When your season is on the line, you want a player who thrives under pressure. The Buffalo Sabres announced Tuesday that they’ve signed 26-year-old forward Jake Leschyshyn to a one-year, two-way contract, adding clutch playoff scoring and leadership to their organizational depth.Jake Leschyshyn isn’t just another waiver-wire pickup. He’s a player who has built his career on seizing opportunities—even when they come with high stakes. From scoring the inaugural goal for the Henderson Silver Knights to netting series-winners in Hartford’s playoff run, Leschyshyn has proven he can step up when it matters most. Now he’s set to bring that grit and determination to Buffalo, looking for another shot in the NHL while anchoring the Rochester Americans if needed.
From AHL playoff hero to NHL hope: Jake Leschyshyn’s gritty journey to Buffalo Sabres
Originally a second-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, Jake Leschyshyn’s path to Buffalo Sabres has been anything but linear. His early pro years were spent grinding in the AHL with Chicago and then Henderson, where he even made history by scoring the first-ever goal for the Silver Knights in 2020–21.Reflecting on that milestone in Henderson, Leschyshyn said at the time: “It’s special to be part of something new. I just wanted to set the tone for our group.” It was a glimpse of the leadership and poise that would define his career.He finally cracked the NHL roster in 2021–22, getting his debut on October 14 after injuries sidelined Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty. Leschyshyn didn’t waste time making an impact, recording his first NHL goal during a 7–4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on November 13.But consistency at the top level was elusive. He tallied two goals and four assists in 41 games with Vegas that season before a tough stretch in 2022–23 left him scoreless in 22 games. Vegas waived him in January 2023, and within 24 hours, the New York Rangers claimed him off waivers—a move that sent him from the desert to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.Despite the new start, roster moves—including the blockbuster trade for Patrick Kane—forced the Rangers to waive him again, sending him to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Instead of sulking, Leschyshyn turned adversity into opportunity, racking up 15 points in 18 games during the spring of 2023. That surge helped the Wolf Pack secure their first Calder Cup playoff berth since 2015.The 2023–24 season was another testament to his clutch ability. Though he logged just one NHL appearance—a six-minute stint against the St. Louis Blues—he delivered in Hartford when it mattered most. He scored the series-winning goal against the Providence Bruins, pushing the Wolf Pack into the division finals for the second straight year and finishing the playoffs as the team’s top goal scorer.“Playoffs are when you find out who wants it more,” Leschyshyn said in Hartford after that decisive goal. “I just wanted to help us keep playing.”
Why Jake Leschyshyn’s playoff pedigree makes him a smart bet for the Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres see clear value in that kind of resilience, leadership, and big-game instinct. With this one-year, two-way contract, they’re betting on Leschyshyn’s ability to push for NHL minutes while serving as a proven, veteran presence for the Rochester Americans. For Leschyshyn, it’s yet another chance to prove he belongs on hockey’s biggest stage—a challenge he’s shown time and again he’s ready to embrace when the moment calls for it.Also Read: Chicago Blackhawks sign Anton Frondell to $2.9 million deal as Swedish ‘tank’ eyes NHL future
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