Saturday, June 25, 2011

The Sabres select Daniel Catenacci at #77

After losing Paul Byron's speed and hands thanks to the Robyn Regehr trade, the Sabres essentially replaced his skill set with their third round pick, Daniel Catenacci of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

A 5'10 center, Catenacci was the first overall pick in the 2009 OHL Draft after scoring 42 goals and 87 points in 39 games with the York Simcoe Express. Catenacci learned the ropes as a rookie in 2009-10 before breaking out with 26 goals and 71 points for the Western Conferences cellar dweller Greyhounds this past season. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native rounded out his line with 117 PIM and a -5 rating.

The left-handed pivot is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. He has excellent acceleration and can stop and turn on a dime. In fact, his wheels were on display at the CHL Top Prospects Game, where he won the fastest skater competition and also used his seapartion skills to pot a shorthanded goal. The key with Catenacci though, and something that doesn't make him a Milan Bartovic (a former Sabres 2nd round pick known for his speed), is that he has the finish and vision to bring out the best of his feet. He's a natural center with a quick release. There's not much more you can ask for in the third round of the draft.