Following his final transaction of a busy offseason, when the Sabres snagged Jeff Skinner from the Carolina Hurricanes on Aug. 2, general manager Jason Botterill was asked about the potential for Skinner to play alongside top center Jack Eichel. He answered earnestly.
"I think it's certainly a possibility," Botterill said. "… We'll leave it up to head coach] Phil [Housley] to see where that sort of all falls out come the start of the season. But what gets me excited as a general manager is we're at least giving our coach options."
Botterill and Housley have both cited internal competition as a central ingredient in the recipe for a winning culture. With an influx of veteran players and a core of prospects looking to establish themselves as such, it's fair to expect competition for roster spots at every position in the weeks ahead.
So far, we've examined the **[candidates at center** and on the wings. Here's a look at the defense, where at least 10 candidates will compete for eight spots.
Camp Preview: Competition on defense
Dahlin joins a group of at least 10 players competing for spots
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