Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-30-2017
I'm still trying to figure out how skating to a spot on the ice in a in any and all situations could be beneficial to any one player and/or the team.
Time and time again over the course of the last two seasons we witnessed the Buffalo Sabres doing exactly that, as dictated by the system, while time and time again either the opposition knew what was about to unfold and/or Buffalo players seemed so focused upon getting to a spot that they couldn't see what was happening around them. We watched the play to come to them in every zone as if some defined structure could defend against an offensive rush that easily found open space or said structure would scare the opposition in to defensive breakdowns. Somehow the Sabres generated the 15th-most shots on goal last season (30.4) but as the above would indicate, they allowed the most shots on goal against (34.2.)
What we saw this preseason is a Sabres team that has been much more aggressive in every zone. The defensemen are active all over the ice whether joining the rush in the offensive zone or standing a player up in the neutral zone while the forwards are cycling on offense and back checking equally as hard. Their aggressive play has allowed solid breakouts from the defensive end while darting to the puck carrier helped stifle the opposition transition game.
However, what hasn't gone well for the Sabres are the numbers at the final buzzer. Buffalo went 1-4-1 this preseason as they were outscored 20-12. Jack Eichel had a goal and three assists (two primary) but other than that, the "big guns" featuring Ryan O'Reilly, Kyle Okposo, Evander Kane and Sam Reinhart had a combined six points (2+4) while an array of bubble players were responsible for a good chunk of the remaining points.
Not much should be read into preseason numbers and as the regular season progresses the names normally found at the top of the scoring list will eventually find their spots. Exhibition games are more about finding chemistry, especially with a new coach and a new system, and providing opportunity.
A number of bubble players left a positive impression with new coach Phil Housley and his coaching staff. Forward Evan Rodrigues looked like he belonged in this system before being felled by a hand injury while defenseman Justin Falk's strong play from last season carried over into the preseason. The hulking 6'5" 223 lb. Falk was sound in the d-zone, showed that he had more than adequate NHL skating ability and also showed plenty of smarts while picking his spots to join the offense. Should Zach Bogosian's injury keep him out of the opener, Falk may find himself on the Sabres opening night roster next week.
Forward Seth Griffith saw plenty of ice-time in a bottom-six role throughout the preseason and jumped on the scoresheet early with a goal and an assist in the first two games. Last night against the NY Islanders he started out in his usual spot on the third line but was placed on the Eichel/Kane line in the third period. Griffith used his speed to find the tons of open ice afforded him by those two speedy talents and the trio really turned up the pressure.
Housley noticed while also saying that Griffith was one of their best forwards last night. The coach has liked Griffith's game all preseason, especially in that third-line role and told the gathered media that the "speed-element" Griffith brought "complimented that line with [Reinhart].
"That was very intriguing," said the coach.
For as much work as the players have to do in Housley's system, the coach also has his work cut out for him.
Housley is a rookie coach, and as the two games vs. the Mike Babcock-coached Toronto Maple Leafs would indicate, there's plenty of room for growth. Babcock's Leafs throttled the Sabres in the home-and-home while outscoring Buffalo 6-1. Three of Toronto's goals were empty-netters, but what's been haunting the Sabres all preseason was playing from behind. Housley pointed out last night that the Sabres scored first in only one game, a game they happened to win. Sluggish starts by the Sabres has been going on for years and it's something that will need to change if this team wants to take a big step towards playoff contention.
Housley will also need to do some coaching when it comes to chemistry. There are a number of players on the team that probably won't be with the club a year or two from now. Players like Josh Gorges and Matt Moulson don't seem to fit into the style of play that the coach wants to see, but they're also two players who probably won't be going anywhere prior to the 2018 NHL trade deadline. Both are good players and their veteran savvy has allowed them to hold their own in a limited role, but to expect them to play minutes commensurate with their salary ($8.9 million combined) in an up-tempo style is asking too much.
Even a player like Jason Pominville will need to find a proper home in the lineup. Pominville has always produced and probably always will. His solid production and a $5.6 million AAV for the next two seasons might dictate a spot in the top-six, but for as good of a skater he is, he seemed a half-step behind while playing on Eichel and Kane's line.
Bogosian's another player who Housley will need to coach around. The big defenseman with excellent skating ability may have finally found freedom under Housley but he hasn't played in more than 64 games since the 2010-11 season. How Housley handles Bogosian while on the ice and when he's injured involves some juggling.
It's not going to be easy for this edition of the Buffalo Sabres. Housley has players on different lines and in different positions this year and they're making that transition within a new system. Buffalo also added three new defensemen that look to be a part of the starting defense-corps. About the only thing that hasn't gone through major changes is the goaltending but even they'll see changes as Housley's attack-mode will render plenty of quality chances coming back.
That said, it's been fun watching this team skate in the preseason. Although the overall results haven't been there, for the most part it's not a snooze-fest watching them.
For the fans it's a real treat. I can't imagine how fun it must be for the players to be able to skate and react again.
Showing posts with label 2017-18 Preseason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2017-18 Preseason. Show all posts
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Some spots are set, other are not as Sabres finish preseason tonight
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-29-2017
Say what you will about the final results in each game, but Sabres fans who've been watching this team the past two seasons are seeing a far different product on the ice this preseason. In a "release-the-hounds!!!" approach to the Buffalo game-plan, new coach Phil Housley has his team skating fast and skating hard as evidenced by the last game played against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Penguins have speed to burn and their head coach has had them rippin' up and down the ice ever since he took over in December, 2015. It's a result that speaks for itself in the two Cups as well as a change in overall philosophy in the NHL as teams imitate what went on in Pittsburgh. Buffalo is lucky to have a GM in Jason Botterill that came from the Penguins and a coach in Housley who's philosophy is and always has been, whether playing the game or coaching as an assistant in Nashville, everyone attack with speed.
The Sabres are going through a period of adjustment right now and will be doing so for weeks to come. After the 5-4 loss at Pittsburgh where the Sabres scored two goals in the final minute with the goalie pulled, Housley said that there were "a lot of things to be positive about."
"I thought we took a big step forward tonight, " the coach said to the gathered media post-game. "I think this is the fastest we've looked. We were breaking out of our own end really well with five guys down low and then [transitioning to] the attack.
"The things that we can correct, the technical things, are things we can correct. We can build off of this moving forward."
The season begins less than one week from now and by the looks of today's morning skate, we can be sure of a few things moving forward with the players up-front.
