The Buffalo Sabres will begin their 2024-25 season in less than two months. While the Sabres have had a busy offseason, there is no question that they have some things they need to answer throughout the campaign. Because of this, let’s discuss three burning questions surrounding the Sabres and their players for the 2024-25 campaign now.

Will Devon Levi Take That Next Step?

Devon Levi is regarded as having a plethora of upside. He dominated at the collegiate level with Northeastern University and was excellent for the Rochester Americans last season. However, he struggled to adjust to the NHL at times when with the Sabres in 2023-24. Will that change in 2024-25?

There is undoubtedly a good chance that Levi will take another step forward next season. While Levi sported a .899 SV% in 23 appearances for the Sabres in 2023-24, his play notably improved when recalled later in the year. Levi will now look to carry that over to 2024-25. If he does, the Sabres will have two impactful young goalies between the pipes, which would make them tougher to beat. They also have veteran James Reimer for added insurance.

Who Will Move Up to the Sabres’ Top Six?

Throughout the 2024 NHL Offseason, the Sabres were linked to multiple notable forwards. Their top objective of the summer was to add an impactful top-six scoring winger, but that did not come to fruition. After striking out on the trade market, the Sabres elected to strengthen their bottom six.

With the Sabres buying out Jeff Skinner and not finding a definite replacement, they have a top-six left wing spot to fight for at training camp. Zach Benson and Jason Zucker are two clear candidates for the role. Top prospect Jiri Kulich could also be a dark horse candidate, as he can play both on the wing and down the middle..

Is This Finally the Year?

The biggest question surrounding the Sabres heading into the 2024-25 season is whether they will finally break their 13-year playoff drought. Many viewed the 2023-24 campaign as the year they would do it, but they, unfortunately, took a step back instead.

However, after making multiple changes to their group, there should be some optimism regarding the Sabres’ chances. Their bottom six looks better on paper, as they added Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, and Beck Malenstyn. They also have young players like Benson, Levi, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn, who have the potential to take bigger steps forward.

It will be fascinating to see if this is the year the Sabres finally break the drought.