3. Can forward Ryan McLeod improve on the NHL career-high 53 points he had last season?
The Sabres think so and proved it by signing the 25-year-old to a four-year contract on July 1. The forward had 20 goals and 33 assists in 79 games last season and has 128 points (52 goals, 76 assists) in 298 regular-season games.
But for general manager Kevyn Adams, this is about more than just offensive production; it’s McLeod’s ability to play in all situations that made the Sabres eager to keep him for the long haul.
“One of the things I love about Ryan is he showed last year, I mean third-, second-line center, he can move over to wing, he can play power play, he kills penalties,” Adams said. “An all-situations player right in the prime years of his career as a centerman.”
Having said that, McLeod’s speed and the departure of Peterka give him the opportunity to improve on his stats from last season. For a Sabres team that has not qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 14 years, it would come as a big help.