The 2023-24 season was one to overlook for the Buffalo Sabres. With that within the rearview mirror, the main focus is on making the playoffs in 2025. The workforce has its weaknesses and some exterior issues have to occur to ensure that the playoffs to grow to be a actuality.

Associated: Buffalo Sabres 2024-25 Participant Projections: Alex Tuch

In the intervening time, let’s check out every of the important thing elements of the Sabres and the way they need to shake out within the coming season. At the moment, we’ll have a look at one of many few vibrant spots a season in the past: J.J. Peterka.

How Peterka’s 2023-24 Season Went

To place it shortly, Peterka had the greatest season of his younger profession. The 2020 second-round decide quietly turned probably the greatest gamers on the workforce in a season the place everybody seemingly struggled. Apparently sufficient, Peterka additionally scored the primary objective of the Sabres’ season for the second season in a row.

For the majority of 2023-24, Peterka led the workforce in targets. He confirmed a knack for moving into open areas and discovering a technique to mild the lamp. His measurement was a query mark however his tenacity and willingness to battle had been shortly obvious even earlier than final season.

If there’s one damaging mark on Peterka’s second full NHL season, it’s the way it ended. He went scoreless in his last 5 contests, finally being overtaken for the workforce lead in targets by a lastly wholesome Tage Thompson. Peterka completed the marketing campaign with 28 targets and 50 factors, the latter trailing solely Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch.

What the Sabres Want From Peterka

It’d appear to be loads to ask of a man who simply had his greatest season, however this could ideally be just the start for Peterka. At 22 years previous, he nonetheless has his complete profession forward of him. His tenacity, potential to battle by means of visitors and penchant for scoring from wherever are invaluable.

Peterka ought to be requested to step into a task on both of the highest two strains. It could be good to see him reunite with Jack Quinn and Dylan Cozens, the trio offering a glimpse right into a vibrant future two seasons in the past earlier than Quinn bought injured.

Peterka must construct on final season. Topping the 30-goal, 60-point mark could be nice progress. Something greater than that and the Sabres ought to really feel ecstatic for his short- and long-term future. Most significantly, he wants to remain wholesome, one thing that was difficult for a number of gamers a season in the past.

2024-25 Projection

It’s arduous to not get slightly overzealous when projecting Peterka’s 2024-25 season. He was indisputably the most effective ahead on the workforce for 95% of the marketing campaign. At 22 years previous, he’s rising into himself and his sport is trending upward on a regular basis.

Relying on who you take heed to, he may slot in subsequent to Thompson and Tuch on the highest line or subsequent to his former linemates. In any occasion, he’s going to see lots of ice time, significantly on the ability play. By sheer osmosis, he ought to see an uptick in his manufacturing as a result of he’s being requested to be a high man.

Search for Peterka to make one other leap ahead in manufacturing in 2024-25. It isn’t out of the realm of risk to suppose that he can crack 35 targets and 70 factors in a comparatively conservative season. If Tuch and Thompson can bounce again – and the ability play with them – a 40-goal season wouldn’t be out of the realm of risk.

A Budding Star

Although it’s typically arduous to see within the midst of the playoff drought, the longer term is vibrant in Buffalo. Main that cost is Peterka, the graceful, regular, proficient winger the Sabres stole within the second spherical of the draft.

No matter occurs in Buffalo this season and past, Peterka goes to play an essential function. All of that may have a significant influence on his subsequent contract, too. He’s set to grow to be an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time and an enormous season may result in an excellent greater payday.