I like the progress the Sabres made. Their good players got better. The young players improved and got nhl experience. The team is composed of players who get along and seem to like Buffalo. The additions of Jost, Stillman, and Greenaway were pluses if a bit late. Bringing on Levi was inevitable but also right.
That said UPL was not ready for full time NHL and his rehab from 2 hip operations and lack of professional time in net was a drawback to him. I thought Comrie would show better. I liked Lybushkin most of the time but he made some amazingly stupid giveaways at key times. I was high on Jokiharu but he has not really grown--I expected him to take the puck and go but maybe he was expected to cover for his D mate-like Montour not his skill set.
I liked Granato not losing it when his team got tied in knots--I assume he would have liked more time to actually teach and coach a young team with many new parts. I liked that Adams did not try to rush our skilled but smaller inexperienced budding stars--that would destroy the confidence they need to advance their game.
So I am excited for the future-some amazing highs and very depressing lows for sure this year-but with proper coaching even the lows are good learning opportunities. Better to be Dr. Pangloss than Dr. Doom!