The Buffalo Sabres’ squad comprised of prospects and AHL talent has exceeded expectations, winning both of its outings since the regular roster traveled overseas.
In each of those 3-2 road victories – Tuesday in Pittsburgh and Thursday in Ottawa, a game in which 2022 first-round pick Noah Ostlund scored in overtime – neither opponent dressed much NHL talent.
So tonight’s contest in Columbus will be the B team’s stiffest team. The Blue Jackets’ lineup will feature most of its regular talent, including defenseman Zach Werenski and forwards Adam Fantilli, Boone Jenner, Kent Johnson and Sean Monahan.
The Sabres, who had Friday off, did not skate this morning before flying to Columbus.
In addition to Ostlund, three other first-round selections – defenseman Ryan Johnson and forwards Konsta Helenius and Isak Rosen – will play tonight.
Update: Defenseman Peter Tischke has replaced Johnson on an updated roster the Sabres released.
The complete roster is below.
Forwards: Helenius, Ostlund, Rosen, Ty Cheveldayoff, Josh Dunne, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, Mason Jobst, Aleksandr Kisakov, Brett Murray, Olivier Nadeau, Viktor Neuchev, Graham Slaggert, and Anton Wahlberg.
Defense: Johnson, Vsevolod Komarov, Noah Laaouan, Zach Metsa, Nikita Novikov, Colton Poolman and Jack Rathbone.
Goalies: Scott Ratzlaff and Felix Sandstrom.