The Buffalo Sabres have two more preseason games remaining on their schedule. They knock one off the list tonight when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’re bringing an NHL-heavy roster to Ohio and the Jackets are countering with one as well.

Over the final two preseason games, we should get clarity on the two outstanding questions we’ve followed since training camp opened. Who will get the final roster spot at forward? Who will be the backup behind Devon Levi?

Forward Battle

The roster battle for the final forward spot has taken an unanticipated turn over the last few weeks. Back in the middle of September, Jiri Kulich, Lukas Rousek, and Isak Rosen appeared to be the favorites to land that spot.

Now, all three of them look to be out of the mix. Instead, Brandon Biro and Zach Benson are the two competing for it. Benson has been the story of camp. The 2023 first-round pick has taken advantage of the opportunity presented to him.

He has not looked out of place playing on the top line with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner for the majority of the preseason. There are still things in his game that need work, but in my opinion, he has earned the nine-game test run to open the season.

Biro, unfortunately, is probably going to fall victim to a numbers game. The Sabres appear likely to hold onto three goaltenders (we’ll get to that in a moment). There’s simply not a roster spot for him to take right now. Having said that, he should be the first injury call-up from the AHL.

The other interesting thing to follow throughout camp is the situation with Matt Savoie. He has not returned to practice after getting injured in the last game of the Prospects Challenge. I know that the talk has been he injured his shoulder, but my understanding is that the area in question is a different part of his arm.

The good news is that it shouldn’t require surgery as reported and isn’t a re-injuring of the shoulder that slowed down his start last season. The concern is Savoie’s ability to grip his stick comfortably when shooting and passing the puck.

When you consider the situation with his junior team the Wenatchee Wild, it seems likely Savoie will start the season on injured reserve. For those that are not aware, the Wenatchee head coach Kevin Constantine has been suspended during an investigation into accusations of inappropriate comments.

Goaltenders

The goaltending “competition” will continue to play out over the next two games. At this point, Eric Comrie has performed better than Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Luukkonen will get the opportunity to put together a good performance tonight against the Blue Jackets.

My gut feeling at this point is that the Sabres will keep all three goaltenders on the roster come opening night. I don’t like this approach, but I also don’t think they’re willing to take the risk of losing Luukkonen on waivers. Of course, they could look for a trade solution. Some teams may be in the market, but as of now, I’d plan on all three sticking around.

Levi has also done a good job cementing himself as the clear starter among the group. He gave up three goals in his last appearance, but he was solid overall. He kept the score at three goals against and allowed his team to battle back for a 4-3 victory. That is what they’ll need from him throughout the regular season.

Here is how our latest Rosterology looks heading into the final two games:

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