Showing posts with label buffalo sabres prospect rankings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buffalo sabres prospect rankings. Show all posts

Sunday, May 8, 2011

The Buffalo Sabres Spring 2011 Prospect Rankings

The Buffalo Sabres enter the 2011 offseason with the excitement of a new ownership group and promises of one thing – winning. With that in mind, I can't think of a better way to assess the future than an extensive look at the prospect ranks.

Much like the new ownership, the Sabres future forwards will also have a new look. It hasn't been difficult to see the new attitude brewing, with size and team toughness being two key areas addressed by Kevin Devine's team over the past three drafts. A quick view of the depth chart reveals a dearth at center and a glaring need for more goal scoring punch, but moving forward Darcy Regier's coaching staff will have more intimidating options to sprinkle amongst the forward lines.

The Sabres cupboards are most stocked on the blueline, where a mobile fleet of rearguards may soon force some tricky roster discussions and perhaps an opportunity to sweeten deals from a position of strength.

Goaltending is going to be another area to target over the next couple of drafts, as the rankings reveal another compelling question – who's next after Enroth? That's something I'll be keeping in mind when organizational needs are addressed in the draft preview.

With that, I'll cut the preamble short.

So the disclaimer is this: The Spring 2011 Rankings are not a list of who is closest to playing in the NHL. Each player is initially slotted based on their top-end potential, then moved up or down based on their likelihood of achieving it. This is the only fair way to assess a group of players ranging in age from 18 to 23.



The Spring 2011 Buffalo Sabres Prospect Rankings



  1. Zack Kassian
  2. Luke Adam
  3. Mark Pysyk
  4. Brayden McNabb
  5. Jhonas Enroth
  6. Marcus Foligno
  7. Drew Schiestel
  8. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc 
  9. T.J. Brennan
  10. Kevin Sundher
  11. Corey Tropp
  12. Matt MacKenzie
  13. Paul Byron
  14. Dennis Persson
  15. Connor Knapp
  16. Nick Crawford
  17. Riley Boychuk
  18. Alex Biega
  19. Steven Shipley
  20. Shawn Szydlowski
  21. Corey Fienhage
  22. Jacob Lagacé
  23. Brad Eidsness
  24. Christian Isackson
  25. Justin Jokinen
  26. Gregg Sutch
  27. Cedrick Henley
  28. Mark Adams
  29. Drew MacKenzie
  30. Maxime Legault
Graduated: Marc Andre-Gragnani, Felix Schutz, Marek Zagrapan, Vyacheslav Buravchikov, Phillip Gogulla, Nick Eno



Ranking Profiles

1) Zack Kassian, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), 2009 1st round (13th overall)


At 6'3, 215-pounds and strong as an ox, Kassian is considered the prime-time power forward in the Sabres developmental ranks. After winning a Memorial Cup and getting his first taste of NHL preseason play, the Windsor native returned to his hometown Spitfires in 2010-11, cruising to an impressive 20 points in 11 games before signing his entry-level deal with the Sabres on November 1st. Kassian, who also scored three points in five games as Canada won silver at the World Junior Championship, finished the season with 26 goals and 77 points in 56 outings (2nd on team).

Kassian has the soft hands and edge to someday drive second-line minutes, but work needs to be done towards achieving night-to-night consistency. The bullish forward gets around well with a long skating stride, yet the key to unlocking the good in his game (his vastly underrated passing ability, heavy one-timer, and ability to hit like a truck) lays in keeping his feet moving in all zones. He did it often along the way to averaging 1.92 points-per-game prior to playing for Canada. He did it less when averaging just .94 points-per-game upon his return. Kass continued his hit-or-miss ways in the playoffs, collecting six goals and 10 assists in 16 games before a suspension caused a premature end to his junior career.

Of course, the aggressive component to Kassian's mix makes the conversation interesting. Often compared to his idol Todd Bertuzzi in terms of frame, skill set, and OHL production, the 20-year old has shown a propensity for high hits that will need to be smoothed out. It's OK to have a short fuse as long as you can control when it ignites. Bob Probert was a mix of skills and aggression who sometimes spun out of control, and he too was a 6'3, 220+ pound Windsor-born forward with similar OHL statistics.

It's obvious that once Kassian gains the proper focus, he'll immediately add toughness and touch the Sabres' core forwards, taking confidence and space away from the opponent while elevating the play of his line mates. In a nutshell, it's that blend that places him at the #1 spot. After a brief playoff extension in Portland to gather his summer takeaways, expect Kassian to make waves in training camp and possibly cause interesting roster conversations at the start of the year, but ultimately spend the majority of his first professional season in the AHL. Anything more would be an over achievement.

2) Luke Adam, LW/C, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2008 2nd round (44th overall)


The 2010-11 AHL Most Outstanding Rookie, Adam entered the pro ranks on the heels of a prolific QMJHL campaign that saw him fall one goal short of the magical 50 mark. The big-bodied Newfoundlander quickly emerged on the farm, scoring 11 goals and 19 points in his first 17 games with Portland before making his NHL debut in late November. Over the course of multiple stints, Adam notched three goals in 19 NHL games played before his 21st birthday at the same time finishing tied for points among AHL rookies with 62 (29+33).

The heavy-footed Adam has made improvements to his skating, but still needs to work on his puck handling skills before securing a steady spot on the top roster. His defensive play has proven adequate (he's gotten less sleepy away from the puck since turning pro), while on the offensive side he remains solid at chipping the puck deep, protecting it with his body, and swooping into scoring areas.

Entering year two, the Sabres have themselves a versatile forward who will score loads of goals within a 15-foot radius of the net. The next question regarding Adam's future is where do you put him? Luke is the type of player who will skate wherever it most helps the team. His feet make him a better wing, but an improved handle could see the Sabres plug a center need and use his big body in front of the net until other options force him back to the boards.


3) Mark Pysyk, RHD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), 2010 1st round (23rd overall)


Smart and steady, Pysyk lands on his first rankings list at the #3 spot after a solid post-draft campaign that saw him score 40 points as captain of the WHL's Oil Kings.

At 6'1, 174 pounds, the smooth-skating Pysyk cleans up well in his own zone without being overly physical. His two-way development was augmented this year on special teams, where he gained power play experience while proving extremely valuable on the penalty kill.

The overall package saw Pysyk earn huge minutes for the Oil Kings, a major factor to his impressive turnaround from a minus-19 to a plus-29 rating. He's not flashy and he shouldn't be defined as an "offensive defenseman". He simply reads the play well, makes a good first pass out, and supports the play up ice in a rather fluid manner.

Much has been made of Pysyk's skating ability. His effortless stride is great to watch, as his feet allow him to jump into spots to add offense while keeping him in good position defensively. He's already showing the ability to make veteran plays at a young age which allows for long-term projection as a safe and consistent top-4 defenseman. The only areas to look at moving forward would be durability and upping his physical play. Like so many prospects at his stage, the addition of upper body strength will help him absorb the "give and take" at the next level.

