Saturday, April 4, 2009

Sabres sign former Wolverine Turnbull

University of Michigan product Travis Turnbull has signed a two-year entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. A potential checking line center and son of former NHLer Perry, the 6'0, 193-pound Turnbull enters the pro ranks after a 166 game NCAA career that saw him pot 40 goals and 90 total points with the powerhouse Wolverines. The Sabres never had Turnbull in for a development camp, but they had a good read on him outside of their own viewings. A native of St. Louis, Turnbull, 22, was a teammate of defensemen Chris Butler with the Jr. Blues organization before the pair played together with the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) from 2003-2005. Another member of those Musketeers clubs? Current Portland forward Tim Kennedy, who went on to face Turnbull for three seasons with the rival Michigan State Spartans. Turnbull and recently-inked Matt Generous both reported to the Portland in time for their Friday contest at Lowell but did not play.