Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Juniors returned; Myers remains

As expected, the Sabres today announced the return of eight players to their CHL clubs. Kelowna Rockets defenseman Tyler Myers will however remain with the Sabres as they ready themselves for a pre-season match-up this evening with the Montreal Canadiens. Look for the 6'8 defenseman to get into the lineup, as this should be viewed as a signal from the team that they want to see what the 18-year old can do with live bullets before sending him back to the WHL. From the Sabres:
BUFFALO, N.Y. (September 23, 2008) --- Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today the team has returned the following eight players to their respective junior clubs: forwards Luke Adam (St. John’s, QMJHL), Paul Byron (Gatineau, QMJHL), Tyler Ennis (Medicine Hat WHL) and Jacob Lagace (Chicoutimi, QMJHL); defensemen T.J. Brennan (St. John’s, QMJHL), Nick Crawford (Saginaw, OHL), Drew Schiestel (Niagara, OHL) and Jordon Southorn (Prince Edward Island, QMJHL). This leaves the Sabres with 49 players still in training camp.
As a side note, this author wonders if Lindy Ruff wants to get another look at Marek Zagrapan and Philip Gogulla this evening. Zagrapan looks poised to further his camp statement, and the club will benefit from as many views of Gogulla as possible given his contract situation with Cologne of the DEL. How the two react in a back-to-back setting can start to frame in their utility moving forward. Other prospects expected to dress tonight include forward Nathan Gerbe and defenseman Chris Butler.