The Oil Kings came up short in the first round of the playoffs, but with Pysyk's guidance look to be a serious player when the puck drops in 2011-12. After remaining as one of Canada's final cuts for the 2011 World Juniors, expect the dynamic defender to not only wear the Canadian jersey in 2012, but possibly even wear the "C" as the tournament kicks off in his hometown of Edmonton. When I think of where this kid is going to be with two more years of maturation and how important steadying defensemen are to a hockey team, it's easy to rationalize an even higher rank.

4) Brayden McNabb, LHD, Kootenay ICE (WHL), 2009 3rd round (66th overall)


A 2009 third rounder who has performed like a player befitting a higher pick, McNabb has logged major minutes with the Ice over the past two seasons, playing as physical as his 6'4, 218-pound frame suggests while finishing among WHL blue line scoring leaders (6th in 2009-10, 3rd in 2010-11).

After getting preseason NHL exposure this past fall, the ICE captain returned to set single-season and all-time franchise marks in goals, assists, and points for a defenseman while earning a spot on the WHL's Eastern Conference First All-Star Team. He took his game to a different level in the playoffs, shutting down the likes of Brayden Schenn, Curtis Hamilton, Linden Vey, and Emerson Etem while setting even more franchise offensive marks including a solid 11-game point streak to lead the Ice to the league finals. His 24 points in the 2011 postseason were the most for a Sabres prospect since Paul Byron ripped off 21-11-32 in 19 games back in 2007-08.

A bona fide point machine at the junior level, the economy-minded McNabb provides offense by making good pinches,
finding sticks with slap-passes, and most importantly by getting lots of shots to the net. He's best when keeping it simple and limiting the chance for a turnover. Not possessing a quick first step, he may see spots to lug the puck up ice here and there as a pro (by comparison though, Mike Weber is probably the better skater at this stage), but his impact will be that of a point-contributor who block shots and plays tough in front of his goalie. 

Expect McNabb to be signed and off to Portland next season where he can ease his way in. If his feet adjust quickly to the AHL pace, it's fair to think he could position himself for a stop-gap call-up by Christmas. Until that happens, becoming a stronger skater should remain the focal point of his development.
 

5) Jhonas Enroth, G, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 2nd round (46th overall)

Technically now a graduate of the prospect ranks, Enroth locks down the #5 spot following a solid performance in the final year of his entry-level deal. The athletic 5'11 netminder battled through early parts of the AHL year to elevate himself to the role of competent #2 NHL goaltender by holding down the fort when Ryan Miller recovered from fatigue and injury. 

And so the love affair has begun. If you don't believe me, go pound "Enroth" into Twitter anytime Miller let's in three or more goals.

The Swede has grown year-over-year in a North American game dominated by down-low paint pressure. He still doesn't always appear in control of his swift movements, but he keeps himself in the play and makes saves. His composure in the crease has been helped by a more aggressive approach to challenging shooters. This has been vital to his development, as atackers naturally see a lot of net up high once his knees start to bend. That's the book. Watch the tape.

Enroth appears finished at the AHL level, so the writing is on the wall for him to start earning big-boy dollars behind one of the top #1's in the league. A note for those clamoring for a "sell high" deal: successful NHL franchises have two capable goaltenders. The Sabres are just now catching up with the Jones'. Miller is locked up until 2014, so look for the Sabres to extend Enroth a multi-year bump to lock the position down, keep Miller fresh (and of course challenged), and focus on building the rest of the roster.

6) Marcus Foligno, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL), 2009 4th round (104th overall)

Foligno broke out as a prime power forward talent in 2010-11, leading all Sabres prospects in power play goals (11), short-handed goals (5), and hat tricks (3) en route to posting a career-best line of 23-36-59 as captain of the OHL's Wolves. 

A natural leader, the hard-hitting Foligno uses smart routes on the forecheck to generate the majority of his offense. As many saw while he gathered 2+2 in seven games at the 2011 World Juniors, Foligno's presence around the net allows him to tip shots, bury rebounds, and generally stay in the faces of the opposition on a nightly basis.

The 19-year old's offseason work in Buffalo has clearly paid off. His improved leg strength, which has created a powerful stride with tighter pivots, has led to him closing quicker and hitting more targets. While there is still room to become a better skater, the gear grinding behind his physical game has actually evolved into one of his strengths. That tracking ability took a hit late in the year though, as Foligno missed 10 games in February due to a knee injury after getting twisted on a hit. The effects lingered into the playoffs, where the Wolves leader still exhibited his hack and whack tactics but was clearly slowed. He would register just two goals, one assist, and a depressed -10 rating through two rounds, and did not report to the AHL when his season concluded.

I see Foligno as a middle-line banger for the Sabres down the road, with all the makings of a future captain. He stuck around deep into the Sabres training camp last fall, but no one should confuse a reward for hard work with "almost making the team". His bloodlines are brewed for the next level, but the development plan sees him spending time grinding on the farm before being cut loose on the NHL.

7) Drew Schiestel, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2007 2nd round (59th overall)


Schiestel blossomed in his second professional season, using his excellent wheels to open the ice up for the AHL's Pirates and boost his offensive numbers. At this stage of development, you just need to see guys getting better. Watch them control their gaps, make better decisions, see them stronger on the puck, assert themselves more physically, carry the puck more confidently. Schiestel did all that, using his pass-slinging ability and big shot to amass 23 points (5+18), a team-high +15 rating, and an AHL All-Star selection before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Norfolk on January 25th.

Readers of this site know I have been a huge fan of Schiestel's skating and shooting. It's what he's been able to do in his own end that is most remarkable just two years removed from a depressing -29 rating with the Niagara IceDogs. I used to frequently question his smarts, thinking he was a player who was good at beginning a thought but not so strong at completing it. The coaching and confidence have eliminated those concerns, so now we sit and wait to see how he recovers from the first major injury of his career. 


8) Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, RHD, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), 2010 3rd round (68th overall)

The youngest player in the Sabres stable, the gifted 6'1 righty has the offensive skills and two-way mobility to develop into a Kris Letang-type defenseman by the time he turns 21 years of age. The first step of his maturation into the Sabres future power-play quarterback took place when he arrived in Rimouski last fall at a sturdy 194 pounds, nearly 15 pounds heavier than his weigh-in at the NHL combine.

Growing pains were endured early this past season, as the more talented Nics forwards seemed to wait for the play to come to them, relying heavily on others to do the grunt work. The team eventually corrected itself when key members of the team, Gauthier-Leduc included, started to work harder in their own end creating better flow as a five-man unit.

Gauthier-Leduc comfortably steered the freewheeling Rimouski style from there, limiting the adventurous defensive shifts while clicking as a legit offensive weapon. After scoring four goals in his first 32 games, the puck-carrying rearguard collected 12 goals and 36 points in his final 29 including a 10-game point streak to finish the season as the league's #2 defensive scorer with 56 points. Even more impressive was the way his +/- was controlled down the stretch, going from a -10 in early February to a net finish of -1 at season's end. By comparison, post-draft QMJHL seasons by recent Sabres draft picks included T.J. Brennan (-15, 2007-08) and Marc-Andre Gragnani (-23, 2005-06).

Keep an eye on this emerging talent. Fundamentally sound with a very hard shot, it's a safe bet that the Quebec City native will join Pysyk as a serious contender for Canada's 2012 World Junior entry.

