Nine former Sabres could be potential contributors to six Western Conference clubs in the playoffs starting Saturday
The Buffalo Sabres will hold their end-of-season media availabilities this week following their last regular season game against Tampa Bay on Monday. The news regarding the club will not be limited to players currently on their roster, decisions on the future of head coach Don Granato, or what maneuvers GM Kevyn Adams plans to make leading up to the NHL Draft in Las Vegas.
The Rochester Americans, who made a run to the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final last spring, could make another lengthy playoff jaunt this year with goalie Devon Levi between the pipes, prospects such as Matthew Savoie could be playing for a Memorial Cup, and a number of former Sabres could be key contributors for other NHL clubs championship pursuits.
Here are the ex-Buffalo players on the eight confirmed Western Conference clubs:
Colorado Avalanche - Casey Mittelstadt
After some initial success following the trade on March 6 for defenseman Bowen Byram, the former Sabres leading scorer has struggled recently, with just two assists in the last seven games and a -8 plus/minus rating.
Edmonton Oilers – Evander Kane
Kane continues to be an enigmatic figure wherever he goes. There is no doubting his ability to dominate and swing a playoff series in Edmonton’s favor, but as he did in Winnipeg, Buffalo, and San Jose, the winger is being a distraction with the Oilers, as public 'discussions' with teammates Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry have drawn attention.
Nashville Predators - Ryan O’Reilly
Signed as a free agent this summer, the former Cup winner has had an excellent season with the Preds (26 goals, 42 assists) and is one of the main reasons for Nashville’s surprising entry in the playoffs as a wildcard.
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Vancouver Canucks – Tyler Myers, Nikita Zadorov
The pair of former Sabre first-rounders provide size and sandpaper behind likely Norris Trophy nominee Quinn Hughes and could play a key role if the Canucks have postseason success.
Vegas Golden Knights – Jack Eichel, Brayden McNabb, William Carrier
Eichel will play a big part if Vegas makes a run for consecutive Cup victories, after scoring 30 goals in a season limited by injuries to 61 games. McNabb is a solid second-pairing blueliner averaging over 19 minutes this season, while Carrier has been a solid depth forward since being claimed in the 2018 Expansion Draft.
Winnipeg Jets – Colin Miller
The journeyman blueliner has been with six teams in his nine-year NHL career(including three seasons with Buffalo) and was acquired by the Jets from New Jersey as a depth option, so his impact on the Jets fortunes may only be felt if they encounter defensive injuries in the playoffs.
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