Which Buffalo Sabers players can get the NHL’s attention this season? – Hockey Writer – Buffalo Sabre

Every season, there are always some players in the league who have a breakout season and “get the league’s attention.” Last season, we saw players from Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas of the Washington Capitals, who both improved their career climax and helped the team win the Mets Division title.

We even saw Ryan McLeod win Matthew Savoie last offseason, who caught the league’s attention while recording a season of 20 goals and 53 points, undermining previous career highs. Every season, Saber has an explosive player. In the 2023-24 season, it was Ukko-Pekka Luukonen; last season it was Dylan Cozens, and the roster continued. So, which player will attract the league’s attention this season?

Zach Benson

Zach Benson is about to enter his 20-year-old season and already has 146 games, and he will seek to make more impact in the offensive zone than ever before. In his first two seasons, he scored 58 points (in rookie season, 28 points and 30 points last season). He was overlooked a lot and there were factors in it, such as playing in Buffalo, rather than being consistent in offense.

However, he is also an excellent defensive forward for the team. In his area, anti-study was performed in his area, rechecked, and forced turnovers and allowed opponents’ team to make mistakes on the ice. According to evolving hockey, he was in the 98th percentile of defense in all NHL skateboarding games last season.

This season, I expect him to attack the next step, which will eventually attract the league’s attention. We all know that the league has become very offensive. The more players score and improve their points, the more recognition they get. A 20-year-old will do a season of over 50 points. Especially if his defensive game isn’t hit at all, he might be considered one of the best two-way forwards in the league.

Jiri Kulich

Jiri Kulich has a lot of room for offense upside. In fact, with a deadly shot, he has the potential to score over 30 goals. The 21-year-old has a lot to prove going into this season. As Tage Thompson effectively moves to the right wing, Kulich will be his wingers with Benson and Thompson. This is a big requirement for someone who has only 15 goals and 24 points to enter his second season.

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Of course, since most NHL media and fans know too much about Kulich, most people think Kulich isn’t even close to the first liner. Well, that’s far from the truth. In the last month of the season, the Benson-Cullich Thompson series was very good together. According to Moneypuck, the trio had 151 minutes of ice time, with an expected target percentage of 57.7%.

Throughout Kulich played with these two seasons, he didn’t have to take the burden like most of the No. 1 Centers. Benson is one of the best defensive forwards in the league, while Thompson is one of the best players and pure goal percentages in the league. That would allow Culic to play his own game and develop into a real frontline center. His evil shooting, coupled with his skating and playing abilities, would be the reason why he scored 30 goals in his second season. Is this a high task for him? Absolutely. But it’s not impossible to play with Thompson and Benson. Culic has something to prove, and he will prove it this season.

Tage Thompson

I know it’s ridiculous to have Thompson here, but listen to me. We all know he has multiple seasons and has over 40 goals. However, he never reached the 50-plus goal mark. This season is the season when he will lose 50 goals. He is the second best shooting percentage in the league (after Auston Matthews), and he also has the toughest shots in the league and is one of the best members. Additionally, he is one of the best pure goal scores in the league.

After winning the “golden goal” for Team USA and having an overall tournament, he will prove people wrong and I believe he is on the mission. We all know that the only thing missing in the league is seeing Thompson in the playoffs, and if he can score over 50 goals, that’s a real possibility.

There should be debris on his shoulders. He will show everyone that he can also do it with people like Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch. Thompson is one of the team’s leaders on the ice and on the ice and will show everyone why he is not only a star, but a superstar in the league.

Overall, I hope these players can show their abilities to the league. Yes, Thompson included. I think his game has become more comprehensive, not just scoring goals. As for Benson and Culic, they are super young and have great potential. This season, I hope they show why they scored in the top minutes.