Say what you will about the final results in each game, but Sabres fans who've been watching this team the past two seasons are seeing a far different product on the ice this preseason. In a "release-the-hounds!!!" approach to the Buffalo game-plan, new coach Phil Housley has his team skating fast and skating hard as evidenced by the last game played against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Penguins have speed to burn and their head coach has had them rippin' up and down the ice ever since he took over in December, 2015. It's a result that speaks for itself in the two Cups as well as a change in overall philosophy in the NHL as teams imitate what went on in Pittsburgh. Buffalo is lucky to have a GM in Jason Botterill that came from the Penguins and a coach in Housley who's philosophy is and always has been, whether playing the game or coaching as an assistant in Nashville, everyone attack with speed.
The Sabres are going through a period of adjustment right now and will be doing so for weeks to come. After the 5-4 loss at Pittsburgh where the Sabres scored two goals in the final minute with the goalie pulled, Housley said that there were "a lot of things to be positive about."
"I thought we took a big step forward tonight, " the coach said to the gathered media post-game. "I think this is the fastest we've looked. We were breaking out of our own end really well with five guys down low and then [transitioning to] the attack.
"The things that we can correct, the technical things, are things we can correct. We can build off of this moving forward."
The season begins less than one week from now and by the looks of today's morning skate, we can be sure of a few things moving forward with the players up-front.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Back to back vs. the Leafs. Notes and tonights Buffalo lineup
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-22-2017
It's a big weekend in Buffalo as the Sabres take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a back-to-back beginning tonight while the Buffalo Bills welcome the Denver Broncos to New Era Field in Orchard Park.
The Sabres are still working their way through preseason with Game-3 on tap tonight and a revamped preseason roster. Four players were sent back to their junior clubs this week: Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels, WHL) Vasily Glotov (Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL) Vojtech Budik (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL) and Austin Osmanski Mississauga Steelheads, OHL.)
One player in particular who wasn't sent down was Cliff Pu (London Knights, OHL.) Pu has been having a very strong camp to go along with an impressive Prospects Challenge Tournament, something that certainly got head coach Phil Housley's attention. "I think he's had a great camp and it started with development camp," Housley said to the media yesterday. "We like his grit, we want to see him in another game hopefully soon in the next two … It's intriguing, trying to see where he can fit in. I think he's had an excellent camp up to this point and he's getting rewarded for it."
Pu could very well be in the lineup tonight Jon Vogel speculates that Group A from yesterday's practice looks to get the call this evening at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto:
67 Benoit Pouliot - 90 Ryan O'Reilly - 25 Seth Griffith
22 Johan Larsson - 10 Jacob Josefson - 13 Nicholas Baptiste
71 Evan Rodrigues - 28 Zemgus Girgensons - 52 Stevie Moses
44 Nicolas Deslauriers - 12 Kevin Porter - 59 Cliff Pu
19 Jake McCabe - 5 Matt Tennyson
47 Zach Bogosian/93 Victor Antipin - 38 Cody Goloubef
41 Justin Falk - 27 Taylor Fedun
35 Linus Ullmark
32 Adam Wilcox
33 Jason Kasdorf
Some notes:
Johan Larsson moves from center to wing while Zemgus Girgensons moves from wing to center While Seth Griffith and Benoit Pouliot get to ride shotgun on Ryan O'Reilly's wing. The third line is intriguing as Rodrigues and Stevie Moses are on the wing for Girgensons while Justin Falk and Taylor Fedun, who were a very good pairing last season in Buffalo, are together again.
Gametime is 7:30 p.m.
It's a big weekend in Buffalo as the Sabres take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a back-to-back beginning tonight while the Buffalo Bills welcome the Denver Broncos to New Era Field in Orchard Park.
The Sabres are still working their way through preseason with Game-3 on tap tonight and a revamped preseason roster. Four players were sent back to their junior clubs this week: Brandon Hagel (Red Deer Rebels, WHL) Vasily Glotov (Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL) Vojtech Budik (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL) and Austin Osmanski Mississauga Steelheads, OHL.)
One player in particular who wasn't sent down was Cliff Pu (London Knights, OHL.) Pu has been having a very strong camp to go along with an impressive Prospects Challenge Tournament, something that certainly got head coach Phil Housley's attention. "I think he's had a great camp and it started with development camp," Housley said to the media yesterday. "We like his grit, we want to see him in another game hopefully soon in the next two … It's intriguing, trying to see where he can fit in. I think he's had an excellent camp up to this point and he's getting rewarded for it."
Pu could very well be in the lineup tonight Jon Vogel speculates that Group A from yesterday's practice looks to get the call this evening at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto:
67 Benoit Pouliot - 90 Ryan O'Reilly - 25 Seth Griffith
22 Johan Larsson - 10 Jacob Josefson - 13 Nicholas Baptiste
71 Evan Rodrigues - 28 Zemgus Girgensons - 52 Stevie Moses
44 Nicolas Deslauriers - 12 Kevin Porter - 59 Cliff Pu
19 Jake McCabe - 5 Matt Tennyson
47 Zach Bogosian/93 Victor Antipin - 38 Cody Goloubef
41 Justin Falk - 27 Taylor Fedun
35 Linus Ullmark
32 Adam Wilcox
33 Jason Kasdorf
Some notes:
Johan Larsson moves from center to wing while Zemgus Girgensons moves from wing to center While Seth Griffith and Benoit Pouliot get to ride shotgun on Ryan O'Reilly's wing. The third line is intriguing as Rodrigues and Stevie Moses are on the wing for Girgensons while Justin Falk and Taylor Fedun, who were a very good pairing last season in Buffalo, are together again.
Gametime is 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Eichel and the Sabres head to Pegula Ice Arena at Penn St.
Published by hockeybuzz.com 9-18-2017
With one group of Sabres coming off of a 3-2 overtime loss vs. the Carolina Hurricanes last night, another group had their equipment packed for a trip to Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State University. The complex (pictured below) is named after Sabres owner, and Penn St. alum, Terry Pegula who made a very generous donation of over $100 million to start up D-1 Men's and Women's hockey programs for the Nittany Lions.
After selling his East Resources for billions, Pegula started his hockey mission with the donation to his alma mater in Fall, 2010. That donation got the ball rolling for Penn State's D-1 hockey programs with the men's team making big strides. Last season they earned a spot in the 2017 NCAA tournament after winning the Big-10 Championsip Tournament. They won their first game 10-3 over Union with the 10 goals being the most scored in the Frozen Four Tourney since 1990.
This is the second of what looks to be an annual preseason game for the Sabres. Last year the Minnesota Wild traveled to Happy Valley and defeated the Sabres on a powerplay goal by Jason Zucker with :05 seconds left in regulation.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off of their second consecutive Stanley Cup and will be headed to Penn State without a number of their stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. Buffalo on the other hand will have Jack Eichel and Evander Kane playing in their first preseason game of the year. Newly acquired defensemen Nathan Beaulieu and Victor Antipin will be making their Sabres debuts tonight. Also, Jason Pominville will be donning the Blue and Gold for the first time since 2013 when he was traded to Minnesota.
