Buffalo Sabres fantasy projections for 2024-25
Buffalo Sabres fantasy projections for 2024-25
Dahlin elite defenseman option; Peterka potential steal based on draft position
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As part of NHL.com’s 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has ranked the top 5 players on the Buffalo Sabres and identified other preseason draft targets with point and win projections for the 2024-25 season.
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D
NHL.com point projection: 75
He was tied for third among NHL defensemen in goals (career-high 20) and ranked 10th at the position in points (59) last season and should be considered a top 10 fantasy D-man option and top 50 overall player in all formats.
WSH@BUF: Dahlin wires a shot in for a power-play goal
2. Tage Thompson, F
NHL.com point projection: 82
Despite a step back offensively last season, Thompson has more than a point per game over the past two seasons combined (150 in 149 games) and is worth targeting in the first five rounds (60 picks) of standard 12-team drafts.
3. Alex Tuch, F
NHL.com point projection: 69
He finished strong (19 points, plus-11 in final 17 games) after dealing with injury and production swings last season and covers hits (72 in 75 games), making him a fantasy draft bargain at the right wing position if he falls outside the top 100 overall.
4. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G
NHL.com win projection: 29
Among the 34 goalies to play at least 40 games last season, Luukkonen ranked 12th in save percentage (.910) and was tied for fifth in the NHL in shutouts (five). Prospect Devon Levi is still a part of the Sabres’ long-term plans, but Luukkonen remains a top 15 fantasy goalie option and should have them on the cusp of ending their 13-season Stanley Cup Playoff drought.
5. JJ Peterka, F
NHL.com point projection: 68
In terms of goals, Thompson (29) narrowly edged Peterka (28) for Buffalo’s lead last season. But the wing took a huge step forward and could now play more often with Thompson on the top line and first power play after Buffalo bought out veteran Jeff Skinner’s contract – making Peterka a potential fantasy steal based on his likely average draft position outside the top 150.
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Other BUF players on preseason draft lists:
Bounce-back candidate: Dylan Cozens, F (point projection: 60)
Breakout candidates: Zach Benson, F (point projection: 58); Bowen Byram, D (point projection: 49); Jack Quinn, F (point projection: 48); Owen Power, D (point projection: 43); Devon Levi, G (win projection: 15)
