The 2015-2016 New York Islanders Will Be…

Buffalo Sabres

Mar 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres goalie

Anders Lindback

(35) attempts to save the puck against Toronto Maple Leafs

Tyler Bozak

(not pictured) in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres and their fans have pointed to the 2015 NHL Entry Draft as the moment several seasons of struggles and poor results will end. Sabres GM Tim Murray is well aware neither Connor McDavid nor Jack Eichel alone will fix any franchise. One look at the roster and it’s clear some of the pieces are starting to fall in place.

The blockbuster trade to acquire Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian brings a proven, top six scoring threat and a young veteran capable of big hits and bigger minutes. Add in Tyler Ennis, Matt Moulson, Zemgus Girgensons and likely Samson Reinhart and the forwards become more imposing. Throw the 2015 top pick into the mix and the 2015 Buffalo Sabres are a lot harder to stop.

The young crop of defencemen to go with Bogosian has partially arrived this season. Rasmus Ristolainen has played very well learning on the job, as has Nikita Zadorov. Mark Pysyk has shown he’s ready to play in the NHL during his opportunities this season. Add veteran Josh Gorges and while the younger defencemen continue to learn on the job the Sabres can expect be better on the back-end as well.

Major questions still remain in Buffalo. Who is going to play goal for the Sabres next season? Is it Anders Lindback and Chad Johnson, or someone else? Lindback is an unrestricted free agent after the season while Johnson has one more year on his contract. The Sabres could repeat last season and bring back Jhonas Enroth or Michal Neuvirth to pair with Johnson and give their goaltending prospects more time to develop. Antti Niemi is also an unrestricted free agent after this year and while Murray likes his goaltenders on the bigger side, Niemi isn’t exactly small at 6′ 2” and does have a winning pedigree including a Stanley Cup on his résumé.

Ultimately while the Sabres should be better than the last two seasons the playoffs remain a long shot. There is still a draft and free agency to consider and Murray has shown he is not only savvy but bold. The trade or signing that would put the Sabres into the playoff conversation is likely one fans won’t see coming. That will make the team’s turnaround more interesting because Murray is unpredictable.

There is quality talent and high value prospects on all five teams at the bottom of the NHL standings this season. The 2015 NHL Entry Draft will dictate the direction of these teams not just in the selections made but potential trades. Contending teams will be forced to make salary cap adjustments and other high-quality players will be there for the taking. The Edmonton Oilers have the greatest potential for a quick turn around, not just because they have drafted high for several years. If the Oilers can be bold and brave enough to trade away the opportunity to draft Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, the return can springboard the team beyond being merely competitive year after year.

All five teams have reason to believe next season will finish differently than this one, whether by their young talent or staying healthy. If that happens there will be a dramatic shift in the competitive balance of the NHL. Something these five fan bases would certainly welcome after years of challenges.

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