Buffalo's lineup for tonight is set to start like this (via Sabres.com):
9 Evander Kane - 15 Jack Eichel - 29 Jason Pominville
26 Matt Moulson - 22 Johan Larsson - 24 Hudson Fasching
25 Seth Griffith - 10 Jacob Josefson - 13 Nicholas Baptiste
44 Nicolas Deslauriers - 12 Kevin Porter - 95 Justin Bailey
82 Nathan Beaulieu - 47 Zach Bogosian
41 Justin Falk - 93 Victor Antipin
4 Josh Gorges - 5 Matt Tennyson
31 Chad Johnson
32 Adam Wilcox
Some notes:
--The 26-22-24 line looks like it could be a complete third or fourth line this season should coach Phil Housley decide to keep Sam Reinhart at center.
--Jason Pominville riding shotgun with Eichel and Kane looks very interesting. Can he and his 34 yr. old body keep up?
--Matt Tennyson had a couple of goals in the scrimmage yesterday, taking advantage of the open ice afford the players in the four-on-four format
--As mentioned in our Victor Antipin piece, the lefty has the ability to play both side of the rink and he'll be on the right side tonight, which is where he played in the scrimmage yesterday.
--Seth Griffith gets his second preseason game in a row as he had a goal and was a +1 in 12:01 of ice-time last night vs. the Hurricanes.
And today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
AAAAARRRGGHH!!!
With one group of Sabres coming off of a 3-2 overtime loss vs. the Carolina Hurricanes last night, another group had their equipment packed for a trip to Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State University. The complex (pictured below) is named after Sabres owner, and Penn St. alum, Terry Pegula who made a very generous donation of over $100 million to start up D-1 Men's and Women's hockey programs for the Nittany Lions.
After selling his East Resources for billions, Pegula started his hockey mission with the donation to his alma mater in Fall, 2010. That donation got the ball rolling for Penn State's D-1 hockey programs with the men's team making big strides. Last season they earned a spot in the 2017 NCAA tournament after winning the Big-10 Championsip Tournament. They won their first game 10-3 over Union with the 10 goals being the most scored in the Frozen Four Tourney since 1990.
This is the second of what looks to be an annual preseason game for the Sabres. Last year the Minnesota Wild traveled to Happy Valley and defeated the Sabres on a powerplay goal by Jason Zucker with :05 seconds left in regulation.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off of their second consecutive Stanley Cup and will be headed to Penn State without a number of their stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. Buffalo on the other hand will have Jack Eichel and Evander Kane playing in their first preseason game of the year. Newly acquired defensemen Nathan Beaulieu and Victor Antipin will be making their Sabres debuts tonight. Also, Jason Pominville will be donning the Blue and Gold for the first time since 2013 when he was traded to Minnesota.
Buffalo's lineup for tonight is set to start like this (via Sabres.com):
9 Evander Kane - 15 Jack Eichel - 29 Jason Pominville
26 Matt Moulson - 22 Johan Larsson - 24 Hudson Fasching
25 Seth Griffith - 10 Jacob Josefson - 13 Nicholas Baptiste
44 Nicolas Deslauriers - 12 Kevin Porter - 95 Justin Bailey
82 Nathan Beaulieu - 47 Zach Bogosian
41 Justin Falk - 93 Victor Antipin
4 Josh Gorges - 5 Matt Tennyson
31 Chad Johnson
32 Adam Wilcox
Some notes:
--The 26-22-24 line looks like it could be a complete third or fourth line this season should coach Phil Housley decide to keep Sam Reinhart at center.
--Jason Pominville riding shotgun with Eichel and Kane looks very interesting. Can he and his 34 yr. old body keep up?
--Matt Tennyson had a couple of goals in the scrimmage yesterday, taking advantage of the open ice afford the players in the four-on-four format
--As mentioned in our Victor Antipin piece, the lefty has the ability to play both side of the rink and he'll be on the right side tonight, which is where he played in the scrimmage yesterday.
--Seth Griffith gets his second preseason game in a row as he had a goal and was a +1 in 12:01 of ice-time last night vs. the Hurricanes.
And today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
AAAAARRRGGHH!!!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Sabres preseason begins tonight vs. CAR. Lineup + storylines
Published by hockeybuzz, 9-18-2017
The Buffalo Sabres open up their preseason with a visit from the Carolina Hurricanes tonight. As with every preseason opener the ice will have a number of youngins that went through training camp and will get a taste of the NHL before being sent to their proper developmental leagues. A handful of vets will be on hand to work through the game and one can bet there will be a surprise player or two that will pique our interest.
This morning the Sabres held a intrasquad scrimmage featuring some four-on-four action, a little three-on-three and two shootouts. The shootout portion was interesting as each team had five pucks at center ice and when the whistle blew they sent a player towards the net. If the player scored he headed to the bench and the next player grabbed the another puck at center ice. If the player didn't score he had to retrieve the puck and bring it back to center ice before his teammate could take the next turn. It was fun to watch save for the center-ice camera which couldn't keep up even when the players were at opposite parts of their shootout.
Those playing in the scrimmage this morning will not be playing tonight and that included names like Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, Marco Scandella, Nathan Beaulieu, Jason Pominville and Victor Antipin. But there will be plenty of intrigue as the Sabres ice this lineup (from sabres.com):
28 Zemgus Girgensons - 90 Ryan O'Reilly - 21 Kyle Okposo
67 Benoit Pouliot - 23 Sam Reinhart - 52 Stevie Moses
49 C.J. Smith - 51 Kyle Criscuolo - 95 Justin Bailey
25 Seth Griffith - 71 Evan Rodrigues - 59 Cliff Pu
45 Brendan Guhle - 55 Rasmus Ristolainen
19 Jake McCabe - 27 Taylor Fedun
8 Casey Nelson - 38 Cody Goloubef
40 Robin Lehner
35 Linus Ullmark
New head coach Phil Housley talked to the gathered media today and said that 19 yr. old Cliff Pu "earned a game tonight due to a strong Prospects Challenge Tournament. Pu will be skating on a line with former London Knights winger Seth Griffith and according to Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com, the Knights open up their season on Friday so it looks like a one-and-done for him with Buffalo.
Also intriguing is Zemgus Girgensons on the top line with Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo. As has been mentioned before, there's a big hole on the left side after Evander Kane and Girgensons gets first crack at landing it. The former 15-goal scorer was moved down the lineup by former coach Dan Bylsma but as was pointed out by Jon Vogl of The Buffalo News, "Botterill included him on the seven-forward protected list, then signed Girgensons to a two-year, $3.2 million contract in August."
