Sabres Star Climbs Into NHL's Elite Company

One Sabres standout is getting the kind of leaguewide respect that usually comes with a very different zip code and a much healthier playoff record. The rankings say plenty about how far his game has come, but they also tell you something about where Buffalo sits in the NHL pecking order right now. Around this time of year, these lists are never just about talent - they are a snapshot of reputation, production, and how loudly the rest of the league is paying attention.