SabresProspects.com - Buffalo Sabres Prospects News, Stats & Info

7/9 Recap: Grey takes it to Blue in final minute

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:18:00 +0000

The Sabres Development Camp shifted to scrimmage mode Thursday at Dwyer Arena with a civil war match-up between Team Blue and Team Grey. Two 30-minute halves were played, and yes, there was a Dan Murphy sighting. For those who don't want to read, Grey took a 5-4 win thanks to an Igor Gongalskyi penalty shot goal in the final minute. Grey Roster G - Enroth, Lamoureux D - Myers (6), Southorn (5), Adams (52), Fienhage (26), Kostka (8), Crawford (44), Butler (37), Weber (red) F - Jokinen (22),...

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Development Camp Notes 7/7-8

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:36:00 +0000

After two days of development camp practice sessions, the stage is slowly being set for a Friday scrimmage. Fans looking to catch an early glimpse of 2009 first round pick Zack Kassian have been disappointed due to the winger's absence from a foot injury. Tuesday's main rink activity began with the forwards going through a series of drills emphasizing skating, agility, and puck handling. After starting with simple accented crossovers both forward and backwards, the group moved to biscuit...

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Development Camp details formally announced

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:59:00 +0000

From Sabres.com: The Buffalo Sabres announced today they will be holding a summer development camp from July 6-10 at Dwyer Arena on the campus of Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y. There will be on-ice sessions open to the public from Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. each day, and on Friday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Below is the full camp roster. An participant missing from the list is goaltender Brad Eidsness of North Dakota, who ironically was replaced by the keeper he inherited...

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Three more heading to Prospects Camp

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:29:00 +0000

With the cones being polished and puck bags on stand-by, the Sabres Prospect Camp roster is rounding into shape for activities slated for July 6th-11th at Dwyer Arena on the campus of Niagara University. In addition to Sault Ste. Marie forward Michael Fine, whose invitation was reported yesterday, it appears that three other CHL forwards have accepted invites to help fill out camp lines. Chris DeSousa – LW, Niagara IceDogs An undersized finisher who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty,...

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Hounds Fine earns invite

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:08:00 +0000

SabresProspects has learned that undrafted forward Michael Fine, 18, has been invited by the Sabres to their prospect camp beginning July 5th at Niagara University. Fine, who plays for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, caught our attention earlier in the year with his energy and keen anticipation. In fact, we liked him to the point where we included him as a potential 5th rounder in v1.0 of the draft preview: Playing on the league's worst team, Fine got off to a quick start as a 17-year old by...

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Maxime Legault goes to Buffalo at #194

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:25:00 +0000

With their final pick of the day, the Sabres have selected tough, 20-year old RW Maxime Legault of the Shawinigan Cataractes. Standing 6'2, 195-pounds, Legault had a coming out party in the 2009 QMJHL playoffs, scoring 10 goals including two short-handed in the Cats 21-game run to the President's Cup final. A late-rising role player, Legault registered 13 regular season fights over the past two seasons while potting a total of 34 goals and 54 points in that 94-game span. He made his hay this...

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Connor Knapp to Buffalo at #164

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:43:00 +0000

As expected, the Sabres added a goalie to the mix in the later rounds with the addition big Miami University keeper, Connor Knapp. A New York state resident and product of the Boston Jr. Bruins, the athletic Knapp is 6'5, 215-pounds of beef in the crease. He moves well for a big guy, and plays his angles smartly. In 23 games in 2008-09, he posted a 13-5-3 record with a 2.09 GAA and .904 save percentage while platooning with fellow freshman, Cody Reichard. Notes from Knapp taken this...

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Sabres take Mark Adams at #134

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:13:00 +0000

The Buffalo Sabres have selected 6'2, 207-pound defenseman Mark Adams with pick #134 of the 2009 draft. Adams played at Malden Catholic the past three seasons, leading his club to the Super 8 semifinals in 2009 as a Catholic Conference All-Star. Physical and very involved offensively at the high school level, Adams is projected as a strong, smart two-way type of defender as a pro. Adams was selected in the 3rd round of the USHL draft by the Chicago Steel where he will toil for a season...