And now Housley's giving him a whale of an opportunity on tonight's top line. "It's new coaches, new management, so I think it's fresh start for everyone," Girgensons said in HarborCenter. "You can't come in thinking that you have a spot. You have to prove it in the practice, off the ice, so I think it's good for everyone."
As we take a look at the defense, I'm sure there are Sabres fans drooling at the Rasmus Ristolainen/Brendan Guhle pairing, as this could be a glimpse into the future. Guhle has been having a extraordinary camp and is pressing hard for a spot with the Sabres on opening night. Both can get up ice and look to be ideal fits for the way Housley wants his team to play. Ristolainen is 22 yrs. old and Guhle is only 20.
Sam Reinhart is at center as Housley wants to get a good look at him in his natural position. If he move there for good, that opens up a huge opportunity on the right of Eichel and Kane. Pominville looks to get first crack at that during the preseason which means a third-line spot will be open. Free agent Stevie Moses and 2013 second-round draft pick Justin Bailey are looking to impress tonight while Hudson Fasching and Nicolas Baptiste skating tomorrow night.
Taylor Fedun, who had a very solid 27-game stint with Buffalo last season seems like exactly the type of strong skater and puck-mover Housley wants on his blueline and former second round pick Cody Goloubef is simply looking to land a job. The right-shot d-man attended training camp on a tryout as is the only player skating with the team who doesn't have a contract.
The game is radio only.
The Buffalo Sabres open up their preseason with a visit from the Carolina Hurricanes tonight. As with every preseason opener the ice will have a number of youngins that went through training camp and will get a taste of the NHL before being sent to their proper developmental leagues. A handful of vets will be on hand to work through the game and one can bet there will be a surprise player or two that will pique our interest.
This morning the Sabres held a intrasquad scrimmage featuring some four-on-four action, a little three-on-three and two shootouts. The shootout portion was interesting as each team had five pucks at center ice and when the whistle blew they sent a player towards the net. If the player scored he headed to the bench and the next player grabbed the another puck at center ice. If the player didn't score he had to retrieve the puck and bring it back to center ice before his teammate could take the next turn. It was fun to watch save for the center-ice camera which couldn't keep up even when the players were at opposite parts of their shootout.
Those playing in the scrimmage this morning will not be playing tonight and that included names like Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, Marco Scandella, Nathan Beaulieu, Jason Pominville and Victor Antipin. But there will be plenty of intrigue as the Sabres ice this lineup (from sabres.com):
28 Zemgus Girgensons - 90 Ryan O'Reilly - 21 Kyle Okposo
67 Benoit Pouliot - 23 Sam Reinhart - 52 Stevie Moses
49 C.J. Smith - 51 Kyle Criscuolo - 95 Justin Bailey
25 Seth Griffith - 71 Evan Rodrigues - 59 Cliff Pu
45 Brendan Guhle - 55 Rasmus Ristolainen
19 Jake McCabe - 27 Taylor Fedun
8 Casey Nelson - 38 Cody Goloubef
40 Robin Lehner
35 Linus Ullmark
New head coach Phil Housley talked to the gathered media today and said that 19 yr. old Cliff Pu "earned a game tonight due to a strong Prospects Challenge Tournament. Pu will be skating on a line with former London Knights winger Seth Griffith and according to Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com, the Knights open up their season on Friday so it looks like a one-and-done for him with Buffalo.
Also intriguing is Zemgus Girgensons on the top line with Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo. As has been mentioned before, there's a big hole on the left side after Evander Kane and Girgensons gets first crack at landing it. The former 15-goal scorer was moved down the lineup by former coach Dan Bylsma but as was pointed out by Jon Vogl of The Buffalo News, "Botterill included him on the seven-forward protected list, then signed Girgensons to a two-year, $3.2 million contract in August."
And now Housley's giving him a whale of an opportunity on tonight's top line. "It's new coaches, new management, so I think it's fresh start for everyone," Girgensons said in HarborCenter. "You can't come in thinking that you have a spot. You have to prove it in the practice, off the ice, so I think it's good for everyone."
As we take a look at the defense, I'm sure there are Sabres fans drooling at the Rasmus Ristolainen/Brendan Guhle pairing, as this could be a glimpse into the future. Guhle has been having a extraordinary camp and is pressing hard for a spot with the Sabres on opening night. Both can get up ice and look to be ideal fits for the way Housley wants his team to play. Ristolainen is 22 yrs. old and Guhle is only 20.
Sam Reinhart is at center as Housley wants to get a good look at him in his natural position. If he move there for good, that opens up a huge opportunity on the right of Eichel and Kane. Pominville looks to get first crack at that during the preseason which means a third-line spot will be open. Free agent Stevie Moses and 2013 second-round draft pick Justin Bailey are looking to impress tonight while Hudson Fasching and Nicolas Baptiste skating tomorrow night.
Taylor Fedun, who had a very solid 27-game stint with Buffalo last season seems like exactly the type of strong skater and puck-mover Housley wants on his blueline and former second round pick Cody Goloubef is simply looking to land a job. The right-shot d-man attended training camp on a tryout as is the only player skating with the team who doesn't have a contract.
The game is radio only.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Quick reference guide to this year's Buffalo Sabres training camp invitees
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-15-2017
It's always a long summer for sports without hockey, and the NFL and, dare I say it, the NBA as well. The summer is always about baseball and the luxury sports like golf and tennis and if your a Cleveland Indians fan, you've had the opportunity to focus upon their great play highlighted by an historic, and largely unfathomable, 22-game winning streak.
Cheers to them!
The Buffalo Sabres begin practice today with 51 players invited to training camp and here's a quick note on each player.
Forwards
RW, Justin Bailey (2013, 52nd-overall)--Is said to have added upper body strength to a powerforward frame. Has a good shot at making the Sabres out of camp but really needs to work on his finish. He showed it in junior and also in Rochester, but it's time he brings it to the NHL.
RW, Nicholas Baptiste (2013, 69th)--If Sam Reinhart is moved to center, Baptiste has the best odds at getting the call to skate on Jack Eichel's right wing. The 22 yr. old can skate and he can shoot using a variety of shots to score at any area of the offensive zone. He took a huge step last season in Rochester (25 goals and 16 assists in 56 games) and will be looking to progress even further with the Amerks should he not make the Sabres.
RW, Eric Cornel (2014, 44th)--The two-way center with some giddy-up to his skating still has a lot of work to do, but he did show progress in Rochester last season.
