Making the cut
The most contentious roster battle involves Casey Mittelstadt trying to land a spot in the bottom six. The 22-year-old, selected No. 8 in the 2017 NHL Draft, scored nine points (four goals, five assists) in 31 games before being sent to Rochester of the American Hockey League last season. Mittelstadt, who signed a one-year contract with the Sabres on Dec. 23, will try to beat out fellow centers Curtis Lazar and Rasmus Asplund.
Most intriguing addition
It has to be Hall. Considered to be the top forward available in free agency, he surprised the hockey world by signing with the Sabres. Hall played for Krueger when each was with the Oilers in 2012-13, and he said the coach had a big role in recruiting him to Buffalo. Equally enticing was the chance to play with Eichel, who has scored at least 24 goals in each of his five NHL seasons. Hall has reached that mark four times himself, so seeing how the two drive each other will be fun to watch.
Biggest potential surprise
In his first full NHL season, defenseman Henri Jokiharju scored 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 69 games and did not look out of place against more experienced opponents. As his confidence increases, so should his production. The 21-year-old scored 71 points (12 goals, 59 assists) with Portland of the Western Hockey League in 2017-18, a reflection of his offensive upside. Buffalo was pleased with the strides he made in his defense last season, when he was third on the Sabres in blocked shots (63) and sixth in hits (74).
Ready to break out
The Sabres feel Dylan Cozens, selected No. 7 in the 2019 NHL Draft, is ready to make the leap to the NHL as a 19-year-old. Reports in Buffalo suggest the forward, a natural center, could end up playing right wing on the top line with Hall and Eichel or on the second line with Staal and Skinner. Cozens scored 85 points (38 goals, 47 assists) for Lethbridge of the WHL last season.
Fantasy sleeper
Staal (average draft position: 177.1) is a solid bench option with top-six exposure to at least one valuable forward in either Sam Reinhart or Victor Olofsson. Staal was third on the Wild with 47 points (19 goals, 28 assists) in 66 games last season and is a safe late-round selection in standard leagues. Staal will also be reunited with Skinner, who is a potential bounce-back candidate. -- Rob Reese
Projected lineup
Taylor Hall -- Jack Eichel -- Victor Olofsson
Jeff Skinner -- Eric Staal -- Dylan Cozens
Tage Thompson -- Cody Eakin -- Sam Reinhart
Zemgus Girgensons -- Curtis Lazar -- Kyle Okposo
Rasmus Dahlin -- Colin Miller
Rasmus Ristolainen -- Brandon Montour
Jake McCabe -- Henri Jokiharju
Linus Ullmark
Carter Hutton