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Sabres take Foligno at #104

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:38:00 +0000

We're having a pretty good day thus far. The Buffalo Sabres have selected Marcus Foligno from Sudbury at #104. Son of former Sabres captain Mike Foligno, the big LW will not pot a ton of goals, but will chug and grind on every shift. He can shut big players down, and excel in areas where the smaller skill guys cannot. This is a very good pick for the Sabres organization. From Draft Preview v1.0: Round 4 (104th)- Ben Chiarot (LHD, Guelph - OHL), Kevin Lynch (RW, USNTDP - NAHL), Marcus...

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Sabres pick McNabb at #66

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:58:00 +0000

The Buffalo Sabres have chosen D Brayden McNabb with the 66th pick overall. From Draft Preview v2.0: Round 3 (66) - Kenny Ryan (RW, USNTDP - NAHL), Taylor Beck (RW, Guelph – OHL), Brian Dumoulin (LHD, Jr. Monarchs - EJHL), Brayden McNabb (LHD, Kootenay - WHL), Taylor Doherty (RHD, Kingston - OHL) Mean and tough, the imposing McNabb is a physical force who shows competence at both ends. The 6'4, 200-pound lefty scored 10 goals and 16 assists in 2008-09 in addition to his10 fighting majors...

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Sabres 2009 Draft, Day 2 - LIVE

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Sabres 2009 Draft, Day 2

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Sabres select Kassian 13th overall

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:57:00 +0000

The Buffalo Sabres have selected RW Zack Kassian of the Peterborough Petes with the 13th pick of the 2009 Draft. The 6'3, 212-pound Kassian has been in the Sabres discussion since day one. A banging right winger who can hold his own with puck, the rugged Windsor native fills a size and toughness gap in a forward cupboard boasting 5'5 Nathan Gerbe and 5'8 Tyler Ennis as its most explosive options. Big, strong players are needed to finish off plays in the paint, and here's one who won't back...

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SabresProspects 2009 NHL Draft Live Blog

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:04:00 +0000

Friday night and all day Saturday... SabresProspects 2009 Draft Live Blog

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Buffalo Sabres 2009 Draft Preview, v2.0

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:20:00 +0000

The combine is done. The studs have been circled, and the duds have been color-coded. Alas, it is time for Buffalo Sabres Draft Preview v2.0. Or in this case, v2.slow. I hope it’s worth the wait. Before we get cooking, I want to remind everyone that I will be hosting a live-blog throughout the draft on Friday and Saturday. I hope you can join me. More to come in the week ahead. “A winner is built with skill and overall team toughness.” The Buffalo Sabres aren’t the biggest kid on the...

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Cape Breton screaming Adam

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:23:00 +0000

In a deal that will be announced Friday, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles have acquired C/LW Luke Adam from the Montreal Juniors. The return heading the other way is unknown as of now, but it may very well be the Eagles' first round pick in Saturday's QMJHL Draft (14th overall). Adam, who recently was named an invitee to the Canadian U20 development camp, scored 22 goals last season before missing the final month-and-a-half with a ruptured spleen. Chosen 44th overall in 2008, the Newfoundland...

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Allard heads back to draft

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:23:00 +0000

With no deal made by Monday's signing deadline for 2007 major-junior draft picks, the Buffalo Sabres have effectively parted ways with former fifth round selection, Jean-Simon Allard. A forward with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, Allard will re-enter the June draft as a 20-year old. The 6'3, 192-pounder grew some as a player with St. John's in 2007-08, scoring 16 goals and 44 assists for the Fog Devils in their last season on the Rock. That year, Allard skated as a teammate of current...

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Combing the combine

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:22:00 +0000

The 2009 NHL Draft Combine was held from May 25th-30th. Enjoy the top results from a crazy weekend flurry where 104 eligible players descended upon Toronto to interview, lift, push, pull, jump, bike...and quite often, vomit. Peak Power Output (watts/kg) 13.2 Last year's averages 13.4 This year's averages ---------------------------- 15.6 JORDAN SZWARZ SAGINAW (OHL) 15.2 JOSH BIRKHOLZ FARGO (USHL) 15.1 GABRIEL LEMIEUX SHAWINIGAN (QMJHL) 14.9 TAYLOR DOHERTY KINGSTON (OHL) 14.8 RYAN O'REILLY ERIE...

