3 disappointing Buffalo Sabres players who are bounce-back candidates for next season feat. Tage Thompson 

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 02, 2024 03:25 GMT

The Buffalo Sabres had an overall disappointing season last year. Many fans and analysts had hoped that the Sabres would be in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, the club quickly fell out of contention.

While some players emerged as stars, like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, others failed to live up to expectations.

Here’s a closer look at three Buffalo Sabres players who could bounce back in 2024-25.

3 disappointing Buffalo Sabres players who are bounce-back candidates for 2024-25

#3. Bowen Byram

Bowen Byram came over at the trade deadline in a deal with the Colorado Avalanche for Casey Middlestadt. Byram had hit a ceiling in Colorado, failing to live up to the expectations placed on him as a high-level prospect.

So, with the Sabres concerned about re-signing Middlestadt, the club shipping him off in exchange for Byram. In 18 games in Buffalo, Byram notched up nine points through three goals and six assists. While that’s not bad, he had an overall up-and-down season.

There’s cause for optimism as Byram’s ice time jumped by two minutes per game in Buffalo, allowing him to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. A full season in Buffalo should help Byram find his game, perhaps finally delivering on the potential he showed in Colorado.

#2. Dylan Cozens

Buffalo’s first-round pick from 2019 had been on an upward trajectory. Cozens notched 68 points through 31 goals and 37 assists in 2022-23, placing high expectations for him heading into last season.

However, Cozens regressed last season, failing to reach the 20-goal mark after finishing the year with 47 points through 18 goals and 29 assists in 79 games.

But considering that Cozens is just 23, there’s plenty of room for him to develop into the consistent top-six forward the Buffalo Sabres hoped he would become. Plus, a full year of Lindy Ruff behind the bench should help him rediscover the spark that transformed him into a 30-goal scorer.

#1. Tage Thompson

Tage Thompson was a revelation in 2022-23. After three subpar seasons with the Sabres, Thompson broke out, potting 94 points through 47 goals and 47 assists in 78 games. That performance prompted the Sabres to sign Thompson to a seven-year, $50 million contract extension.

Unfortunately, Thompson regressed significantly last season, registering 56 points through 29 goals and 27 assists in 71 games. However, there’s reason for optimism heading into 2024-25 as Thompson dealt with various injuries throughout last year.

If he can stay healthy, Thompson should at least be the 38-goal scorer from 2021-22. Sabres fans could even get to see Thompson eclipse the 50-goal mark this upcoming season if things go well.

How do you think the Buffalo Sabres will fare next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.