Who has the best rebuild: Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings or Buffalo Sabres
The Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres are three Atlantic Division teams enduring long rebuilds. Each has missed the playoffs for seven or more consecutive seasons.
The Sabres lead with a 13-year drought, attributed to multiple failed attempts at progress. Recently, management has adopted a patient approach, resulting in a strong prospect pool, including Jiri Kulich and Devon Levi.
After a 25-season playoff streak ending in 2016 and beginning a playoff drought of several season, the Red Wings have rebuilt through strong drafting and free agency. Their prospect pool, featuring Simon Edvinsson and Marco Kasper, ranks just behind Buffalo's. Ottawa's rebuild began post-2017, marked by overzealous trades and draft missteps under previous management. Their prospect depth trails behind.
The Senators' top-six forwards, led by Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk, narrowly edge out the Red Wings, whose success hinges on Patrick Kane's health. The Sabres' top-six, headlined by Tage Thompson, ranks third. Ottawa's defense, bolstered by Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson, ranks first, followed by Detroit's potential-laden group and Buffalo's high-ceiling if inconsistent, defense.
In-depth players, Detroit's balanced mix of veterans and young talent leads, followed by Buffalo's promising depth and Ottawa's solid third line. Goaltending-wise, Ottawa's acquisition of Linus Ullmark gives them the edge, followed by Buffalo's home-grown duo and Detroit's experienced trio.
Ultimately, Buffalo appears to be the best positioned long-term, while arguments can be made for each team's potential to break its playoff drought in the upcoming season. The competition among these rebuilding teams intrigues the Atlantic Division's dynamics.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Comparing the Status of Senators, Sabres & Red Wings Rebuilds
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 30 | 76 ANSWERS Who has the best rebuild: Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings or Buffalo Sabres Who do you think has the best rebuild so far? | ||
| Ottawa Senators | 7 | 9.2 % |
| Detroit Red Wings | 60 | 78.9 % |
| Buffalo Sabres | 9 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