9) T.J. Brennan, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2007 2nd round (31st overall)

The mission for Brennan since entering the Sabres system has been to become a dependable, consistent defensive player. Packing a well-rounded set of tools highlighted by his mobility and ripping shot, Brennan made progress on that end all the while continuing his offensive bloom. 

After posting nine points in the 2010 portion of the schedule (.32 p/g), the athletic rearguard doubled his production after the new year with 30 in his final 44 games (.68 p/g) to finish in the top-20 in scoring among all AHL defenders (19th) and edge closer to becoming a big league contributor.

Standing 6'0, 205 pounds, added strength and leverage to his lower center of gravity have increased his effectiveness, but it seems that a brief mid-season stint at forward simplified the game and perhaps offered a different perspective regarding the responsibilities of a blueliner. Brennan was especially sharp in March with back-to-back game winning goals early, and a five-game point streak a couple of weeks later. 


There's still some mistakes to eliminate, but with currency built up with the Pirates coaching staff in the form of offense, all signs point to an expanded veteran role on the farm in 2011-12, and a competitive battle with McNabb and Schiestel for first call-up position.

10) Kevin Sundher, C, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL), 2010 3rd round (75th overall)


Readers of this site knew who Kevin Sundher was before this season. Listed in the 2010 Draft Preview as my second option for the Sabres at #75, and seeing how my primary option (Minnesota C Max Gardiner) went at pick #74, it's safe to say I was happy when the Sabres landed Sundher with the 75th pick.

A highly touted player coming out of the bantam ranks, the 6'0, 193-pound pivot skated with a target on his back for two seasons for the sub-.500 Bruins, racking up 44 goals and an even 100 points before the Sabres even drafted him. The Surrey, B.C. native continued his trend in 2010-11, overcoming a slow start to finish 3rd in scoring for the Bruins with 24 goals and 52 assists (t15th in WHL). 


Sundher really turned it on from late-October through early December, amassing 24 points in a 15-game stretch. In February, he collected points in 11-straight games to tie Kassian and McNabb for the longest streak of the season. With the year's momentum carrying into the postseason (3+4 in 5GP), it's reasonable to suggest that a quick start next season sees the playmaker become the third member of the class of 2010 to earn Team Canada consideration.

Sundher, who will skate for the relocated Victoria franchise in 2011-12, rates well in four key competencies required of a successful NHL forward – strength, smarts, skill, and determination. He is a gifted passer and an above average stickhandler, so now what you need to see is more tenacity. This isn't to say he's "passive", but given the Sabres need for natural centers to develop quickly, playing with more fire in his belly will accelerate his progress as he moves up a level against bigger players of equal talent.

11) Corey Tropp, RW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2007 3rd round (89th overall)


A gritty forward with a scoring touch, Tropp left Michigan State a year early to get his pro career going in 2010-11 with the AHL's Pirates. The six-foot wing is a productive gamer, fearlessly entering the mix to make plays and willing to escalate the physical forays to make a point. Posting four fighting majors in Sioux Falls (USHL) before his three-year stay in E. Lansing, Tropp led all Sabres prospects this past season with nine scraps while contributing a clutch 10 goals and 30 assists in 76 games.

By no means is Tropp's value to the Sabres as a pugilist, but the willingness rounds out a balanced middle-line package that isn't too far off from getting a crack. Tropp, who also cashed four game winning goals in the shootout (tied for the AHL lead), continued his rookie ramp-up in the first round of the playoffs, scoring seven points (2+5) while the Pirates main cogs (Mark Mancari and Gragnani) were up in Buffalo.

The Detroit-area product likely has a few more goals in his stick (20 in 2009-10 as Spartans MVP), so expect his quick-release offense to keep gaining traction while adding to the overall team toughness shift-by-shift. Realistically Tropp is a year away from campaigning for a full-time gig, but don't be surprised if he makes some noise as camp battles heat up this fall. He's an underrated effort guy whose talent can take on many different roles.


12) Matt MacKenzie, RHD, Tri City Americans (WHL), 2010 3rd round (83rd overall)


A seasoned veteran of 225 WHL regular season games and 55 more in the playoffs, there's plenty of reason to believe that the 6'2 MacKenzie will be a polished two-way rearguard by the time he hits the AHL circuit. The Calgary native, who as captain of the Hitmen did a little bit of everything from burning both ends of special teams to playing against the opposition's top line, brought his puck-moving experience to the Ams at the trade deadline, adding five goals and 10 assists to his finishing line of 7-31-38 for the Western Conference semifinalist.

MacKenzie has shown he can add to the offense, but his catalyzing efforts are rooted in his defensive work. He skates and communicates well, and has a high level of awareness that allows him to block passing lanes and step up physically as needed. He's not the most gifted fighter but has gone on occasion. 


With a strong platform to build off of and an excellent body of work in juniors, I honestly see MacKenzie as a guy who will make it as a #4/#5 guy with a few years of farming. An October-born outlier of the 2010 draft, there's a chance MacKenzie has a good training camp showing and forces the Sabres into a tough re-assignment call this fall.

13) Paul Byron, C, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2007 6th round (179th overall)


Speedy, slippery, and possessing an excellent set of hands, the smallish Byron maintains his spot as a solid second tier player in the Sabres developmental ranks. The QMJHL product enjoyed a healthy 2010-11 campaign, gradually building a slick offensive resume en route to earning his first NHL re-call in January. Byron played quick-paced, mistake-free hockey in his Sabres debut, earning an assist before scoring his first NHL goal in his second game against his hometown Senators. He'd return to Portland before become coming back for another six games in which he saw shorter minutes.

A seam-splitting creator on the farm, Byron twice put together six-game scoring streaks to help pile up 53 points (26+27) including team-bests in power-play goals (10) and short-handed goals (3). It's especially worth noting how he made the most of his shots on goal, firing at a sniping percentage of 21.1%.

With the Sabres low on centers, yet already employing skilled forwards of a similar build, the 5'9 featherweight will spend another year of showcase minutes in Portland to prove himself as a sparkplug for the big club. When he gets the call, he must continue to initiate contact and keep his hands in scoring position by not getting forced to the outside.

14) Dennis Persson, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 1st round (24th overall)


The former first rounder made some headway in his second AHL season, scoring 10 more points (4+13) than he did as a rookie while improving his plus/minus rating by 15 goals (+5). Quietly a veteran of over 200 professional games (SEL and AHL combined), Persson is a mobile body who has gotten better at manning-up in his own zone while gradually getting more involved offensively. To best sum it up, his opportunistic two-way game is beginning to take shape as he generally looks more comfortable with the puck.

The 6'2 Swede has still been prone to his share of miscues, but you can see him turning the corner. With Gragnani expressed to Buffalo late in the year, Persson emerged as one of the Pirates stronger blueliners on a pair with Alex Biega. And just when many fans were ready to write him off, the Sabres rewarded his growth by shuttling up back and forth in an emergency manner during their first round series with the Flyers. An RFA heading into the offseason, it's expected that Persson will be tendered and back in North America next season for another stint in Portland. Either way, this is the last you'll see of his name on the prospect list.

