Making the case for Casey Mittelstadt to center the top line in the second half of 2023–24…
In the ongoing season, the Buffalo Sabres have showcased the potential for a formidable top-six lineup when their players establish chemistry. However, there is a growing sentiment that it might be time for Casey Mittelstadt to elevate his role and become a crucial part of this dynamic top-six group.
Since being selected as the eighth overall pick by the Sabres in 2017, Mittelstadt has consistently demonstrated his ability to play at the level expected of him. The current season has seen him continue his stellar performance, building upon the positive momentum he initiated in late 2022.
It’s worth noting that not long ago, many within the Sabres community were contemplating moving on from Mittelstadt. Even as he started to improve his production, there were discussions about his “trade value.” Given his relatively modest output between 2018 and 2022, such sentiments were not entirely unwarranted.
However, recent developments, particularly after a recent loss to the Seattle Kraken, prompt the question of whether Mittelstadt is now better suited for the top line of the Sabres. This is not a criticism of Tage Thompson, who has generally performed well, but rather an acknowledgment of Mittelstadt’s current outstanding form and the effective chemistry he has established while centering for Skinner and Tuch in the past.
Considering the Sabres’ situation in the 2023-24 season, where every game is critical, there is no room for error. Having lost 20 games in regulation, the only plausible path to the playoffs is an impressive record of something like 25-10-6, bringing them to 42-30-10 (94 points). To achieve this seemingly insurmountable goal, the Sabres must optimize their scoring potential, and Mittelstadt can contribute significantly to that objective.
With prolific shooters like Skinner and Tuch, both ranking in the top six on the team, and Skinner boasting a 12.7% shooting percentage, the Sabres possess a potent offensive arsenal. Mittelstadt complements this firepower with his exceptional playmaking skills, evident from his 24 assists. While he could benefit from taking more shots himself, his average time on ice of 18:48 showcases his ability to handle top-line minutes, ranking second among forwards.
In light of these factors, it is prudent for the Buffalo Sabres to place their three most productive forwards on the top line, with Mittelstadt at the center. This strategic move would involve shifting Tage Thompson to the second line to center JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn, while the less effective Dylan Cozens could find a place on the third line. Mittelstadt has earned the opportunity to anchor the top line, and as the team’s most productive forward, he provides the best chance for success in a season where the margin for error is non-existent.
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