There was a preseason game played by the Buffalo Sabres yesterday. That means we have the opportunity to put out our first Rosterology update of training camp.

It was certainly the B team that traveled to DC to face the Capitals last yesterday afternoon. Therefore, it was hard to make a lot of judgments, but some players in roster battles did play and there was some movement. Below is the latest Rosterology update.

Zach Benson

The first thing to take note of is that 2023 first-round pick Zach Benson has leaped from the long-shot section into one of the first four players out. Benson has been given praise over the last week by the coaches and his teammates.

He followed that up by being one of the better players on the ice yesterday afternoon. The line of Tyson Jost, Jordan Greenway, and Benson was the Sabres most consistent throughout the game. He gave the Sabres a brief lead in the third period on a deflection from a Ryan Johnson point shot.

If he continues his upward trend, it’s a possibility he will force the Sabres to give the nine-game tryout before deciding if she should return to the WHL.

The Other Young Forwards

Benson’s ascension has also taken place because the other three younger forwards fighting for a roster spot have not done much to stand out at this point. Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen didn’t create much at 5 on 5 against the Capitals.

Lukas Rousek was fine in his preseason debut as well. He made a few plays I didn’t like, but for the most part was solid throughout. That’s the type of game you’re going to get from Rousek. Nothing flashy, but solid play.

Ryan Johnson

The last player to call out from yesterday is Ryan Johnson. He was excellent in the Prospects Challenge and continued that in his debut. The 22-year-old is not far off from being NHL-ready. He’ll start the season in the AHL, but if some of the players at the bottom of the defense group struggle, he could get an opportunity to step in.