Buffalo Sabres Demote First Round Pick as Their Playoff Hopes Officially Come to an End

Despite showing some flashes in 2024/25, the Buffalo Sabres have struggled for the most part, and now, their slim Stanley Cup Playoffs hopes are all but dead, with the team sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division.

However, down in the AHL, their affiliate the Rochester Americans sit in second place in the North Division, and with the Calder Cup Playoffs on the horizon, they're looking to give the team any boost they can get.

Now, that first boost has been revealed, with former first-round pick Isak Rosen now officially sent back down to the AHL after appearing in six games with the Sabres during the 2024/25 campaign.

The 22-year old has thrived in 55 games with the Americans this season, posting an impressive 27 goals and 54 points, and while he flashed potential at the NHL level this year, it's clear that he's a dominant force down in the AHL with the talented Americans.

In 122 games at the AHL level since arriving in North America, Rosen has tallied 104 points, and while he'll be a key piece for Rochester's playoff push this season, many fans will be expecting him to take the leap to full-time NHL status next year.

For now though, he'll have the opportunity to prove himself in the Calder Cup Playoffs, and with great size and skill, if he can step his game up another level, there will be plenty of confidence in the Sabres organization that the former No. 14 overall draft pick could eventually turn out to be a great contributor at the highest level.