Many Buffalo Sabres fans rejoiced when the team announced that Casey Mittelstadt had signed yesterday. Surely, the youngster brings a glimmer of hope to the organization’s future, and with all the hype surrounding him, it’s easy to get swept up.
I hate to be the downer, but Sabres fans: keep your expectations in check. Mittelstadt alone will not be the savior of this team immediately. (Yes, I said the same thing when Jack Eichel came to Buffalo, too.)
A 19-year-old kid who just finished his first season of college hockey may or may not be able to make the immediate jump to success at the NHL level.