Sabres’ Prospects Facing Important Developmental Season

Unless something unforeseen happens, he will spend 2026-27 with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL). If he shows that his size (6-foot-6) and skills can transfer to the pro game, the Sabres may be looking at him as a real threat to make the lineup in 2027-28.

Daxon Rudolph, D

How can a guy taken in the most recent entry draft already be facing a crucial developmental season? When you’re the fourth overall pick, you are on a different timeline than others within the same system.

For Rudolph, the key will be to grow on his breakout season with the Prince Albert Raiders and show that his skills translate to the collegiate level. He will play with the University of Denver for 2026-27, but a strong season may have him ready to challenge for an NHL spot the following season.

Adam Kleber, D

Kleber isn’t like some of the other defensemen on this list and currently with the Sabres. He makes his bread and butter in his own zone, keeping things simple and forcing opponents to the outside thanks to his long reach.

Kleber doesn’t have the high-end potential of Rudolph or Mrtka but could be one of those solid stay-at-home defensemen that good teams have on their bottom pairing. Kleber will be headed back to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for his junior season; a jump in offense and total usage will tell us where he stands within the system.

Jake Richard, F

Richard has become a darling within the Buffalo farm system after having a breakout season at UConn with 43 points in 34 games. His disappointing junior numbers – 27 points in 38 games – have some questioning his ceiling.

Richard will spend most, if not all, of the 2026-27 with the Americans. Will we see the middle-six winger with high upside of two seasons ago or the one who looked less impactful last season? He mucks it up and has a decent shot, but his willingness and strength around the crease could help him stand out.

Brodie Ziemer, F

Ziemer may still yet sign his entry-level contract, but he will be going back to the University of Minnesota. He will not only play a critical two-way role for the Gophers, but serve as their captain as well.

The Junior posted 36 points in 36 games a season ago and had five assists for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. His strong work ethic looks like a perfect fit for the current culture, but he needs to bring his playmaking and skating up a notch before he can get there.

The Future of the Sabres?

The Sabres have a solid prospect pool even with a trio of outstanding young forwards ready to make the leap full-time. What the prospect pool looks like after this season will likely depend on how this group of prospects performs in a crucial development season.

Not everyone needs to be a star-caliber player and finding key depth pieces is how contenders remain there. The Sabres could very well be looking at a few key pieces of their future core if the names above manage to continue on a positive developmental path.