15) Connor Knapp, G, Miami University RedHawks (CCHA), 2009 6th round (164th overall)


At 6'6, 220-pounds, Knapp represents an interesting prospect for a professional goalie coach. The big, athletic freak seems to be the new NHL model (see Pekke Rinne, current student of Knapp's former goalie coach, Mitch Korn), yet Knapp doesn't have the quickness or natural acrobatic flow like the flashy Preds keeper. Instead he has slowly worked through his clumsy moments in the crease, becoming a tighter butterfly goaltender that steers rebounds and smothers down-low pucks. The biggest indicator of his technical development is that he has gradually spent less time on his backside over the course of his three years in Oxford.

2010-11 was another dogfight for time in the Miami nets, with Knapp splitting time with Cody Reichard for the third straight season. The York, NY native didn't exactly get into rhythm, earning eight wins in 17 appearances while seeing a slight dip in goals against average and save percentage. In a reversal of the previous post-season when he stole the playoff job en route to a 55-save performance in the Midwest Regional Final, Knapp would eventually give way to Reichard once the RedHawks hit the CCHA tourney.

What's next for Knapp should be settled in the coming months. There is a job opening in Portland with Enroth graduating, but the Sabres would prefer he had more than 60 starts under his belt before turning him out. By comparison, 6'6 project Ben Bishop played in 98 games at Maine before signing with St. Louis after his junior year. It may be worth bringing him in to work with Jim Corsi, but I won't at all be surprised if he goes back to Miami for his senior year and a kick at a National title with one of the best recruiting classes in the country.

16) Nick Crawford, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2008 6th round (164th overall)


A shutdown defender, power-play QB, and OHL First-Team All-Star at the major junior level, Crawford posted excellent numbers as an AHL rookie in 2010-11, notching seven goals and 24 assists in 76 games as part of the young Pirates blueline. 

The 6'1 Crawford is disciplined and workmanlike, excelling in a conservative style role while taking very few stick penalties on the job. His duties start with good positioning and crisp passes out of the zone. Once up ice he employs good eyes, directing low pucks deep towards the net or smartly to a corner. A classic case of production through simplicity, Crawford's 31 points as a rookie are no surprise considering how he stacked up 70 the year before in Saginaw and Barrie.

Crawford is an average skater and he's not going to overwhelm anyone with aggression, but he's smart with the puck and knows how to add motion to a power play. With the Sabres having a fleet of rearguards that every now and then will leave the coop for an offensive excursion, Crawford's steadiness becomes a welcome element to the Sabres pipeline. With little pressure on him to spike his development, it's fair to assume that Crawford will spend the balance of his entry-level deal on the farm.

17) Riley Boychuk, LW, Portland Winterhawks (WHL), 2010 7th round (208th overall)


An aggressive third-line agitator who can win one-on-one battles, Boychuk demonstrated many of the qualities that made him the 10th pick in the 2006 WHL Bantam draft this past season, grinding his way to 18 goals and a Sabres prospects best 148 PIM for the 50-win Winterhawks. 

The 6'5 Abbotsford, B.C. native is somewhat of a late-bloomer, having missed nearly a year-and-half after undergoing corrective hip surgery as a 17-year old, but thanks in large part to his being a notorious gym rat (Boychuk won PDX's "Paul Gaustad Fitness Award" two years in a row), has been able to catch up to his peers and position himself as a viable power forward prospect.

Boychuk looks to be a pro-style player, possessing the skills, attitude, and of course frame to line up on an NHL fourth line. He's chippy (15 fights the past two seasons), has a rifle of a slapper, and can fill it up near the crease. A slight concern exists with the number of minor penalties he takes, but it's also worth noting that many of his trips to the box were the result of him defending teammates. A similar concern may reside on the neuro side, as a February concussion sidelined the banging forward for a few weeks. It's expected that Boychuk will take his big, tough style to the opposite coast Portland next season where he'll likely settle in a crash and bang role similar to one currently held by Maxime Legault.

18) Alex Biega, RHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 5th round (147th overall)


The 5'11 defenseman parlayed a four-year career at Harvard into a solid rookie campaign, recording three goals, 18 points, and an impressive +18 rating (4th among AHL rookies) in 61 games in Portland.

Not the biggest guy on the roster, the quick-footed defenseman is very calculated on the ice, using smarts and patience in the corners to gain control and make a crisp pass out of the zone. On the other end, the Salisbury prep product can skate it and shoot it, setting him up to be more involved on special teams as his career progresses.

Biega suffered the first injury of his career (knee) right before the All-Star break, causing the former Crimson captain to miss 14 games through March. Upon his return (with Schiestel finished and Gragnani in Buffalo), he quickly found himself performing well while playing bigger minutes. The increased role should prove valuable with Biega slotted for another AHL assignment in the final year of his entry-level deal.

19) Steven Shipley, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL), 2010 4th round (98th overall)


The past season started on a negative note for Camp Shipley, with the fourth-rounder refusing to report back to Owen Sound before showing up a day late and hurting his hand during a fight in an intrasquad scrimmage. Before you knew it the disgruntled distraction received his walking papers, getting bounced south to St. Catharines to skate for the up-and-coming IceDogs.

Part of Shipley's beef with the Attack was that he didn't want to be a #2 guy behind Joey Hishon (COL), but it didn't get any better in Niagara as he was floated out to left wing before ultimately settling as the #3 pivot. In the end it added up to 18 goals and an even 50 points in his third OHL year, a 13-point regression from the 63 he put up in his draft year, and a feeling of disappointment all the way around.

At 6'3, 212 pounds, Shipley has a professional body and good two-way sense of the game but needs to up his compete level if he wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Joe Thornton. Simply put, it's time to dig a little deeper and take hits to make plays instead of lacking inspiration and waiting for the game to come to him. Niagara hasn't seen the best of what Shipley has to offer, and it's clear that he can get on pace quickly once he takes more initiative.

20) Shawn Szydlowski, RW, Portland Pirates (AHL), signed as undrafted free agent


Sure to be the top selling jersey in Cheektowaga if he ever makes it, Szydlowski enters the Sabres system with expectations of being a responsible depth scorer down the wing. At 6'2, 208 pounds, the much-improved Michigan native drove hard and fired regularly en route to 41 goals and 78 points with Erie Otters (OHL) before getting scooped up after the season as an undrafted free-agent.

Szydlowski is strong on the puck but he's also very smart with the space he's given, springing linemates with a board pass or taking it hard to the post at the slightest opening. It's that ability to dig in and get shots on goal that makes him an interesting prospect on the upswing. The Sabres were addressing a scoring need when they signed the veteran of over 250 OHL games, and now it's on them to find some centers to get these guys the puck.

21) Corey Fienhage, RHD, Kamloops Blazers (WHL), 2008 3rd round (81st overall)


The 6'4, 221-pound "Moose", who played the 2010-11 year in the WHL after two years of limited duty with the NCAA's North Dakota Fighting Sioux, is a rugged, athletic defender with limited offensive upside. Fienhage has good agility and is very strong on his skates, and it's easy to see that competing against older, skilled athletes the previous two seasons made for a relatively quick transition to juniors. Just as it was coming out of Apple Valley (MN-HS), his play was hallmarked by physicality.

