5 Burning Questions For Buffalo Sabres Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

By Darrell Samuels

5 Burning Questions For Buffalo Sabres Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres — The Buffalo Sabres failed to obtain the No. 1 overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Connor McDavid, who was selected by the Edmonton Oilers. Instead, they secured the No. 2 overall pick, Jack Eichel, and the Sabres are pinning their hopes on him being just as good as McDavid. As good as the future might be for the Sabres, there are still some burning questions that need answers before training camp concludes.

5. Who's the No. 1 Goaltender?

Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres

5. Who's the No. 1 Goaltender?

Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres — Goaltenders Chad Johnson and Robin Lehner arrive in Buffalo as newcomers hoping for a chance to handle the full-time duties between the pipes. Lehner won nine of his 25 starts for the Ottawa Senators last season, and Johnson won eight of his 17 starts for the New York Rangers. Both goaltenders are young and need to wow head coach Dan Bylsma during training camp.

4. Can Dan Bylsma Improve Team Chemistry?

Dan Bylsma, Buffalo Sabres

4. Can Dan Bylsma Improve Team Chemistry?

Dan Bylsma, Buffalo Sabres — Head coach Dan Bylsma had six successful seasons as a head coach of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins where they won a Stanley Cup together in 2008-09 over the Detroit Red Wings. Well, we can be pretty safe to assume that the Sabres will not win a championship this year, but when the losing streak happens, how will Bylsma and the roster relate to one another?

3. Does the Change of Scenery Help Evander Kane?

Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres

3. Does the Change of Scenery Help Evander Kane?

Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres — Evander Kane was dealt last season from the Winnipeg Jets in a big trade with defenseman Zach Bogosian in a trade that was viewed as helping both franchises. Over the course of the last three years in Winnipeg, Kane had 96 points and, while he has yet to play a single regular season game for the Sabres, fans are hoping that he can provide the same level of scoring with the depth of youngsters on Buffalo's roster.

2. Can Jack Eichel Prove Worthy of No. 2 Overall Pick?

Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sbares

2. Can Jack Eichel Prove Worthy of No. 2 Overall Pick?

Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sbares — The spotlight is fixed on the city of Edmonton and the Oilers' first overall selection, Connor McDavid, but there's nothing to sneeze at with Eichel's qualities as a projected superstar. He will probably play on a second line with Matt Moulson and Zemgus Girgensons, a duo that put up a combined 71 points last season for the Sabres and should be pure gold.

1. Does Ryan O'Reilly's Successful Career Continue In Buffalo?

Ryan O'Reilly, Buffalo Sabres

1. Does Ryan O'Reilly's Successful Career Continue In Buffalo?

Ryan O'Reilly, Buffalo Sabres — O'Reilly was an offseason acquisition from Colorado who figures to get big minutes as the top center for the Sabres. He had a healthy season last year where he scored 55 points. O'Reilly has signed a seven-year, $ 52.5 million extension and will be a fixture at the First Niagara Center. The Sabres hope he continues to find success as their offensive centerpiece.

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Buffalo Sabres

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