Buffalo Sabres 2015-16 preview

With Jack Eichel taking his first steps toward superstardom, the retooled Sabres have taken a big step toward respectability.

COACH: Dan Bylsma

2014-15 RECORD: 23-51-8, 54 points (eight in Atlantic, missed playoffs)

VITAL SIGNS: 1.87 goals-for per game (30th); 3.28 goals-against per game (29th); 13.4 power play pct. (30th); 75.1 penalty kill pct. (30th); PDO: 98.5 (27th); Corsi For pct.: 38.0 (30th); Fenwick For pct.: 39.2 (30th); face-off pct.: 44.9 (30th)

NOTABLE ARRIVALS: F Jack Eichel, F Ryan O'Reilly, G Robin Lehner, F Jamie McGinn, F David Legwand, D Cody Franson

NOTABLE DEPARTURES: F Mikhail Grigorenko, F Cody Hodgson, D Andrej Meszaros, D Nikita Zadorov, G Anders Lindback

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

Forwards

Evander Kane – Ryan O'Reilly – Tyler Ennis
Matt Moulson – Jack Eichel – Zemgus Girgensons
Marcus Foligno – Sam Reinhart – Brian Gionta
Nicolas Deslauriers – Johan Larsson – Jamie McGinn

Defensemen

Josh Gorges – Zach Bogosian
Jake McCabe – Rasmus Ristolainen
Mark Pysyk – Cody Franson

Goaltenders 

Robin Lehner
Chad Johnson

OUTLOOK: So much for a patiently executed rebuild.

GM Tim Murray threw out the traditional draft-and-hold approach and charted a more dramatic, and risky, path to contention that included trading away picks and prospects for young, established players. On paper then, this team is far superior to the one that ran up the white flag last season. 

Ottawa Senators 2015-16 preview

rebounds from his frustrating 2014-15 campaign.

Keep an eye on Reinhart. He’ll have a sizable learning curve to manage, especially when playing without the puck. When he has it, though, his intelligence will make him a dangerous weapon. He should see some power play time this season.

The defense, though rejigged, remains a work-in-progress. It still lacks a legitimate No. 1 although Zach Bogosian, acquired midseason from the Jets, is a solid No. 2. Cody Franson has something to prove after being left to twist in the cruel winds of free agency almost the entire summer. He could slot anywhere at even strength but should be a real asset on the power play. Rasmus Ristolainen is an exceptional young talent but he’s still vulnerable to mental mistakes. Beyond that? New coach Dan Bylsma will be hoping that Josh Gorges can provide some stability and Jake McCabe is ready to make the jump from the AHL.

Sabres superprospect Jack Eichel looks like the real deal

could staunch the bleeding ... and with this defense, there could be a lot of long, bloody nights.

That’s alright, though. The Sabres will be a better team in 2015-16, and certainly more entertaining. And the playoffs are a whole lot closer than they were this time last season.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Evander Kane

Now that Kane has his love life on fleek, he’s ready to get his hockey life back in order. Fully recovered from the shoulder surgery that delayed his Sabres debut for eight months, the 24-year-old winger has found quick chemistry with his new linemates and flashed the speed and finishing touch that made him the fourth pick in 2009. He’s said that he’s capable of scoring 40, maybe even 50, goals. He just might be right.

PREDICTION: 74 points, seventh in Atlantic