Team: 2020-21 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 4, 2021

Published: Jan. 4, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Thoughts:

First two lines seem pretty set in place from the reports out of camp, even with Eichel and Olofsson hurt. I'm going to leave those as is.

The third line is the checking line. Same as it was last year, with Eakin taking Larsson's spot. This has also been a line so far in camp. This will be the prototypical "fourth line" but will likely be the third in ice time.

The fourth line here is going to be a quote in quote development line. This line will probably get the fewest minutes, and they will be sheltered so that younger guys can properly adjust to the NHL. I see two of the spots being an open competition between Cozens/Thompson/Mitts/Ruutsolainen, and then one spot being an open competition between Lazar/Reider/Sheahan. Two developing players, and a defensively responsible vet to support them.

This taxi squad is short-term, until the AHL season starts. Once that happens, I see Mittelstadt and Borgen being sent down to get proper playing time, and their spots being taken by older depth players like Davidson and CJ Smith.

Edit: Updated this with the injury to Girgs in today's scrimmage.