Friday, April 8, 2011

Sabres ink Szydlowski

The Buffalo Sabres are set to announce the signing of unrestricted free agent Shawn Szydlowski to what is rumored to be an entry level contract. The 6’0, 210-pound forward recently completed a four-year OHL career with the Erie Otters in which he compiled 94 goals and 103 assists. This past season the St. Clair Shores, MI native finished third in scoring for the Otters with 41 goals and 37 assists while skating primarily as a right wing. A physical player with a good center of gravity, the scoring forward also logged 21 fighting majors during his time with the Otters.

Szydlowski, 20, is a smart player with strong hands and good finishing ability. His complete game was on display in the Otters first round loss to Windsor, especially in game #7 when his effort was marked by excellent puck control and a several powerful drives to the net that led to a pair of goals in the Otters 5-4 game #7 loss. He also made a strong takeout of Ryan Ellis along the wall to give a teammate space to score in the second period.

After reporting to Portland for his physical on Thursday, Szydlowski is expected to play in the Pirates three weekend games.