’s a guess what lines they will use during the upcoming season.

With training camp almost here, there is optimism in Buffalo. For the past seven seasons, the Sabres have missed the playoffs. For the past five years, there has been little to no hope of making the playoffs. However, this year, Sabres fans have hope to feel this season will be different. The team might not make the playoffs but for the first time in years, the franchise is moving in the right direction.

Jason Botterill was busy this summer remaking the Sabres roster. Unlike the previous general manager Tim Murray, who attempted every shortcut possible in the rebuilding effort, Botterill has displayed patience. While almost all of Murray’s shortcuts blew up for Buffalo, Botterill’s patience has paid off as the Sabres made several smart signings and trades this summer. When the season begins, Buffalo will ice five new forwards, two new defencemen, and a new starting goalie.

Top 6

First line: LW- Jeff Skinner, C-Jack Eichel, RW- Sam Reinhart

The Sabres top line could combine to score at least 75 goals next season if they stay healthy. Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart are expected to be franchise cornerstones after the Sabres drafted them second overall in back to back drafts. However, both players are looking to take the next step in their careers.

The addition of Jeff Skinner instantly makes the Sabres top line one of the most exciting young lines to watch in the NHL. The Sabres absolutely stole Skinner this summer from Carolina. The multiple time 30 goal scorer instantly becomes the best winger to ever play alongside Eichel. Given who Skinner has spent the majority of his career playing next to in Carolina, Eichel might be the best center he has ever played with. Either way, they both could have career seasons.

Over his first three seasons, Eichel has proven to be a very good offensive player, recording 177 points in 209 games. Offensively, Eichel is among the elite young players in the NHL. However, Eichel still has room to grow as a player. Playing alongside Skinner should allow Eichel more space and freedom to create chances for his linemates. However, for Eichel to become among the best centers in the NHL, he needs to improve his 200-foot game. If Eichel improves his defensive side, he will become a complete player that Buffalo can play in any situation. Eichel has so much talent, he sometimes has the tendency of trying to do too much, leading to turnovers in his own zone.

Reinhart had a puzzling season a year ago. In the first half of the season, Reinhart looked like a bust, struggling offensively. However, in the second half of the season, he recorded 36 points in 37 games. The question for the Sabres, which half of the season better represents the player that Reinhart is? The answer, or lack of one, is likely why Reinhart remains unsigned. Reinhart is currently a restricted free agent. While a deal will likely get worked out prior to training camp, it is unlikely to be a long-term deal. In 249 games, Reinhart has 140 points, increasing his point total in every season. Reinhart would be wise to take a short bridge contract and try cashing in after a big season playing next to Eichel and Skinner.

Second line: LW- Conor Sheary, C- Casey Mittelstadt, RW- Kyle Okposo

When the Sabres traded Ryan O’Reilly in the off-season, it showed how much faith they have in Casey Mittelstadt. The University of Minnesota product made his NHL debut at the end of last season. Mittelstadt played six games, recording five points. The 19-year-old is one of the key building blocks in Botterill’s plan. However, putting him on the second line is a lot of pressure for an unproven player. The Sabres are depending on Mittelstadt to be one of their better offensive players. It is a big ask of such a young player but the Sabres believe he is up to the task.

Mittelstadt will center Conor Sheary and Kyle Okposo. Sheary was acquired in the summer from Pittsburgh. While he does not offer much in terms of size, he does bring speed and skill. Over the past two seasons, Sheary has played in 140 games, scoring 41 goals and registering 83 points. Buffalo needs Sheary to surpass the 20 goal plateau again if they are going to improve their dreadful offense from a season ago.

Okposo’s contract was another awful decision by Murray. The Minnesota native will likely never live up to a seven-year $42 million contract he signed. The contract makes Okposo virtually untradeable unless the Sabres are willing to pay the majority of the remaining money. In two seasons with the Sabres, Okposo has played in 141 games, scored 34 goals and 89 points. At 30 years old, Okposo might not get any better than he is right now. Buffalo is hoping that Okposo can turn it around but that might be wishful thinking. Okposo has surpassed the 20 goal marker three times in his career and it’s possible he could do it again. The Sabres will certainly give Okposo every chance to prove he is still a capable scorer in the NHL. However, his lack of speed could become a further liability.