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theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Buffalo Sabres.
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | | FLA| LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG
G Robin Lehner
Lehner has already topped last season's starts and games played totals, as he has been healthy for the first time in his career. His save percentage and goals against average are both very similar to last season. While his opportunities for wins are very low while backstopping the Sabres, he has proven capable of near-elite individual statistics in the past. Go and get him if others overreact to the lack of wins. Grade: A
RW Kyle Okposo
Okposo should record his third 20-goal season in the past four years, but his assist total will be down in his first year away from New York Islanders C John Tavares. Sabres C Ryan O'Reilly has served very adequately in the role of playmaker, but he doesn't have Tavares' finishing ability. Okposo is providing fine production for those who drafted him at the Sabres discount. Grade: B+
C/LW Ryan O'Reilly
O'Reilly is matching last year's career high in ice time. After a delayed start to the season, he has returned to his near-point-per-game pace from a year ago. He has upped his shot count drastically. Roughly half of his point production has come via the power play. With Jack Eichel back in the lineup, he'll continue to be an important piece of the improved special teams unit. Grade: B
C/RW Sam Reinhart
Reinhart is replicating his 2015-16 season, without having made significant strides. His point and shot paces are nearly identical to last season. His time on ice is up nearly 30 seconds, and he should see more time alongside O'Reilly and Eichel in the second half of the season. He's a reasonable buy-low target with his best production still to come. Grade: B
LW/RW Matt Moulson
Moulson has very recently been put on the top line with Eichel and former teammate Okposo. Most of his 5v5 usage this season came on the third or fourth lines, though he was used on the top power play for much of the year. The vast majority of his point production has come on the man advantage, but he should be able to start counteracting the phenomenon while with the team's top center. His best days are ahead. Grade: C+
LW Evander Kane
Kane will play a shortened season for the fourth year in a row, as he has already missed more than 10 games due to injury. He has recently been dropped from the left side of Eichel and is now skating in the same spot on O'Reilly's line. Kane seems to be headed for another disappointing offensive campaign. Owners should be very hesitant to draft him next year as his progression has plateaued. Grade: D-
C Jack Eichel
Eichel is playing at a point-per-game pace since his return from the injury which delayed the start of his season until the end of November. He is shooting at a very high pace and has improved his shooting percentage from last season. He continues to be the most appealing fantasy option in Buffalo, and he increases the value of those around him for daily fantasy purposes. Grade: A+
D Rasmus Ristolainen
Ristolainen will be the No. 2 fantasy option from the Sabres for years to come, as he ranks behind only Eichel. He is a high volume shooter who is equally capable of providing offense on the power play and at 5v5. His shooting percentage is hovering below three, so an upward trend toward last season's 4.5 percent mark could have him approach 10 goals. Grade: A-
D Cody Franson
It's been a very unimpressive year for Franson, whose best seasons are now two and three years behind him. He's not worthy of a roster spot in any format, even while averaging better than 18 minutes of ice time. Grade: F
Player to watch: C/LW/RW Tyler Ennis
After playing just 23 games last season, Ennis has been limited to an even dozen so far in 2016-17. He was last healthy in 2014-15, when he recorded 46 points in 78 games. If the injuries haven't taken too big of a toll, he'll be someone to monitor upon his return to play, especially if he's able to land a top-six role.
