For Buffalo Sabres fans watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it's been a bittersweet experience seeing familiar faces making an impact for other teams. As the first round unfolds, let's check in on how some former Sabres are performing with their new clubs.

Eastern Conference

Jack Eichel is reminding everyone why he was once the face of the franchise. In six games, he's already tallied nine points (1 goal, 8 assists) while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per night. His playmaking has been elite, and he's firing shots with authority—18 so far. Taylor Hall is also thriving, posting eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) with a remarkable +7 rating in five games. It's a testament to how a change of scenery can reignite a player's game.

Dylan Cozens has found his scoring touch, notching two goals in four games while logging heavy minutes (over 20 per night). Rasmus Ristolainen is proving his value on the blue line, contributing five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in seven games while playing a team-high 25:26 per contest. His +2 rating and 14 penalty minutes show he's bringing physicality, too.

On the goaltending front, Linus Ullmark has been a bright spot despite a tough record. He's 0-4, but his 2.03 goals-against average and .932 save percentage suggest he's been hung out to dry by his team's offense.

Other former Sabres making contributions include Marcus Foligno (2 points, +2 in six games), Marcus Johansson (1 goal in six games), and Brayden McNabb (2 assists, +2 in six games). Casey Mittelstadt has two assists but is a minus-4, while Nikita Zadorov has been physical with 37 penalty minutes but is also a minus-1.

For Buffalo fans, seeing these players succeed elsewhere is a reminder of the talent that has passed through the organization. Whether it's Eichel's brilliance, Hall's resurgence, or Ullmark's steady goaltending, these former Sabres are leaving their mark on the postseason—and making us wonder what could have been.