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Sabres make play for Slava?

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:26:00 +0000

RussianProspects.com is reporting that the Sabres have extended a contract offer to 22-year old defenseman Vjacheslav Buravchikov (2005, 191st overall). The 6'1, 190-pound lefty collected four goals and 10 points this past season in the final year of his KHL deal. Russian Prospects feed: Buffalo Sabres have once again extended an offer to the 22 year old Russian defenseman Vyacheslav Buravchikov (Buffalo Sabres). The club also reportedly offered the young defenseman an offer last summer, but...

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Adam to join Myers at U20 camp

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:16:00 +0000

Luke Adam of the Montreal Juniors and returning defenseman Tyler Myers of the Kelowna Rockets have been named to the roster for Hockey Canada's 2010 National Junior Team Development Camp. The preliminary evaluation of Canada's 2010 World Junior entry will take place August 5th through 10th in the host city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Back to skating after rupturing his spleen in a game on February 8th, the camp will follow Adam's expected participation in the Sabres prospects camp shortly...

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Byron in the fold

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:15:00 +0000

C/W Paul Byron has signed an entry level contract with the Sabres. Still awaiting official word from the organization, but it appears to be the typical three-year deal. Expect the 5'10, 170-pound Byron to start the 2009-10 season in the AHL with the Portland Pirates.

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Clock ticks for Byron, Allard

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:45:00 +0000

With the 5PM June 1st signing deadline looming, SabresProspects has been fielding many questions surrounding the future of 2007 QMJHL draftees Paul Byron and J.S. Allard. If both players do not come to terms with the Sabres, they will re-enter the June draft as 20-year olds. While direct attempts to reach the forwards have not been returned, the information we have received suggests that both parties are talking with the Sabres. As of now, the club doesn't appear to be walking away from either...

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Zagrapan off to Russia

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:57:00 +0000

After three seasons in the AHL, 6'1 center Marek Zagrapan has signed a two-year deal with Severstal of the KHL. The Slovakian had just completed the final season of his three-year entry level contract with the Sabres. Zagrapan, chosen 13th overall by the Sabres in 2005, scored 66 goals and 127 points over his three years in Rochester/Portland after a two-year stint with Chicoutimi of the QMJHL. After not getting a sniff of the NHL during that time, agent Petr Svoboda thought it best for the...

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Rockets fall to Windsor; Myers named All-Tourney

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Windsor Spitfires for winning the 2009 Mastercard Memorial Cup thanks to their 4-1 victory over the Kelowna Rockets on Sunday. The Spits found net on their first three shots before the first TV timeout, and held on over the final 53:00 to bring the Cup to Windsor for the first time in team history. With junior hockey's final game of the season in the books, so too is the busiest 14 months in the career of Rockets dman Tyler Myers. The 6'8 defenseman scored the first goal...

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1st Period update: Windsor 3, Kelowna 0

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:16:00 +0000

It appears that the five-day layoff effected Tyler Myers and his teammates as the Rockets trail the Spits 3-0 after 20-minutes. Windsor came up buzzing, scoring three goals on their first three shots over a span of 3:49 while holding the Rockets without a shot for the first 6:00 of play. The game's one-on-one match-up features Myers against star 2010 eligible Taylor Hall. In the game's opening minute, Myers swallowed Hall's oncoming attack with ease. Later in the period, Hall gained the zone...

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Memorial Cup showdown on tap

bakes@sabresprospects.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:49:00 +0000

It's a gorgeous, peaceful Sunday in Buffalo, but the mood on the ice for the Memorial Cup title in Rimouski could get nasty as Tyler Myers and WHL champion Kelowna Rockets do battle with OHL powerhouse Windsor Spitfires today at 4:30 EST. Here's a quick drive-by on what should be a fantastic championship showdown. Myers has been an absolute man-amongst-boys for the Rockets this postseason. With a high-level of confidence gained from his World Junior experience under veteran NHL man Pat Quinn,...

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