Buffalo Sabres: 5 Players Who Are Primed for a Breakout 2011-2012 Season

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The Buffalo Sabres have high hopes as they prepare for the upcoming National Hockey League season, and a lot is being made of the offseason acquisitions of Christian Ehrhoff, Ville Leino and Robyn Regehr. 

While fans should be excited about these new additions, there are a number of incumbent players who will be the key to a big season.

Together, players new and old have the Sabres coming into October with high expectations.

What could put them over the hump are players who can make the next step to return to old form.

Here are five Sabres who are primed for a breakout year.

Nathan Gerbe

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Nathan Gerbe has quickly become a fan favorite in Buffalo, and for good reason. After finally securing a regular roster spot, Gerbe showed us why he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist.

He scored 16 goals over the course of the final 39 regular season games. Despite his size, he's proven that he has the tenacity to make in the NHL. It's hard not to root for a guy like Gerbe.

Now that Gerbe will have the opportunity to play a full season as a regular in the lineup, expect his growth to continue. If he's given the right opportunities, he could put up 25-plus goals. 

Luke Adam

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Luke Adam is one of the players currently on the bubble to make the roster at the start of the season.

He would be an ideal fit for the roster, as he is a big power forward that can add some much-needed size to the lineup. 

During preseason games and a hand full of regular season games, Adam has shown that he has what it takes to be an everyday NHLer. It's just a matter of finding space in the Sabres lineup for him.

If last year's AHL Rookie of the Year is given a chance, he could be this year's NHL Rookie of the Year.

Marc-Andre Gragnani

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Marc-Andre Gragnani was one of Buffalo's best players during last season's playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers. 

However, he's another player battling for an everyday roster spot. If he can crack the lineup, he can be an asset on the second power play unit behind the pairing of Christian Ehrhoff and Tyler Myers.

The Sabres are stacked with young-talent defensemen, so Gragnani and every other blue liner will have to continually show their worth to stay up with the big club.

Mike Weber

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Another young defenseman battling for a roster spot is Mike Weber.

Weber is the antithesis of Gragnani—a gritty, stay-at-home defenseman who can complement the rest of the unit well. He'll do whatever it takes to win, including fighting, blocking shots and taking a hit.

Chances are it will come down to him or Gragnani for the final roster spot, and Lindy Ruff may even alternate each of them in and out of the lineup. 

If Weber is given the opportunity, he will surely make the best of it.

Ryan Miller

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Yes, Ryan Miller is on this list.

Miller had a down year last season after winning the Vezina Trophy the year before, but expect him to rebound and return to old form.

Miller is refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to go. Miller's performance during the preseason indicates that he will once again be one of the league's best goalies.

This is a great sign for the Sabres, as they will only go as far as Miller can take them.