C, Kyle Criscuolo (2017, FA)--Sabres GM Jason Botterill fortified his AHL team this off season and Criscuolo is a big part of that. The speedy center with plenty of hockey smarts finished his first full season with 41 points (17+24) in 76 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) and should bring that (and hopefully more) to the Amerks this season.
LW, Nicolas Deslauriers (2009, 8th, LAK)--Didn't have the best of seasons in 2016-17 and it looks as if he'll be spending a lot of time in the press box this season.
C, Jack Eichel (2015, 2nd)--Said at presser yesterday that he's yet to prove anything despite leading the team in scoring last season while missing 21 games. Some have him as a point/game player. Sabres just want to get him signed long-term.
RW, Hudson Fasching (2013, 118th, LAK)--Made the team out of camp last season, but was injured. Has a good shot of making the Sabres once again, albeit because of his skating, probably in a bottom-six role.
LW, Zemgus Girgensons (2012, 14th)--What will this season be like for Girgensons? He had two good seasons as a teenager then two poor ones under former coach Dan Bylsma. He'll be in the forward group somewhere.
RW, Vasily Glotov (2016, 190th)--Has a home with as an overage import, but continues to impress every time he hits the ice in Buffalo's camps. One to keep an eye on this season in Juniors.
LW, Seth Griffith (2012, 131st, BOS)--Another player signed by Botterill to bolster the Amerks. Griffith as proven he can score at the AHL-level with 202 points (66+136) in 203 games but that prowess hasn't transferred to the NHL yet (six goals, 10 assists in 56 games.)
LW, Brandon Hagel (2016, 159th)--Hagel tore it up for the Red Deer Rebels last season which included a six-point game last season. The 19 yr. old "tenacious bulldog," as described by Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com, will be headed back to junior for his third season.
C, Jacob Josefson (2009, 20th, NJD)--The 2017 free agent signee was brought in by GM Jason Botterill to help solidify the fourth line and his shootout prowess won't hurt either.
LW, Evander Kane (2009, 4th, ATL)--Heads into his third full season with the Sabres behind a smile that says he's ready to go. Lead the team last season with 28 goals (25 at even strength) and is in a contract year. Should make for a very productive Kane on the ice, but most will have one eye on what happens with him off the ice as well.
RW, Vaclav Karabacek (2014, 49th)--Before labeling this 6'0" 196 lb. winger a bust, it should be pointed out that he had injury problems in his first pro season with Rochester and, second-rounder's shouldn't be considered a bust in the first place.
C, Johan Larsson (2010, 56th, MIN)--Was having a strong 2016-17 season before a crash into the boards ended it. Will be doing his gadfly-thing while centering the third or fourth line depending what they do with Reinhart.
C, Sean Malone (2013, 159th)--Harvard Crimson graduate may have had a great shot at centering the fourth line were Josefson not signed but will get a good year of seasoning in Rochester
RW, Stevie Moses (Undrafted FA)--The University of New Hampshire graduate put up record-breaking numbers in the KHL (36 goals, 21 assists in 60 games) in 2015, was singed then released by Nashville and spent the last two seasons back in the KHL. Interesting signing if he can regain his form.
LW, Matt Moulson (2003, 193rd, PIT)--Most get why he was signed to a long-term deal, even at that price, but with skating a real issue for Moulson in today's NHL, he's become a powerplay specialist (and a good one at that.) This could be his last season in Buffalo unless he really kicks it up a notch or two.
LW, Alexander Nylander (2016, 8th)--His showing in the first Prospects Challenge game this year may have punched his ticket to Rochester. Not that it was bad by any means, but the highly skilled winger failed to supremely impress and had an injury ta boot. Another year with the Amerks, or at least a start there, while adjusting to his increased bulk, is a good thing despite what he and others might think.
C, Ryan O'Reilly (2009, 33rd, COL)--About the only thing we don't know about him for this season is whether he'll be wearing an 'A' or a 'C'. Everything else about him we know and like very much.
RW, Kyle Okposo (2006, 7th, NYI)--With April's health scare over, Okposo is ready to move on, more than likely on O'Reilly's wing again more than likely scoring 25 goals or so in a full season.
RW, Jason Pominville (2001, 55th)--The former Sabres captain is back in the fold after an off-season trade with Minnesota. Third line RW with some PP and PK duties seems ideal. Doesn't need to wear a letter to be a leader but may get one anyway.
C, Kevin Porter (2004, 119th, PHX)--Porter is another one who's back in the fold. The 31 yr. old spent the last two seasons in the Pittsburgh organization while the Penguins were busy winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. It would seem as if Rochester has it's captain.
LW, Benoit Pouliot (2005, 4th, MIN)--Botterill mentioned Pouliot being able to play up and down the left side in any of the bottom three wing slots. He also mentioned that Pouliot has the tendency to bounce back from off seasons. The Sabres and their fans are hoping the latter is indeed true and that he can hold the fort in a top-nine/top-six role for the club.
C, Cliff Pu (2016, 69th)--Pu had a great Prospects Challenge and caught the eye of new head coach Phil Housley. Leading the London Knights and making Team Canada's World Junior team are the first things on his docket this season, but the future looks really bright for this 6'2" 192 lb. two-way center who won't turn 20 yrs. old until June.
RW, Sam Reinhart (2014, 2nd)--Reinhart's been largely underappreciated despite him adapting to different roles. In 2015-16 he was moved to wing and was Buffalo's net-front presence on the first powerplay unit. He scored 23 goals that year as a rookie. Last year he played a lot of center registering 30 assists. How will Housley use him? We're not quite sure yet.
C, Evan Rodrigues (2015, FA)--May have one of the best opportunities to make the Sabres if he ends up on the wing, which is where he rode shotgun with Eichel in college and where he started his pro career. He's a versatile forward who uses his skill anywhere on the line but was playing center last season. If that's the case this year, he'll probably end up in Rochester.
LW, C.J. Smith (2017, FA)--Smith also has a good shot at making the club on the left side. Although he only played two games for the Sabres he never looked out of place. However, there's a big difference between being playing at the end of the season on a non-playoff team and starting the season with every team gunning for the playoffs.
Defense
Victor Antipin (2017 FA)--The Sabres began courting Antipin under former GM Tim Murray and Botterill finished the job. The Sabres defense was in serious need of an upgrade and the KHL free agent saw an opportunity in Buffalo so there was a match. Bonus points for the Sabres is that the left-handed Antipin can play the right side without a hitch.
Nathan Beaulieu (2011, 17th, MTL)--Another defenseman brought in to bolster a weak blueline. Beaulieu had some time playing on Montreal's top pairing before sliding down the depth chart and into the pressbox. The Sabres see him as a top-six defenseman with upside and odds are he makes the starting group on defense.