The biggest thing I was looking for this season with increased reps was quicker decisions when he got the puck on his stick. When grooming yourself as a stay-at-homer with limited handling skills, it is paramount to make simple plays up the boards and out. Through the season, he became steadier in that regard.

Despite his raw athleticism, the big defenseman still can be challenged by smaller, quicker forwards who want to take him on the edge. I've seen him successfully lean-in and swallow the rush, but shifty puckhandlers can leak past him as he's going backwards. It's not a huge concern, but it's something I noted more than once this season. With more reps he can improve, making Fienhage the poster child for the Sabres having deeper ECHL roots.

22) Jacob Lagacé, RW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2008 5th round (134th overall)


With decent hands and shiftiness in juniors, the 5'11 Lagacé is a classic example of a player who quickly realized that he'll need to work harder as professional. His offensive instincts allowed him to produce in the QMJHL, but advancing up a level where he's competing against bigger, stronger players who are just as skilled proved to be a challenge, resulting in a month-long demotion to the ECHL. The message was sent. In 29 games after his return for the stretch run, Lagacé scored eight goals to finish the year with 10-13-23 in 58 games.

The Beloeil, QC native will return to Portland in 2011-12 where he'll be relied on to supply depth scoring while continuing to show improvement away from the puck. His skating, which was formerly accented by wider turns, will need to be more "straight lined" when hitting the offensive zone if he wants to leverage the skills that got him noticed. Many guys can finish plays, but the Sabres player development team needs to see Lagacé bust it harder in all three zones before moving him up the ladder.

23) Brad Eidsness, G, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2007 5th round (139th overall)


The only netminder to start at least 40 games in his first two seasons at North Dakota, and one of just two to earn 20 wins in each of his first two, Brad Eidsness saw his stock plummet in 2010-11 when he was relegated to back-up duty behind sophomore Aaron Dell after just four starts. Positioning, puckhandling, and rebound control proved to be Eidsness' weaker points, and the Sioux never looked back, riding a rock-solid Dell into the NCAA tournament. And so much like Knapp, he wasn't afforded key developmental time behind a strong club.

What's next for Eidsness remains to be seen. Once Dell announced that he'd be returning to Grand Forks in 2011-12, Eidsness stated that he'd make a decision based on what is best for his hockey career. The former AJHL MVP is on schedule to earn his degree after three years of study and likely wants to leave school, but where does he fit for the Sabres? Like Fienhage, is he a classic example of why the Sabres should sink their teeth deeper into an ECHL affiliate? Sure, he wasn't happy losing his job coming off a season that saw him on the All-WCHA 2nd All-Star Team, but there's always the possibility that he returns if Dave Hakstol is committed to giving him a shot at earning his job back. (EDIT: Just days after the rankings were released, Eidsness announced that he'd be returning to the Sioux in 2011-12.)

24) Christian Isackson, C, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), 2010 7th round (203rd overall)


An all-around horse as a Jr. "A" rookie, Isackson rode a strong mid-season surge to lead the USHL's Herd in scoring with 44 points (17+27). The West St. Paul native, who is taking the Vanek path to the University of Minnesota via Sioux Falls, is a hard-working playmaker with great vision and determination who scores the majority of his goals from the slot. Well-rounded offensively with average speed and strength, the puck seems to find him and he knows what to do with it when it hits his stick. Defensively he has proven hard working and responsible.

The crafty Gopher recruit first popped on to the radar after a heady performance at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka tourney (the same event that also provided Sabres amateur scouts an opportunity to watch fellow 2010 classmates Pysyk and Gregg Sutch) and now looks to be solid late-round find that can pay off with patience. Heading back home as freshman with the Gophers should be a good situation for the skilled pivot, as he'll be presumably closer to his mother who he lists as the greatest influence on his career while having time to work his way into his professional aspirations. His stats weren't as gaudy as Vanek's (46-45-91) or Tropp's (26-36-62) during his time with the Herd, but the drive is where it needs to be to make an early impression in the WCHA.

25) Justin Jokinen, RW, Minnesota State Mavericks (WCHA), 2008 4th round (101st overall)


After a slow start to his NCAA career, the 6'4 Jokinen used a rigorous offseason regimen to get off to a quick start as a junior, notching eight points before December en route to tripling his previous career highs in goals (9) and assists (8) for the improved Mavericks. Jokinen, whose flat development was due in large part to him going directly to the WCHA from the Minnesota HS ranks, faded down the stretch with just one point in his final ten games to finish the year with a team-low -10 rating.

Still trending upward despite the finish, the 21-year old Jokinen will be expected to use his increased strength and comfort to launch a senior season breakout in 2011-12. He's long and speedy with the tools to finish, so it's clear that intensity and physical involvement (like peeling off fewer hits to generate turnovers) can be a key to his success. The Sabres will likely want to see a more attacking one-on-one dimension with the puck as well, with less stickhandling and more drive around the edge. The frame and hands are present and the off-ice commitment seems energized, so it's on him to rise above the other seniors looking for deals and simply shoot his way to a contract.

26) Gregg Sutch, RW, Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (OHL), 2010 5th round (143rd overall)


The 6'2 forward upped his production this past season as a member of the loaded Memorial Cup hosts, but he'll never be considered an "offensive" player. Sutch, who was instead drafted for his ability to work and hit, is a penetrating grinder who makes his mark with an intense forecheck and strong cycle work. He's solid on his skates and does a good job using his body to protect the puck. 

After showing improvement in the first half of the year, Sutch experienced a slow reset from a January concussion that served as the first sign of a developmental flatline. As the Majors were getting greased for the deep playoff year, Sutch shuffled in and out of the lineup before eventually fading into a pressbox mainstay. Not a particularly good sign after the previous year saw him miss time due to an ankle sprain, staph infection, and separated shoulder.

Sutch, who naturally has his head up at all times due to his severe hearing impairment, will return to the OHL in 2011-12 where he'll look to a) stay healthy, and b) get back on plan with his pesky, power forward game that made him the 11th overall pick in the 2008 bantam draft. He's persevered through every level of hockey, making him one to root for as his career plays out.


27) Cedrick Henley, LW, Val d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL), 2010 6th round (173rd overall)

The Val-d'Or, Quebec native couldn't ride the momentum of his first NHL training camp, returning to his hometown Foreurs for just 14 games before shutting it down for four months to heal from wrist surgery. The procedure, done to correct a congenital defect, was performed two years after having his opposite wrist operated on in the same manner. In total, the 6'5 project totaled five goals and 17 points in 22 regular season games including a goal and seven assists in the Foreurs final seven.

A big name and a big frame entering the 2009 Bantam Draft, the 6'5+ Henley is a raw talent with a good work ethic to build off of. He has a decent handle in open ice, cycles well along boards, and battles for position in front of the net. Perhaps there is some Eric Daze in his game, except Henley embraces the physical play more than Daze ever did. Expect 2011-12 to be a considerable growth year for Henley statistically. Whispers may arise of a potential overage season in the Q given how he was redshirted most of the year, but for now let's monitor his progression next winter and go from there.


