Jack Eichel has become increasingly frustrated over the team’s inability to make the playoffs in nearly a decade. But the Buffalo Sabres pulled off one of the most substantial free agency acquisitions in the past NHL offseason, and there’s a good chance the Sabres will break their playoff drought.
But whether the Sabres can go further in the playoffs is uncertain. The Sabres have an NHL betting line of +4100, which is relatively high. But the Sabres also have a good chance of being a competitive team in 2021. This brief NHL betting guide will highlight what we like the most about the Sabres and what you should be watching for as the season comes around.
The Big Draw
Buffalo signed Taylor Hall to a one-year contract this offseason. Hall was the first-overall draft pick for the Edmonton Oilers in 2010, and he played for the New Jersey Devils for a few years before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes midway through last year. Hall’s signing adds an immediate impact to the Sabres, as it gives the team an outstanding offensive force.
Hall is hoping to bounce back in 2021, especially as he will be on the same first line as Eichel. Hall has tallied at least eighty points a few times in his career, and there’s a good chance he will do the same with the Sabres. But whether he will stick around with the Sabres after this season will be based heavily on whether the Sabres go far in the playoffs.
Elsewhere On the Team
Jack Eichel is a highly valuable player, and the Sabres don’t want to risk losing him in the offseason. Eichel had 78 points in 68 games last year, and he is one of the most active shooters in the league. He should be even more productive with Hall on the same line.
The rest of the offense may also benefit from Hall’s arrival. Victor Olofsson, Jeff Skinner, and newcomer Eric Staal will likely be more productive this year.
A sneak peek at Taylor Hall (@hallsy09) on the ice with the @BuffaloSabres. 👀
(🎥: IG/ deejbtnl) pic.twitter.com/UFRVreuojp
— NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2020
Plenty of Young Stars
You cannot ignore the assorted young players on the team who continue to stand out. Defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Rasmus Ristolainen are among the best young players in the league, while goaltender Linus Ullmark is expected to improve this season.
The potential for other players like Curtis Lazar and Casey Mittelstadt to improve is also strong. Whether first-round draft pick Jack Quinn will join the team for the coming season remains unclear, but he would also make an impact on offense.
Should You Bet on the Sabres?
The Buffalo Sabres will be an interesting upset choice to enjoy for the 2021 NHL betting season. The Sabres will improve, and there’s a chance the team will finally get back to the playoffs.
How far they will go and if they have the ability to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup remains unclear, and there’s no telling if Hall or Eichel will stick around. But the Sabres are hoping to become better this season regardless of what happens.
*Odds are correct at time of writing.
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