The Buffalo Sabres have had a rough season, to say the least. After starting with a respectable 11-9-1 record, they went on to lose 13 straight games, effectively knocking themselves out of the playoff race—at least in reality, if not mathematically—before Christmas. Disappointing performances from key players like Dylan Cozens, Owen Power, and Jack Quinn certainly haven’t helped their cause.
Now sitting dead last in the Eastern Conference with a 23-27-5 record (good for just 51 points), the Sabres have fallen well short of the expectations placed on them. Many believed this would be the year they finally ended their lengthy playoff drought, but barring a miracle, that wait looks set to continue into next season.
Several players have struggled, whether due to inconsistent play or injuries, and some of the team’s expected difference-makers simply haven’t produced at the level required. With that in mind, here are a few players who need a strong finish to the season.
Dylan Cozens
Cozens has been a major disappointment this season. After a somewhat underwhelming season last year, the expectation was for him to bounce back—but instead, he has seemingly taken another step in the wrong direction. Through 55 games, he has managed just 27 points, far from the level of production expected from a second-line center who was supposed to drive play.
Both the organization and the fanbase are hoping to see Cozens finish the season strong. At times, he looks like he’s lacking confidence, which has a ripple effect on both his own game and the team as a whole. If he can rediscover his form and start contributing more consistently, it would be a huge boost—not just for him, but for the Sabres as they try to salvage some positives from an otherwise disappointing season. His production down the stretch could be the difference between the team finishing with some momentum or continuing to struggle.
Jack Quinn
Quinn has arguably been the most disappointing player for the Sabres this season. In 48 games, he’s managed just 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points, struggling to find his rhythm. However, he does deserve some benefit of the doubt. Coming off back-to-back lower-body injuries, it was always going to be a challenge to return to form.
When he initially came back from his Achilles injury in December 2023, he looked fantastic, putting up 19 points in 27 games. Unfortunately, another lower-body injury cut his season short last year. This season, he has shown flashes of his potential, but his play has been inconsistent. If he can find his game in the final stretch of the season and start resembling the player he was before his injuries, it would be an encouraging sign heading into 2025-26.
Owen Power
Power has arguably been the most criticized player on the Sabres this season. Drafted first overall in the 2021 NHL Draft out of Michigan, he entered the league with lofty expectations. While he hasn’t fully lived up to the hype yet, it’s important to remember that young defensemen often take longer to develop—outside of goaltenders, it’s one of the most challenging positions to master.
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Defensively, Power has struggled this season. According to Evolving-Hockey, he ranks in the 48th percentile in defensive metrics and has a minus-2 goals above replacement (GAR) at even strength. However, his shorthanded defense has been a bright spot, with a GAR just above three. While he’s developing into a strong puck-moving defenseman, his defensive game still needs work. If he can make strides in that area to close out the season, it would be a big step forward for both him and the Sabres heading into next year.
J.J. Peterka
J.J. Peterka has shown flashes of being a top-line winger, but he’s also had stretches where he’s been nearly invisible. That inconsistency needs to change over the final 27 games. While his 42 points in 53 games are respectable, much of that production has come in spurts. He has the ability to be a game-changer for the Sabres, but he hasn’t been consistent enough. We’ve seen him produce regularly at times, including two six-game point streaks this season, but he needs to find that level more often. This also includes recording his first career hat trick in a 7-2-win vs the Boston Bruins.
Of course, no player is going to put up points every night, but more consistency from Peterka would be a huge step forward. When he’s generating offense, he’s highly effective, but when he struggles to create scoring chances, he tends to disappear. Defensively, he’s been a liability all year. He ranks in the seventh percentile in defense and has a GAR of just below minus-6 at even strength. If he can improve even slightly in that area before the season ends, it would be a big help.
With the way the rest of the team has performed, if these four players can find their game, the Sabres could string together some wins to close out the season.
Do you agree or disagree with the players I listed? Did I miss anyone who should be included? Let me know in the comments!
