While the Buffalo Sabres veterans mostly sounded weary and possibly like they wanted out during their locker cleanout interviews, the younger players seemed markedly positive with their comments. The years of losing hasn’t ground out the joy of hockey in them quite yet, it appears.
An interesting thread through all the players’ interviews has been their regard for former coach Ralph Krueger, sacked midway through the season as Buffalo went on a record losing streak. For fans he might be the most reviled Sabres hirings in decades, but clearly something in his demeanor and teachings struck a chord with his squad.
Here’s Rasmus Dahlin whose play immediately improved after Don Granato took over and by the end of the season was on top d-pair again and starting to look like the blue-chip prospect he promised to be. VIDEO LINK
Next up, Tage Thompson who has continued to fluctuate, cycling through all four lines and the press box throughout the season. VIDEO LINK
Casey Mittelstadt made some big steps this season, and is starting to look like a competent top six forward. His 10 goals and 12 assists portends well for the Sabres. VIDEO LINK
Youngster Dylan Cozens is also showing positive signs, and under Granato has looked better as well. VIDEO LINK
Victor Olofsson finished the season as the Sabres’ second highest scorer, and though that was a pretty low bar, his 19 assists is a good sign. VIDEO LINK
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