28) Mark Adams, RHD, Providence College Friars (Hockey East), 2009 5th round (134th overall)

After a strong close in his USHL tune-up in Chicago, the 2009 fifth-round pick and Massachusetts native jumped back to New England to begin his NCAA career at Providence College of Hockey East. The Friars, who suffered a key defection at the Christmas break when sophomore rearguard Alex Velischek left for the USHL, were overmatched on many nights this season en-route to an 8-18-8 finish, but Adams was able to show improvement in his freshman year while adjusting to the quicker pace and more physically mature competition. Velischek leaving hurt the team but probably helped get Adams going.

Adams, who possesses good mobility in his 6'3 frame, will gradually start spreading his wings moving forward. The puck advancing skills are present (he'll eventually be asked to push the pace more to spark an undermanned Friars club), but he may be better served by continuing to build his game from his own zone out as sophomore. Keep playing the man, lessen the need for stick penalties, and stay strong in the corners and in front of the net. I want to place him higher but I need to see a little more first. He has three more years of Hockey East play to show the Sabres that he's worthy of an NHL contract.

29) Drew MacKenzie, LHD, University of Vermont Catamounts (Hockey East), 2007 7th round 209th overall)

The 6'2, 203-pound MacKenzie is best described as an offensive-minded defenseman who holds up well in his own end. Mobile and aggressive, the NE prep product passes well, can leg it out of trouble, and likes to jump into the slot to get shots to the net. Midway through the 2010-11 season, MacKenzie's o-zone awareness prompted coach Kevin Sneddon to move him up to wing to help jumpstart the lowly Catamounts first-string power-play. MacKenzie ended the year with a career-high five goals and 12 assists to finish fourth on the team in scoring.

MacKenzie may find himself in a bit of no-man's land with the Sabres when his collegiate career ends, and not because of anything he has or hasn't done. This isn't to say that he can't earn an assignment, but as of now the number of quality defensemen in the pipeline creates few openings on a club that rarely uses the AA ECHL for development. Expect the Connecticut native to return to Burlington in the fall of 2011 with his chances of getting a deal increasing if defensive prospects ahead of him are moved, or if the Sabres' developmental philosophy changes to the point of pressing up towards the 50-contract maximum.

30) Maxime Legault, RW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2009 7th round (194th overall)


The 22-year old Legault has earned Dineen's trust this season, settling in as a tenacious lower-line checker to earn a full-time AHL deal. Clearly defined as a role player, Legualt's assignment is chip the puck deep, follow it in hard, and wear down the opposing defensemen.

Much like Riley Boychuk, he's a physical guy who can create just by knocking guys off the puck. His agitating style and ability to produce in front of the net led to 12 goals and 12 assists this past season, including a January cluster that saw him gather 5-2-7 over a six-game streak.

Legault plays big and he's not afraid to drop the gloves as evidenced by his six majors this season. The more balance and vocal leadership he continues to provide, the more he'll assert himself as foundational farm element moving forward. It's hard to peg him as a legit NHL prospect at this point, but that could change with more experience as he has the style and game to compliment a club with small, speedy forwards.


2010-11 Statistics

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Buffalo Sabres Prospects Top 25 Rankings - Spring 2009