Zach Bogosian (2008, 3rd, ATL)--Was it the coach? Or was it Bogosian? That's the question that will be answered this season. Bogosian has three years remaining on his contract and probably won't be headed anywhere this season or next, barring an unlikely trade scenario. This a big year for him. Maybe he'll get lucky and play close to a full season, something he hasn't done in eight years.
Vojtech Budik (2016, 130th)--Attended the Czech World Junior Summer Camp and sabresprospects.com has him as a favorite to be a top-four d-man for the team.
Justin Falk (2007, 110th, MIN)--Lost in the need to upgrade the defense was the really solid play of Falk last season. The stay-at-home d-man with decent wheels will more than likely be anchoring the defense in Rochester to help steady a group that will have many new faces.
Taylor Fedun (Undrafted FA)--Another one who got bumped down the depth chart with Buffalo's off season moves. The puck-moving Fedun seems like a Housley-type of defenseman as he looked the part in 27 games for the Sabres last year. He could surprise should someone falter, but a Falk/Fedun tandem in Rochester would be a great thing for the Amerks.
Cody Goloubef (2008, 37th, CBJ)--Tweener defenseman is the only player in camp invited on a pro tryout. He'll add depth to the organization should he be signed.
Josh Gorges (Undrafted FA)--Gorges is a trooper, a consummate pro who leaves it all out on the ice. He's in the final year of his deal and his type of rugged defensive game may have relegated him to a reserve role this season. Props to him for shouldering the weight of some atrocious seasons while the team was at the bottom of the league.
Brendan Guhle (2015, 51st)--Guhle just keeps on turning heads every time he hits the ice in Buffalo dating back to his first training camp in 2015 when he looked to have made the team, or at least had a nine-game audition, prior to an injury. He played three games for Buffalo last season and never looked out of place and had a glorious Prospects Challenge Tournament. Of all the youngins, he may have the best shot at making the club.
Brycen Martin (2014, 74th)--The big 6'2" 212 lb. third round pick has some work to do if he wants to make the Amerks this year. Martin spent his rookie year split between Rochester and the Elmira Jackals last season. Although he shouldn't be written off, his goal needs to be a spot in Rochester's top-six.
Jake McCabe (2012, 44th)--McCabe has a history with Housley that dates back to the 2013 gold medal-winning Jr. Team of which McCabe was the captain. There is some offensive upside lurking within the 23 yr. old defenseman and one would think that Housley can help bring that out.
Casey Nelson (2016, FA)--A lot was expected of Nelson after a strong seven-game Sabres debut in 2016. He took a big step back after making the team last season but regained his footing in Rochester as the year progressed.
Austin Osmanski (2016, 189th)--The East Aurora native is out to prove that he wasn't just a token pick by his hometown team. Osmanski has great size (6'3" 196 lbs.,) can skate pretty well and has some offensive attributes but at a seventh-rounder he's a project player. He'll be headed back to Mississauga for his third season with the Steelheads.
Rasmus Ristolainen (2013, 8th)--While there are many in media and across the NHL who think Ristolainen will definitively anchor Buffalo's defense this year and for years to come, the analytics community remains unconvinced. Yet at 22 yrs. old and with 273 games under his belt playing mostly against the best the opposition has to offer, the Big Finn is still growing into his role and still has plenty of upside.
Marco Scandella (2008, 55th, MIN)--The trade for Scandella cost the Sabres two roster players and a pick and added Pominville's $5.6 million salary to the cap for the next two seasons. But Botterill believes a strong skating defensive-defenseman like Scandella can anchor the top pairing and having him there should allow Ristolainen more offensive freedom then he had last season.
Devante Stephens (2015, 122nd)--Without the additions by Botterill this off season, Stephens would have been moved up the depth chart to what may have ended up being an uncomfortable slot in Rochester. He's very mobile, has definitive offensive acumen and is very smart on the ice as he seems to make the right passes every time. But he's transitioning to the pros and that will involve some adjustments.
Matt Tennyson (Undrafted FA)--Tennyson is another vet added that will be ticketed for Rochester. The AHL/NHL tweener spent 45 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season and finished with a minus-13 rating. In nine games for their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, Tennyson had seven points (3+4) and was a plus-7.
Goaltenders
Jonas Johansson (2014, 61st)--The Sabres have their organizational depth chart set and Johansson would have began his rookie campaign as Linus Ullmark's back up were it not for the signing of Adam Wicox. Johansson got his feet wet last season playing in seven games for Rochester behind a rather weak Amerks club and it looks like his rookie season will be in Cincinnati with new ECHL affiliate, the Cyclones.
Chad Johnson (2006, 125th, PIT)--Bringing back Chad Johnson was big for the club in that he's an on-the-cusp starter who's professionalism allows him to positively play a back-up role. Should anything happen to starter Robin Lehner on a long-term basis, like what happened in 2015-16, Johnson is more than capable of carrying the load.
Jason Kasdorf (2011, 157th, WPG)--Kasdorf has yet to adapt to the pro game and looks to be slated for backup duty in Cincinnati.
Robin Lehner (2009, 46th, OTT)--Lehner said he really has nothing left to prove to the organization and signed a one-year deal as a restricted free agent. Last season he proved that he could handle the starters role while also playing the part of duck in a shooting gallery. He has his flaws but he's right in that he doesn't have anything to prove. Except for that shootout save percentage which was 0% (0/8.)
Linus Ullmark (2012, 163rd)--Ullmark got peppered last season in net for the Amerks but he weathered it rather nicely. One of the cool things about bringing in Johnson was that Ullmark can spend another season in Rochester fine-tuning his pro game while being the No. 1 and in a year or two, if he develops properly, we could be looking at the Sabres next starting goalie.
Adam Wilcox (2011, 178th, TBL)--Having the former Hobey Baker finalist as a backup to Ullmark in Rochester will allow Johansson to get plenty of playing time in Cincinnati.
It's always a long summer for sports without hockey, and the NFL and, dare I say it, the NBA as well. The summer is always about baseball and the luxury sports like golf and tennis and if your a Cleveland Indians fan, you've had the opportunity to focus upon their great play highlighted by an historic, and largely unfathomable, 22-game winning streak.
Cheers to them!
The Buffalo Sabres begin practice today with 51 players invited to training camp and here's a quick note on each player.
Forwards
RW, Justin Bailey (2013, 52nd-overall)--Is said to have added upper body strength to a powerforward frame. Has a good shot at making the Sabres out of camp but really needs to work on his finish. He showed it in junior and also in Rochester, but it's time he brings it to the NHL.
