Kris Baker's weekly trip around the rinks includes thoughts on:

Would considering moving Zach Benson up the lineup be a good or bad idea this early in the season?

Ryan Johnson and Nikita Novikov showing an early ability to play the way the Sabres' system requires of their D.

Again, Prokhor Poltapov finds ways to impact the game as he develops in a lower-line role.

William Von Barnekow taking his top-line assignment and running with it.

Expectations as Noah Ostlund continues his SHL ramp-up.

Updates on Jake Richard, Stiven Sardarian, Aaron Huglen as the get their NCAA seasons going in a good direction.

And from the "Where are they now?" files: Vaclav Karabacek - what are you doing, man?