The 2009 Spring Top 25 doesn’t see much change at the top, leaving room for just some minor shuffling past the five spot. Aside from the clear cut #1, spots 2-5 in this edition of the "the list" present quite a challenge as skill sets at various positions have to be weighed to make the rankings work. The talent distribution assembled at the top is rather favorable, with a franchise defenseman, a pair of speedy scorers, a nugget of a goalie, and a solid, all-situations rearguard. The song remains the same for the most part, as placing the players in various developmental buckets reveals two clear needs: The Sabres must add scoring size at the forward positions. They have enough smaller, skilled players, and the time to get bigger while simultaneously adding goal production starts now. Secondly, the team would benefit from shifting its focus away from skating defenseman and find a way to add more aggressive blueline depth. Still, recent drafts have achieved better positional balance while amassing a fair amount of depth past the top cluster of players. Regarding the importance of added depth, it is worth noting that 22 of the 31 players to dress for the Sabres this season were acquired via the draft (this includes Tim Kennedy who was picked up in a draft day trade for a future pick). The Top 25 isn't a points competition, nor is it a measuring stick to see who's the closest to playing in the NHL this season. The list is constructed by slotting players by their overall potential impact, then moving them up and down based on their long range likelihood of reaching it. This is the only fair way to assess a pool of players ranging in age from 18-24.
The Top 25 at a glance: 1) Tyler Myers 2) Nathan Gerbe 3) Jhonas Enroth 4) Tyler Ennis 5) Chris Butler 6) Philip Gogulla 7) Mike Weber 8) T.J. Brennan 9) Luke Adam 10) Tim Kennedy 11) Drew Schiestel 12) Brad Eidsness 13) Marc-Andre Gragnani 14) Paul Byron 15) Jordon Southorn 16) Marek Zagrapan 17) Dennis Persson 18) Alex Biega 19) Corey Tropp 20) Corey Fienhage 21) Mike Kostka 22) Jacob Lagacé 23) Felix Schütz 24) Mark Mancari 25) Matt Generous
1 - Tyler Myers, RHD, Kelowna Rockets (WHL), 2008 1st round (12th overall) Playing with Kelowna of the WHL, Myers was thrust into a larger role this season after teammate Luke Schenn stuck with Toronto out of training camp. Now measuring 6'7-3/4, the defenseman has steadied the Rockets blue by playing upwards of 30:00 a night for the playoff bound Rockets. The Calgary native is a great skater who gets separation with his big first step, allowing him to quickly advance the puck out of his end. His long reach patrols a quarter of the defensive zone, and he's asserting himself physically with more confidence. After finishing -21 and -16 in his previous two seasons, Myers was sitting at +22 through February, while posting career offensive marks on the side. His development as a shutdown style defenseman is taking shape with the increased role, and with that the expected occasional mistakes are still made. The next twelve months will need to see his command with the puck improve, along with more consistency with his decision making. Still, Myers has been a better overall player this season with added strength and exposure, and in fact was voted the Best "Stay at Home" defenseman during a mid-season poll of WHL players and coaches. Most questions about Tyler Myers' status as an NHL prospect were answered during the medal round of the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships when he was perhaps Team Canada's best defensive rearguard in wins over Russia and Sweden en route to winning gold. 2 - Nathan Gerbe, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 5th round (142nd overall) Speedy and always looking to shoot, the 5'6 Gerbe burst on to the AHL scene, leading all rookies in goals while being honored as an All-Star Game starter. The Boston College product has superior acceleration and sniping skills that, when coupled with energy, leverage, and the ability to drive the other team crazy, creates a savory package for any club regardless of the player's size. After scoring 14 goals in 21 games with Portland, Gerbe's on-the-job learning of Lindy Ruff's system would move to Buffalo for a six-game call in December. The winger registered one assist and averaged 12:10 of time, while at times using his feet away from the puck by filling lanes and drawing dmen with him. During his stay, the Michigan native suffered an upper-body injury when he was sandwiched between two Devils players in open ice. Rumored to be a concussion, Gerbe landed on the IR for six games before heading back to Portland. He would earn another brief call to Buffalo, skating four games before getting sent back to the Pirates. Scouts never question Gerbe's effort. Continuing to produce goals and maintaining an edgy, two-way game should keep the 21-year old in the Sabres mix for the foreseeable future. He didn't score in Buffalo, but he's destined to get his share in due time once the Sabres clear some pricey dead weight off the main roster. 3 - Jhonas Enroth, G, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 2nd round (46th overall) The agile Enroth has made a seamless transition to the North American game as a rookie with Portland, relying on quickness and reflexes to cool any concerns about adjusting to the smaller NHL ice surface. With creasemate Adam Dennis put on the shelf for the season with a hip injury, the tune-up will continue at full throttle for the remainder of the year. The 20-year old Swede benefited from a full 2007-08 season of pro action with Sodertalje in the SEL, where he finished among leaders in all of the major categories. He anticipates play very well, and is athletic enough to compensate for any concerns posed by his 5'10 frame. A confident personality, Enroth will need to exhibit top-notch composure as his body and mind will be forced to stay sharp while playing loads of minutes down the stretch in Portland. When Ryan Miller went down with a sprained ankle on February 21st, a goaltender shortage put Enorth in Buffalo for the first time in his career. While it put Portland in a horrible position with no active netminders, it did give the Swede time to get exposed to the top club and actually gain a little rest as Patrick Lalime eased his way into the #1 spot. Earlier a rock for the Pirates, the tired Enroth was winless in nine starts prior to the recall. 4 - Tyler Ennis, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), 2008 1st round (26th overall) With quick feet and nifty puck skills, the gliding Ennis overcame a slow start in time to get it clicking for the World Juniors in December. The Edmonton product compiled just six points through his first nine WHL games before netting 16 over his next nine to get the season moving in the right direction. Ennis is the main attraction with his WHL club in Medicine Hat, leading the Tigers in scoring for a second straight season while clearly being the focal point of the opposition's forecheck. Despite the increased hits, better consistency is seeing his production exceed the 1.3 points-per-game captured in 2007-08. Ennis failed to hit the scoresheet 18 times last season. At the same point in 2008-09, Ennis was quiet in just 11 contests. With Team Canada, Ennis demonstrated creativity on an energetic bottom line, collecting three goals and seven points in the tourney's six games. He's willing to go to scoring spots on the ice, a trait that will be enhanced with added strength, while his tight stickhandling, blazing entry speed, and attention to digging loose pucks project him as a formidable top-6 forward despite his developing 5'9 frame. A February poll of WHL Eastern Conference personnel saw the trickster earn Best Skater honors for the second straight season, a skill that grants him a true finishing gear. Ennis closed last season strong, scoring points in 20 of his final 24 games, and 2008-09 is no different. He compiled 26 goals in 24 games of January and February, highlighted by a spectacular six-goal eruption on February 27th to give him back-to-back seasons with 40+. Sure it's only juniors, but Ennis' torrid post-World Juniors stretch is making the Brian Campbell trade to San Jose look darn good right about now. 5 - Chris Butler, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 4th round (96th overall) The smart, steady rearguard parlayed a fine training camp showing into a very successful rookie season. Paired up with Paul Baier to start the year in Portland, Butler quickly asserted himself as the team's top defender with his two-way proficiency and ability to handle all situations. On December 19th, Butler made his NHL debut, finishing +2 with an assist against Los Angeles to complete a somewhat seamless transition from the NCAA to the NHL. He hasn't looked back since. Smooth and confident, the St. Louis native makes smart passes and doesn't mind skating the puck out of his end. At 6'1, 190 pounds, he's effective at sealing off bodies on the boards and good at tying up sticks near the net. The DU product has solid top-four potential, with sets of both offensive and leadership skills that should assert themselves more and more as the experience builds. 6 - Mike Weber, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 2nd round (57th overall) The physical, stay-at-home Weber made a splash in 2007-08 after posting a +12 during a late-season call to Buffalo as 20-year old rookie. The Pittsburgh native looked poised to make a full-time play as a sophomore, but was sent to Portland out of camp where he endured some ups and downs as the Pirates set sail. Weber earned a brief, two game call in October while still atop the Pirates depth chart. The 6'2, 200-pounder played through pain as the winter months hit before succumbing to a January knee scope. After a few weeks off, Weber would get a one-game tune-up on his healed knee before earning a second trip to Buffalo. He got another five NHL games under his belt until the Sabres returned to health. In March, the OHL product was forced to shut it down for the season with a separated shoulder. Weber's value lays in making safe plays awhile displaying a nasty disposition beneath his circles. As his footwork continues to improve, so does his outlook as a solid NHL depth defender. In the meantime, putting forth a consistent, disciplined effort will make the transition easier while waiting for the opportunity to arise. 