RW, Nicholas Baptiste (2013, 69th)--If Sam Reinhart is moved to center, Baptiste has the best odds at getting the call to skate on Jack Eichel's right wing. The 22 yr. old can skate and he can shoot using a variety of shots to score at any area of the offensive zone. He took a huge step last season in Rochester (25 goals and 16 assists in 56 games) and will be looking to progress even further with the Amerks should he not make the Sabres.
RW, Eric Cornel (2014, 44th)--The two-way center with some giddy-up to his skating still has a lot of work to do, but he did show progress in Rochester last season.
C, Kyle Criscuolo (2017, FA)--Sabres GM Jason Botterill fortified his AHL team this off season and Criscuolo is a big part of that. The speedy center with plenty of hockey smarts finished his first full season with 41 points (17+24) in 76 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) and should bring that (and hopefully more) to the Amerks this season.
LW, Nicolas Deslauriers (2009, 8th, LAK)--Didn't have the best of seasons in 2016-17 and it looks as if he'll be spending a lot of time in the press box this season.
C, Jack Eichel (2015, 2nd)--Said at presser yesterday that he's yet to prove anything despite leading the team in scoring last season while missing 21 games. Some have him as a point/game player. Sabres just want to get him signed long-term.
RW, Hudson Fasching (2013, 118th, LAK)--Made the team out of camp last season, but was injured. Has a good shot of making the Sabres once again, albeit because of his skating, probably in a bottom-six role.
LW, Zemgus Girgensons (2012, 14th)--What will this season be like for Girgensons? He had two good seasons as a teenager then two poor ones under former coach Dan Bylsma. He'll be in the forward group somewhere.
RW, Vasily Glotov (2016, 190th)--Has a home with as an overage import, but continues to impress every time he hits the ice in Buffalo's camps. One to keep an eye on this season in Juniors.
LW, Seth Griffith (2012, 131st, BOS)--Another player signed by Botterill to bolster the Amerks. Griffith as proven he can score at the AHL-level with 202 points (66+136) in 203 games but that prowess hasn't transferred to the NHL yet (six goals, 10 assists in 56 games.)
LW, Brandon Hagel (2016, 159th)--Hagel tore it up for the Red Deer Rebels last season which included a six-point game last season. The 19 yr. old "tenacious bulldog," as described by Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com, will be headed back to junior for his third season.
C, Jacob Josefson (2009, 20th, NJD)--The 2017 free agent signee was brought in by GM Jason Botterill to help solidify the fourth line and his shootout prowess won't hurt either.
LW, Evander Kane (2009, 4th, ATL)--Heads into his third full season with the Sabres behind a smile that says he's ready to go. Lead the team last season with 28 goals (25 at even strength) and is in a contract year. Should make for a very productive Kane on the ice, but most will have one eye on what happens with him off the ice as well.
RW, Vaclav Karabacek (2014, 49th)--Before labeling this 6'0" 196 lb. winger a bust, it should be pointed out that he had injury problems in his first pro season with Rochester and, second-rounder's shouldn't be considered a bust in the first place.
C, Johan Larsson (2010, 56th, MIN)--Was having a strong 2016-17 season before a crash into the boards ended it. Will be doing his gadfly-thing while centering the third or fourth line depending what they do with Reinhart.
C, Sean Malone (2013, 159th)--Harvard Crimson graduate may have had a great shot at centering the fourth line were Josefson not signed but will get a good year of seasoning in Rochester
RW, Stevie Moses (Undrafted FA)--The University of New Hampshire graduate put up record-breaking numbers in the KHL (36 goals, 21 assists in 60 games) in 2015, was singed then released by Nashville and spent the last two seasons back in the KHL. Interesting signing if he can regain his form.
LW, Matt Moulson (2003, 193rd, PIT)--Most get why he was signed to a long-term deal, even at that price, but with skating a real issue for Moulson in today's NHL, he's become a powerplay specialist (and a good one at that.) This could be his last season in Buffalo unless he really kicks it up a notch or two.
LW, Alexander Nylander (2016, 8th)--His showing in the first Prospects Challenge game this year may have punched his ticket to Rochester. Not that it was bad by any means, but the highly skilled winger failed to supremely impress and had an injury ta boot. Another year with the Amerks, or at least a start there, while adjusting to his increased bulk, is a good thing despite what he and others might think.
C, Ryan O'Reilly (2009, 33rd, COL)--About the only thing we don't know about him for this season is whether he'll be wearing an 'A' or a 'C'. Everything else about him we know and like very much.
RW, Kyle Okposo (2006, 7th, NYI)--With April's health scare over, Okposo is ready to move on, more than likely on O'Reilly's wing again more than likely scoring 25 goals or so in a full season.
RW, Jason Pominville (2001, 55th)--The former Sabres captain is back in the fold after an off-season trade with Minnesota. Third line RW with some PP and PK duties seems ideal. Doesn't need to wear a letter to be a leader but may get one anyway.
C, Kevin Porter (2004, 119th, PHX)--Porter is another one who's back in the fold. The 31 yr. old spent the last two seasons in the Pittsburgh organization while the Penguins were busy winning back-to-back Stanley Cups. It would seem as if Rochester has it's captain.
LW, Benoit Pouliot (2005, 4th, MIN)--Botterill mentioned Pouliot being able to play up and down the left side in any of the bottom three wing slots. He also mentioned that Pouliot has the tendency to bounce back from off seasons. The Sabres and their fans are hoping the latter is indeed true and that he can hold the fort in a top-nine/top-six role for the club.
C, Cliff Pu (2016, 69th)--Pu had a great Prospects Challenge and caught the eye of new head coach Phil Housley. Leading the London Knights and making Team Canada's World Junior team are the first things on his docket this season, but the future looks really bright for this 6'2" 192 lb. two-way center who won't turn 20 yrs. old until June.
RW, Sam Reinhart (2014, 2nd)--Reinhart's been largely underappreciated despite him adapting to different roles. In 2015-16 he was moved to wing and was Buffalo's net-front presence on the first powerplay unit. He scored 23 goals that year as a rookie. Last year he played a lot of center registering 30 assists. How will Housley use him? We're not quite sure yet.
C, Evan Rodrigues (2015, FA)--May have one of the best opportunities to make the Sabres if he ends up on the wing, which is where he rode shotgun with Eichel in college and where he started his pro career. He's a versatile forward who uses his skill anywhere on the line but was playing center last season. If that's the case this year, he'll probably end up in Rochester.
