Former Sabre Jake McCabe has been a key shutdown defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/acccc495-1559-4f07-a8e7-3a94cb08f482.jpeg] Former Sabre Jake McCabe has been a key shutdown defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. The Buffalo Sabres regular season will conclude in less than two weeks, which will begin the post-mortem on their 14th season in a row not qualifying for the playoffs, but there are a number of ex-Sabres who will be active in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and integral to the success of their clubs. Here are five players who will have critical roles in the post-season: Jack Eichel The former Sabres captain is leading the Vegas Golden Knights in scoring (27 goals, 66 assists in 74 games) and is a legitimate Hart and Selke Trophy candidate. The Pacific Division leader could have an easier path through the Western Conference, but injuries to Shea Theodore and Tomas Hertl will make Eichel’s production critical to their postseason chances. Sam Reinhart The reigning Stanley Cup champs are hampered by injuries, with Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and the suspended Aaron Ekblad unavailable. Reinhart has followed up his first 50-goal season with 37 goals this season, and the Panthers will be relying on him more heavily if Tkachuk and Barkov are hampered going into the first round against either Toronto or Tampa Bay. Jake McCabe The former Sabres blueliner has been part of the Leafs shutdown pairing with veteran Chris Tanev and has also contributed 23 points, but as has been the case throughout most of his career, McCabe’s health will be a big consideration. The veteran left Toronto’s 3-2 victory over Florida on Wednesday late in the third period and will not be in the lineup on Saturday against Columbus. Other Sabres Stories Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/is-peterka-in-prime-position-for-big-payday] Sabres Ownership Ranked Worst In NHL By Survey In The Athletic [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-ownership-ranked-worst-in-nhl-by-survey-in-the-athletic] Dahlin Refutes Assertion Of Wanting Out Of Buffalo [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/dahlin-refutes-assertion-of-wanting-out-of-buffalo] Linus Ullmark The former Vezina winner has provided the Ottawa Senators the stable goaltending they’ve needed for years and it is a near certainty that they will make the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but if the former Sabre gets hot, it is not impossible that the Sens could upset the eventual Atlantic Division winner in the first round. Evander Kane It’s strange to consider a player who has not played a regular season game to be a potential key contributor, but Kane (who has been on LTIR all year recovering from two serious injuries) is expected to be ready to play Game 1 of the first round and could possibly step in before then if the Oilers have the cap room to activate him. Edmonton’s chances of repeating will rely on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s recovery before the playoffs, but they will also need secondary scoring from players like Kane to get by Los Angeles later this month. Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
