Exploring Sabres Prospect Redmond Savage: A Rising Talent

The Buffalo Sabres have cultivated one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, a testament to their recent high draft selections following years of missing the playoffs. This keen eye for talent is beginning to pay off, with 2023 first-round pick Zach Benson making his mark in the playoffs and 2024 top selection Konsta Helenius emerging as one of the AHL’s standout prospects over the past two seasons.

As training camp approaches in mid-September, the Sabres are set to spotlight their top 40 prospects—players aged 25 and under whose rights are held by the organization, whether through AHL or NHL contracts, and who have played fewer than 82 NHL games.

One prospect drawing attention is Redmond Savage, a center who brings impressive lineage and potential to the team. The son of former NHL player Brian Savage, Redmond was a product of the US National Development Program before being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 185 pounds, Savage has represented Team USA at the World Junior Championships in both 2022 and 2023 and spent his first two collegiate seasons at Miami University in Ohio.

After his sophomore year, he made a strategic decision to utilize the NCAA’s transfer portal, moving to Michigan State. During his junior season, he achieved a collegiate high, racking up 27 points with 10 goals and 17 assists in 38 games. However, his senior season was cut short due to a season-ending injury, limiting him to just 20 games. The Red Wings ultimately chose not to sign him following his college career, leading the Arizona native to sign a two-year AHL contract with the Sabres last August.

In his inaugural professional season, Savage showcased his versatility by splitting time between the ECHL’s Jacksonville and the Rochester Americans, notching six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in 29 games. He also participated in all three playoff games in the first round against Toronto. With several of Rochester’s top forwards moving up to the NHL this season, Savage is poised for increased opportunities in primary roles next season, making him a player to watch as he continues to develop.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.