After Great Team Success, How Do the Sabres Break Down Individually?
Today we take a look at the individual performances of each player and assign a letter grade accordingly. Each Sabre graded must meet the 20 games played with Buffalo minimum. So no Konsta Helenius or Sam Carrick and several others. These grades are for the regular season only, not playoffs. We will split the eligible players into two randomly listed sections. This will be part 1 of 2.
- Owen Power (81-8-21-29 +9) Grade B
Power made some strides this season with his defensive game, especially late in the year. (and on into the playoffs) He provided a bit more physicality into the middle pairing and seems to close the gap quicker on his opponent with tighter coverage. His offense fell off to just 29 points but I feel that will bump up again soon as he rounds out his game. Lots to like here as Power continues to grow.
- Beck Malenstyn (81-7-7-14 even) Grade B+
Malenstyn had himself an impressive season, being a rock on the 4th line with his heavy hitting game. He provided a strong forecheck and a grinding, shutdown performance while scoring some spectacular goals along the way. I love his effort level every night, especially blocking shots.
- Jordan Greenway (40-1-5-6 -10) Grade C-
It’s hard to come down too hard on Greenway, knowing how difficult his season was. His injury really limited his games and performance until late in the season when we saw a healthy, rejuvenated player. His treatments and therapy were substantial. Still, we hoped for much more. Playoff Greenway gives us hope, if he can stay on the right track.
- Bowen Byram (82-11-31-42 +15) Grade B+
Good stuff all around from Bo this season. He was the only defenseman to play all 82 games and provided a great blend of offense and defense. He was solid and dependable. I sure do hope the Sabres can extend him at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, Byram seems like his aspirations are beyond what Buffalo can offer.
- Michael Kesselring (34-0-2-2 even) Grade D
Kesselring had a season to forget, dealing with injury most of the year and never really settling in with the team. He became a forgotten man at the end of the season and that was a shame. I feel Kess still has much to offer and I’m not ready to move on from him like some are. He was supposedly the main piece for Buffalo in the JJ Peterka trade. If we get him going again along with Josh Doan’s early success then the Sabres are in business.
- Jason Zucker (62-24-21-45 -5) Grade B+
Zuck scored 24 goals while missing 20 games, so you can’t complain too much about that. He was an offensively effective middle six player for Buffalo and brought that veteran leadership to the team. At 34 years old now, he could be pushed out by the likes of highly skilled Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius soon. Him being dealt would also make room for Buffalo with the tight cap. I still like the player though and I thought he had a strong season.
- Zach Benson (65-13-30-43- +27) Grade A-
Taz is a major league pest whose reputation is expanding across the NHL, especially after the playoffs. He is a hard working, relentless agitator who is a smooth playmaker and goes to the net to score the dirty goals. His motor is non-stop and he is in everybody’s top three Buffalo Sabres players’ list. A full season next year should see Benny push for 60 points or more and become a fixture on the top line. The sky is the limit for this 21 year old who plays like a grizzled vet.
- Alex Lyon (36-20 W-10 L-2.77-.907-3 SH) Grade B+
All things considered, Alex Lyon was a successful addition to the team. 20 wins with 3 shutouts is nothing to sneeze at. He mostly shared a rotation with UPL but did go off to start several in a row at times. He was a steady presence all year (especially on the road) and a good teammate. It was unfortunate things imploded for him in round 2 after a great showing against Boston.
- Jack Quinn (82-20-31-51- +4 ) Grade B-
Jack set career highs this season in games played, goals, assists and points, yet he left most of us wanting more. I suppose that is because of his many dry spells, as he tends to score in bunches. There IS more talent there to uncork for this young man, he is just on a slow development curve it seems. He needs more consistency in his game. He did make strides in his defense, providing a stronger backcheck.
- Ryan McLeod (81-14-40-54- +25) Grade B
Toothless didn’t score as many goals this year with just 14 but his overall points increased by 1 over last season. He was also the Sabres’ 4th leading scorer in 2025-26, something many fans may not realize. His 54 points, along with his great speed and strong penalty killing make him a valuable commodity. I hope he remains a 3rd line fixture in Buffalo for many years to come.
- Zach Metsa (43-2-4-6- +16) Grade B
Metsa made a big splash this year as the 27 year old “rookie” who had his own cult following. His performance was near insanity for a while, as the other team just could not score when he was on the ice. This went on for a few months before the magic finally wore off. But Zach made a lasting impression and could serve Buffalo well in a continued bottom-six roll or as the Sabres’ 7th defenseman. He is cool and calm and makes the smart play.
- Rasmus Dahlin (77-19-55-74- +18) Grade A
Rasmus set a career high in points and plus/minus in a season filled with personal trauma that overshadowed his hockey career. He overcame it to the tune of personal bests, a Norris Trophy nomination, (awarded annually to the NHL’s best defenseman) and a return to the playoffs after 14 long years for the Sabres. Not too shabby as his fiance continues her recovery with his support. On the ice, Dahlin still takes too many penalties and still makes the occasional bad turnover but he has matured into one of the best overall defenders in the league.
Part 2 will be coming soon.