Buffalo Sabres 2014-15 Season Preview

Oct 4, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Mikhail Grigorenko (25) in play during the game against the Ottawa Senators at First Niagara Center. The Senators beat the Sabres 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

 1.  Is Mikhail Grigorenko‘s time running out? – The 2012 first round pick of the Sabres (12th overall) has bounced around due to his play as well as his attitude.  He seems like he is long for KHL duty just based on his demeanor and it would be a big blow to the Sabres organization for that prospect not to pan out. This will be the final year of his entry level deal, and he could follow in the footsteps of Ilya Kovalchuk and Igor Radulov if the bouncing around continues.

2.  Why Meszaros?  The signing of the veteran former Ottawa Senators defenseman is puzzling, based on the top end prospects in the Sabres organization that could use the experience as the team rebuilds.  It is not as though he is thought of as a tremendous leader that he can mentor the young blue liners like Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov, but instead he might be taking developmental minutes away from them.

3.  Is Connor McDavid in the Sabres future?  The Sabres will be a bit better this season, bu by no means would I consider them anything but a bottom 5 team.  That would give them pretty good odds at nabbing either one of McDavid or Jack Eichel, the two “franchise players” available in the upcoming draft.