The Buffalo Sabres preseason is underway and the regular season is just one week away. Heading into this year it’s playoffs or bust for most fans, but is the roster talented enough for the Sabres to end its five year playoff drought?
As the regular season draws near, 7ABC will take a closer look at the training camp roster and put together our list of the “Top 20 Talents.”
Here’s the criteria on how the rankings will be established:
-Overall skill level
-Past performance
-Age, improving/declining ability
-Potential
On to the countdown:
No. 11 D – Zach Bogosian
Why He's Here
Say what you want about Bogosian’s numbers – but he has, and will continue to be, one of the Sabres go to defenseman, in basically every situation. Versatility is a great trait in a player and it’s been obvious the Sabres think Bogosian is versatile -- at least so far this preseason. He’s gotten time on the penalty kill, power-play and everything in-between.
2016 Outlook
Bogosian has never played a full 82-game season. To be fair, a lot of players have never accomplished that feat, but it’s now a week before the season and injury concerns linger with the Sabres defender. According to WGR 550’s Paul Hamilton, Bogosian will miss the Sabres three final preseason games due to a pulled groin. The 26-year-old defenseman has had injury issues in the past and his groin is something to keep an eye on. If he’s healthy, Bogosian will likely once again log big minutes for the Sabres.
My prediction
I think Bogosian will be ready to go when the season starts and have a similar year to last season. Bogosian is one of those players – some people love him and others think he’s a liability. Personally, I think I’m right in the middle. I think Bogosian during the second half of last season showed a lot of promise but at times really struggled. If Bogosian plays in the second or third pair and he’s not asked to do too much then Sabres fans will be happy with his game at this time next season.
