The Buffalo Sabers are in a much better position at forward than they were back in 2021-22. Here are the 14 projected forwards ranked from 14th to 1st.
We know who 13 of the potential 14 forwards will be for the Buffalo Sabers for the upcoming season barring some unforeseen trade. But given general manager Kevyn Adams’ conservative approach this offseason, odds are, you will not see the Sabers pull off anything drastic.
Therefore, I am ranking the 14 forwards you are most likely to see gracing the Sabers roster when October 13th rolls around, ranking them from worst to first. You may see some surprises in these rankings, so it is important to remember that they are only a starting point and by no means reflect any potential actual outcome.
Some players break out and log career seasons, like Tage Thompson. And as you can probably guess, Thompson has a high placing on this list. But this time last year, he probably would have ranked closer to the bottom tier.
So where does each forward rank in the pecking order? Keep reading for more.
Dec 14, 2021; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Buffalo Sabers forward Anders Bjork (96) is congratulated by his teammates on his goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The projected Buffalo Sabers forwards ranked from worst to first: 14 – Anders Bjork
2021-22 Statistics: 58 GP, 8 points, 3 goals, 5 assists, 9.8 S%
When I drew up these rankings, I had to ask myself who I was missing. And the answer was Anders Bjork.
Bjork was perhaps the most obscure forward that made regular appearances for the Buffalo Sabers last season. He never seemed to find a niche, something a player of his caliber needs in order to excel in the NHL. Bjork arrived in Buffalo via a trade that shipped the ill-fated Taylor Hall out of town, and for a minute there, his initial returns looked promising.
To close out the 2020-21 season, Bjork recorded six points in 15 games, logging three goals and three assists. He also amassed 10 takeaways, a 15.8 shooting percentage, and 17:02 minutes of average total ice time.
So it was only natural for the Sabers to be high on Bjork, perhaps as a defensive forward, in 2021-22. But it didn’t happen, and Bjork’s six points in 15 games and high number takeaways was nothing more than a mirage. Eight points and just 16 takeaways in 58 games in 2021-22 proves that Bjork struggled while the rest of the Sabers were on the up and up.
Projection for 2022-23: I honestly don’t believe Bjork makes the roster, considering the younger talent creeping up. If he does make it, he will once again see himself in a rotational role and play in between 45 and 55 games.
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