Sabres' Front Office's Patience Deserves Recognition
Welcome to the THW Buffalo Sabres Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Sabres writers.
Before we begin, I’d just like to say that I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We’re all thankful for you and your continued support of the THW Sabres team!
In today’s edition, we look into the French Connection Line, Jiri Kulich, the Sabres’ patience with Casey Mittelstadt, why the Sabres shouldn’t pursue Patrick Kane, as well as the first THW Sabres subscriber mailbag. It would be great if you’d share the THW Sabres Substack with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
Now onto the good stuff…
7 Cool Things About the Buffalo Sabres French Connection
November 23, 2023 by The Old Prof
If you are a Buffalo Sabres fan and you have any years on you at all, you’re familiar with the famous French Connection line. It was the name given to perhaps the most famous forward line in the history of the Sabres and perhaps one of the best-known lines in NHL history.
The line consisted of three players: Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert. In this post, I’ll share seven cool things about that famous line.
Sabres’ Prospect Jiri Kulich a Player to Watch in Future
November 22, 2023 by Derek Felix
A player to watch for the Buffalo Sabres in the future is Jiri Kulich. The former 28th pick in the 2022 Draft is off to a good start in his second pro season with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL). The 19-year-old center is second in team scoring with 10 goals and four assists for 14 points in 14 games. That trails Sabres’ prospect Isak Rosen, who leads the Amerks with 17 points.
With Kulich continuing to progress nicely, he’s a player to keep an eye on with the Sabres. They’re currently without top center Tage Thompson, who’s listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury due to blocking a shot off his left wrist in a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Nov. 14.
Subscriber Mailbag: November 22
November 22, 2023 by JP Gambatese
Welcome to the first subscriber mailbag, where we hope to answer any and all questions you have about our Buffalo Sabres. Moving forward, expect to see these bi-weekly, so be sure to comment with any questions you might have on any and all THW Sabres Substack posts.
Sabres’ Patience With Casey Mittelstadt Has Paid Off
November 21, 2023 by Michael Golden
Casey Mittelstadt is a perfect case study for why you shouldn’t give up on a prospect too early. When the Buffalo Sabres drafted him in 2017, the expectation was that he could become an effective top-two center. After a rocky first few seasons, he is finally producing consistently.
In 2022-23, Mittelstadt had 19 points through the first 35 games. He appeared destined for another season at roughly a 40-point pace over 82 games. But then, something happened. Initially stapled to the third line with Victor Olofsson and Tyson Jost, Mittelstadt was given an opportunity to play top-line minutes after Tage Thompson sustained an injury.
Sabres Should Steer Clear of Patrick Kane
November 20, 2023 by JP Gambatese
Rumors have been circling that Patrick Kane is interested in signing a contract with the Buffalo Sabres, but until that’s set in stone, they’re just that — rumors. However, between that and Tage Thompson’s recent long-term injury, there’s reason to believe that Kane might be on his way to Buffalo.
Kane’s resume speaks for itself. He’s a career point-per-game player (1237 points in 1180 games), has three Stanley Cups under his belt, and is widely regarded as the best American player of all time. Even at 34, he put up 57 points in 73 games last season. He’s been one of the premier passers in the league, and that aspect of his game has never slowed down regardless of age. Still, there are some major red flags that should keep the Sabres away.