Andrey Makarov

Makarov will enter the third and final year of his entry-level contract as the incumbent starter for AHL Rochester, despite winning just 16 games in 39 appearances last year and sporting a mediocre 2.91 GAA and .905 save percentage. However, it should be noted that the team in front of Makarov just wasn't very good or particularly deep, and that the 22-year-old is seen as one of Buffalo's most talented young goalies. He appeared in one game for the Sabres after a slew of injuries hit the team, stopping 33 shots for a .917 save percentage in a losing effort, and will get the call again should an injury befall either Robin Lehner or Chad Johnson. There's plenty of motivation for Makarov as he tries to prove he belongs in the Sabres' long-term plans, and he will be pushed by former Swedish Hockey League Goalie of the Year Linus Ullmark, who is expected to make his AHL debut this season, and Nathan Lieuwen, last year’s backup.