from Dan Rosen of NHL.com,
... here is a list of the 10 teams (listed in alphabetical order) as identified by NHL.com that have improved the most since the end of last season:
BUFFALO SABRES
Key additions: Dan Bylsma (coach), Jack Eichel, Ryan O'Reilly, Robin Lehner, Jamie McGinn, David Legwand
No Eastern Conference team has had a bigger makeover this offseason than the Sabres, who acquired Eichel, O'Reilly, McGinn, Lehner and Legwand on the same day (June 26). The Sabres, who hired Bylsma as coach on May 28, could be in line for the biggest season-to-season win improvement in the NHL. They won 23 games last season; 40 wins this season is a realistic goal provided the goaltending holds up and the Sabres get enough from their defense, which is still in need of improvement. Thirty-five wins might be a more reasonable expectation.
Buffalo's top-three centers are now O'Reilly, Eichel (No. 2 pick in 2015 draft) and Sam Reinhart (No. 2 pick in 2014). The latter are hyped only by potential, but odds are they could be competing for the Calder Trophy with another rookie from Edmonton.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.