LW, C.J. Smith (2017, FA)--Smith also has a good shot at making the club on the left side. Although he only played two games for the Sabres he never looked out of place. However, there's a big difference between being playing at the end of the season on a non-playoff team and starting the season with every team gunning for the playoffs.
Defense
Victor Antipin (2017 FA)--The Sabres began courting Antipin under former GM Tim Murray and Botterill finished the job. The Sabres defense was in serious need of an upgrade and the KHL free agent saw an opportunity in Buffalo so there was a match. Bonus points for the Sabres is that the left-handed Antipin can play the right side without a hitch.
Nathan Beaulieu (2011, 17th, MTL)--Another defenseman brought in to bolster a weak blueline. Beaulieu had some time playing on Montreal's top pairing before sliding down the depth chart and into the pressbox. The Sabres see him as a top-six defenseman with upside and odds are he makes the starting group on defense.
Zach Bogosian (2008, 3rd, ATL)--Was it the coach? Or was it Bogosian? That's the question that will be answered this season. Bogosian has three years remaining on his contract and probably won't be headed anywhere this season or next, barring an unlikely trade scenario. This a big year for him. Maybe he'll get lucky and play close to a full season, something he hasn't done in eight years.
Vojtech Budik (2016, 130th)--Attended the Czech World Junior Summer Camp and sabresprospects.com has him as a favorite to be a top-four d-man for the team.
Justin Falk (2007, 110th, MIN)--Lost in the need to upgrade the defense was the really solid play of Falk last season. The stay-at-home d-man with decent wheels will more than likely be anchoring the defense in Rochester to help steady a group that will have many new faces.
Taylor Fedun (Undrafted FA)--Another one who got bumped down the depth chart with Buffalo's off season moves. The puck-moving Fedun seems like a Housley-type of defenseman as he looked the part in 27 games for the Sabres last year. He could surprise should someone falter, but a Falk/Fedun tandem in Rochester would be a great thing for the Amerks.
Cody Goloubef (2008, 37th, CBJ)--Tweener defenseman is the only player in camp invited on a pro tryout. He'll add depth to the organization should he be signed.
Josh Gorges (Undrafted FA)--Gorges is a trooper, a consummate pro who leaves it all out on the ice. He's in the final year of his deal and his type of rugged defensive game may have relegated him to a reserve role this season. Props to him for shouldering the weight of some atrocious seasons while the team was at the bottom of the league.
Brendan Guhle (2015, 51st)--Guhle just keeps on turning heads every time he hits the ice in Buffalo dating back to his first training camp in 2015 when he looked to have made the team, or at least had a nine-game audition, prior to an injury. He played three games for Buffalo last season and never looked out of place and had a glorious Prospects Challenge Tournament. Of all the youngins, he may have the best shot at making the club.
Brycen Martin (2014, 74th)--The big 6'2" 212 lb. third round pick has some work to do if he wants to make the Amerks this year. Martin spent his rookie year split between Rochester and the Elmira Jackals last season. Although he shouldn't be written off, his goal needs to be a spot in Rochester's top-six.
Jake McCabe (2012, 44th)--McCabe has a history with Housley that dates back to the 2013 gold medal-winning Jr. Team of which McCabe was the captain. There is some offensive upside lurking within the 23 yr. old defenseman and one would think that Housley can help bring that out.
Casey Nelson (2016, FA)--A lot was expected of Nelson after a strong seven-game Sabres debut in 2016. He took a big step back after making the team last season but regained his footing in Rochester as the year progressed.
Austin Osmanski (2016, 189th)--The East Aurora native is out to prove that he wasn't just a token pick by his hometown team. Osmanski has great size (6'3" 196 lbs.,) can skate pretty well and has some offensive attributes but at a seventh-rounder he's a project player. He'll be headed back to Mississauga for his third season with the Steelheads.
Rasmus Ristolainen (2013, 8th)--While there are many in media and across the NHL who think Ristolainen will definitively anchor Buffalo's defense this year and for years to come, the analytics community remains unconvinced. Yet at 22 yrs. old and with 273 games under his belt playing mostly against the best the opposition has to offer, the Big Finn is still growing into his role and still has plenty of upside.
Marco Scandella (2008, 55th, MIN)--The trade for Scandella cost the Sabres two roster players and a pick and added Pominville's $5.6 million salary to the cap for the next two seasons. But Botterill believes a strong skating defensive-defenseman like Scandella can anchor the top pairing and having him there should allow Ristolainen more offensive freedom then he had last season.
Devante Stephens (2015, 122nd)--Without the additions by Botterill this off season, Stephens would have been moved up the depth chart to what may have ended up being an uncomfortable slot in Rochester. He's very mobile, has definitive offensive acumen and is very smart on the ice as he seems to make the right passes every time. But he's transitioning to the pros and that will involve some adjustments.
Matt Tennyson (Undrafted FA)--Tennyson is another vet added that will be ticketed for Rochester. The AHL/NHL tweener spent 45 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season and finished with a minus-13 rating. In nine games for their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, Tennyson had seven points (3+4) and was a plus-7.
Goaltenders
Jonas Johansson (2014, 61st)--The Sabres have their organizational depth chart set and Johansson would have began his rookie campaign as Linus Ullmark's back up were it not for the signing of Adam Wicox. Johansson got his feet wet last season playing in seven games for Rochester behind a rather weak Amerks club and it looks like his rookie season will be in Cincinnati with new ECHL affiliate, the Cyclones.
Chad Johnson (2006, 125th, PIT)--Bringing back Chad Johnson was big for the club in that he's an on-the-cusp starter who's professionalism allows him to positively play a back-up role. Should anything happen to starter Robin Lehner on a long-term basis, like what happened in 2015-16, Johnson is more than capable of carrying the load.
Jason Kasdorf (2011, 157th, WPG)--Kasdorf has yet to adapt to the pro game and looks to be slated for backup duty in Cincinnati.
Robin Lehner (2009, 46th, OTT)--Lehner said he really has nothing left to prove to the organization and signed a one-year deal as a restricted free agent. Last season he proved that he could handle the starters role while also playing the part of duck in a shooting gallery. He has his flaws but he's right in that he doesn't have anything to prove. Except for that shootout save percentage which was 0% (0/8.)
Linus Ullmark (2012, 163rd)--Ullmark got peppered last season in net for the Amerks but he weathered it rather nicely. One of the cool things about bringing in Johnson was that Ullmark can spend another season in Rochester fine-tuning his pro game while being the No. 1 and in a year or two, if he develops properly, we could be looking at the Sabres next starting goalie.
Adam Wilcox (2011, 178th, TBL)--Having the former Hobey Baker finalist as a backup to Ullmark in Rochester will allow Johansson to get plenty of playing time in Cincinnati.
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