With the Sabres far removed from playoff contention, I figured it would be a good time to take a look at some of the former players now that the Western Conference playoff teams have been set. Sorry if this rubs some salt into your wounds, but it is nice to see former players succeeding. Here are the players on Eastern Conference teams: https://sabrespuckedup.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/former-sabres-in-the-playoffs-eastern-conference-edition/

Thomas Vanek/Jason Pominville/Chris Stewart/Jordan Leopold

The Minnesota Sabres Wild had its season resurrected by Devan Dubnyk in early January and since then they haven’t looked back. Vanek and Pominville’s numbers have both been down this season, but like the rest of the team they came on in the second half and both finished with over 50 points. Leopold and Stewart were acquired at the deadline, and Chris Stewart has quietly put up 11 points in 19 games. Leopold is battling for a roster spot in the playoffs with the Wild having a cluster of defensemen, but his veteran presence and experience may get him in the playoffs over some of the younger guys. If Dubnyk keeps playing like the best goalie in the NHL and these former Sabres continue to perform, I think the Wild will advance a few rounds.

Steve Ott/Chris Butler

Yes, that Chris Butler. Although his career was less than memorable in Buffalo, he rebounded pretty nicely in Calgary and now St. Louis. He has been a healthy scratch the last few games simply because the Blues have about 26 defensemen. Steve Ott, on the other hand, is exactly the guy you want on a team heading to the playoffs. Although he was only on the Sabres for 2 years, he was certainly a fan favorite and a good captain through some trying times. Ott is under 100 penalty minutes for one of the only times in his career, but expect to see his body still flying around during and after the play in the playoffs. The Blues will need it to avoid another first round exit.

Paul Gaustad

Goose has been on the Predators for what seems like forever now, but it will always seem like just yesterday to me that Gaustad was going after the likes of Chara or Lucic with the Sabres. Gaustad has been a steady center for the Predators now for over three seasons, and is one of the best faceoff-takers in the league. The Predators are Cup favorites for many and I think this is the year that they finally advance past the first two rounds. Gaustad has been in the league awhile and it would be nice to see him get his first Cup.

Drew Stafford/Tyler Myers

Of course, the two most recent big-name guys to leave the Sabres find themselves on Winnipeg’s roster for the postseason. The Jets made the playoffs this year for the first time since relocating back to Winnipeg from Atlanta. Stafford is in a contract year and has 18 points in 25 games with the Jets, leading many Winnipeg fans saying that they won the Evander Kane trade. While I don’t think that is the case, Myers has also played very well since coming over in the trade. Both of these guys will make a huge impact for the playoffs and certainly better than the headache Kane was giving them. It will be interesting to see if the Jets can produce enough offense and quality goaltending to advance past the first round.

Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller will be returning from a long injury for the first round of the playoffs and he will provide an immediate spark to the Canucks over Eddie Lack. Miller, of course, has a wealth of playoff experience and should help the Canucks get over some of their shortcomings. I’m sure every Sabres fan is hoping that Miller goes deep into the playoffs this year but I’m not sure that will happen will this roster. The dream matchup would be Canucks against the Wild, and Miller against Vanek,Pominville and Leopold.

The NHL playoffs are always the best in all of sports, and there are certainly some intriguing matchups in the Western Conference this year featuring a ton of former Sabres.