7 - Philip Gogulla, LW, Kolner Haie (DEL), 2005 2nd round (48th overall) With leading scorer Ivan Ciernik departing for the KHL, the streaky 6'2 winger needed to be a more consistent scorer this season for Cologne. The fifth-year man responded with offensive bite, posting a career high in goals despite the Sharks abysmal fall from DEL finalist a year ago to second worst team in the league. Gogulla, 21, is big enough, skilled enough, and experienced enough to bring his game to North America in 2009-10. The German's ability to control play by using his size is a ready North American attribute, and his long stride that gets him to finish has added polish. Questions about his desire to make the leap can be back-burnered until after training camp, but absent of contractual issues, there is nothing to be gained by Gogulla staying another year in the DEL. 8 - T.J. Brennan, LHD, Montreal Juniors (QMJHL), 2007 2nd round (31st overall) The move from St. John's to Montreal has seen the New Jersey native take the necessary developmental strides with his defensive game, turning a wanderlust-driven -15 with the Fog Devils in 2007-08 to a plus rating throughout the course of 2008-09 with the Juniors. His goal scoring numbers are down as a result, but his overall value has increased as he gets ready to take his 90 MPH slapper to the AHL next season. A good skater with excellent vision, the six-footer has looked like a more complete, mature player in his third-year of major junior By paying attention to the coaching being offered, he's focusing more on standing up against the rush, and less on driving up ice with puck. As is often the case, talented skating dmen need to be reeled in with a focus on basic defensive fundamentals before their natural skills can be a true team asset. Such has been the case with Brennan, but the process is still ongoing. Brennan is hitting less, but is still a physical presence when he needs to be. The drop in registered hits can be attributed to better positioning and a less aggressive desire to go looking for the contact. However, all one needs to remember is the solid knock that sent Gatineau forward Craig England to the hospital (and Brennan to the pressbox for five games due to its aggressive nature) if they're wondering if there's an instinct in play. 9 - Luke Adam, LW/C, Montreal Juniors (QMJHL), 2008 2nd round (44th overall) At 6'2, 203 pounds,Adam represents the best combination of size and scoring ability in the Sabres prospect rankings. A hard worker with good hands down low, the Newfoundland native was having a successful 2008-09 campaign before shutting it down for the season in mid-February due to a ruptured spleen. The 18-year old uses his body to initiate contact, guard the puck, and gain momentum en route to the net before letting his good hands complete his tasks. Packaged in is a sound defensive player to boot. Upon a clean bill of health, Adam can get back to developing as a bull in a stable full of rabbits. His combination of size and hands were the reason the Sabres drafted him, and intense concentration on improving his skating will make him an instant candidate for NHL duty since Sabres squads of recent years have sorely lacked the big bodied scorer who earns his keep. 10 - Tim Kennedy, C/LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 6th round (181st overall - by WAS) Liking his smarts and creativity, the Sabres converted the quick-footed Kennedy to the pivot spot after a three-year collegiate career as a wing. The experiment has proven successful, as the Michigan State product immediately clicked at the AHL level with his ability to take the puck to the net and find open teammates. Kennedy has quickly taken the next step as a professional, positioning himself for an NHL future as he continues to pile up points as the AHL's leading rookie scorer. The Buffalo native was selected for the AHL All-Star Game but was forced to sit out due to reconstructive dental surgery after taking a high stick to the mouth. Kennedy returned from the injury with a vengeance, scoring 19 points in the following 16 games back. In the first year of a two-year deal, look for the Sabres to make the hometown product a part of their third-line plans once to free agent ins and outs are settled. 11 - Drew Schiestel, LHD, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL), 2007 2nd round (59th overall) With the ability to free-wheel with the puck, the fleeting Schiestel is the best skating defenseman in the Sabres pipeline. The 6'2 Hamiltonian couples his speed with a big slapshot to be one of the OHL's better power play threats from the back end. His puck moving style makes him more of a set-up man, as Schiestel doesn't always look for a coast-to-coast finish. The story changes some at even strength, though. Despite doing a better job tying guys up and holding his ground physically, Schiestel has been among the bottom-10 players in the league in +/- throughout the season, at one point hitting the lowly depths of -25 for the .500 IceDogs. While some of the number can be attributed to excessive minutes with a weak forward cast and perhaps even questionable coaching, the fourth-year man has to be accountable for it being as low as it has gotten. Schiestel will carry on to Portland next season where he'll take advantage of Assistant Coach Eric Weinrich's defensive expertise. Much like Brennan, he will be called upon to stay back more at the next level, as mastering his primary responsibilities will be the key to unlocking a pro-style similar to that of his favorite NHLer, Scott Niedermayer. 12 - Brad Eidsness, G, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2007 5th round (139th overall) Leading the NCAA in minutes played through January, the freshman netminder walked into the starting gig in Grand Forks and demonstrated quick adjustment on the rugged WCHA learning curve. With inconsistency plaguing the Sioux early in the season, Eidsness has battled his way to an impressive 20 wins, earning WCHA Rookie of the Weeks honors three times while hanging among the top-5 in goals against and save percentage all season. The reigning MVP of the Junior "A" AJHL, Eidsness plays a tight butterfly style with quick side-to-side movement, and has penchant for the big save. He's an excellent reader of the developing play, and with better rebound control, the 5'11 backstop has the ability to be a top-tier goaltender in the NCAA ranks as a sophomore. 13 - Marc-Andre Gragnani, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 3rd round (87th overall) Gragnani has settled back on the blueline this season in Portland, where he's continued to make an impression with his offensive-minded game. The talented Montreal product leads all Pirates blueliners in goals and assists, and earned a late January call to an injury-decimated top club. Gragnani is benefiting from being able to focus on one position this season. With an eye for moving the puck, Gragnani is getting better at making the quick, simple decision to advance play out of his end at even strength while being a pivotal power play cog. The strength is present to make an NHL impact, so gaining steady defensive and statistical balance should keep him on the Sabres radar as the team assembles its future core. 14 - Paul Byron, C/W, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), 2007 6th round (179th overall) The slick forward overcame a slow start with new teammates by piling points over an impressive 19-game point streak to become one of the CHL's top players over the winter months. His 2008-09 total through January had already eclipsed his injury-effected finish from last season, and puts the speedy Ottawa native close to becoming the first Sabres prospect to hit the 100-point mark since Dylan Hunter hit triple digits in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Entering January as the Q's 11th leading scorer, Byron used his 22.6 sniping % to put up a pair of hat tricks, including nights of five and seven points, to shoot up to the fourth spot. As Byron came to life, so did his Gatineau club who has played roughly .800 hockey since snapping a 13-game losing streak in November. Byron doesn't limit his game to scoring, for the 5'9, 170-pounder hits and blocks shots with equal aptitude. With the help of the Sabres training staff, Byron's added strength has made him harder to check, affording him more one-on-one wins. The effort, skill, and heart are present, but questions about durability will linger until Byron shows that he can get inside against larger, more physical defenders than he's accustomed to dealing with in the Q. After going undrafted in junior, he climbed out of Junior "B" to become a skilled enough playmaker to get a preliminary look from Team Canada. He's done everything to succeed at this point, and is worth a look to see if he can continue battling effectively while adding 15 additional pounds. 15 - Jordon Southorn, LHD, PEI Rocket (QMJHL), 2008 4th round (104th overall) Anchoring the top pair and #1 power play unit, the 6'2, 200-pounder has blossomed into a top-notch defenseman on the Island this season for the Rocket. The job of leader on a major-junior club has proven to be taxing at times for the 18-year old. Since returning from a team-imposed suspension in October that saw him lose the "A" from his sweater, Southorn has improved his overall play, but still endures stretches of inconsistency that limit his effectiveness. The Pincourt, Quebec native is a fluid skater who uses his body, is very good in transition, and gets his shots through from the left point. The course of the season has seen Southorn sit in the top 10 for points, hits, and shots on goal for QMJHL defensemen. With another season of Q hockey in the forecast, the mid-rounder has a pro-style toolkit that looks to be in a great developmental position. 16 - Marek Zagrapan, C, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 1st round (13th overall) Zagrapan's skill level continues to keep him lingering on the fringe of Sabres prospect relevance. Expectations are always high for first round draft picks, and the Slovakian has yet to hit his potential. Now 22 in the final year of his first deal, Zagrapan is still one of the more inconsistent prospects in the Sabres stable from an effort standpoint despite an ironic career statline (junior seasons of 82 and 85 points, and ppg averages of .54, .53, and .54 through his first three AHL years). The song remains the same. Excellent vision, quick jump, and good raw skills are there, but inconsistency in paying the price have somewhat stalled his overall development. It can't be encouraging to see rookies Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy, both of similar age to Zagrapan, get calls to Buffalo along with Mark Mancari. Like what will happen with Ennis, a late birth date put Zagrapan into the AHL during his second post-draft season, whereas other members of his class are pro rookies or collegiate seniors. There have been two streaks over the past seasons where Zagrapan seemed on the cusp of getting a look, but for the most part, the pivot has yet to earn a call to Buffalo despite the belief that he may raise his level of play against better competition. 17 - Dennis Persson, LHD, Timra IK Red Eagles (SEL), 2006 1st round (24th overall) Staying in the SEL with Timra after a 2007-08 split between Djurgarden and second division Nykopings, Persson has seen more time with the Eagles this season. His time-on-ice average has spiked to over 12:00 a night, up from an unacceptable 7:22 while part of a crowded DIK bunch last season. However, the bottom pair minutes have mostly been the result of injuries to others and not necessarily a reward for good play. Dents of his own have hindered Persson's overall impact. He took a puck in the face early in the season, and also missed time at other points due to illness and a separated shoulder. Developmentally the season has been somewhat of a challenge, but Persson has fared positively when given opportunities. The Sabres bought time with the two-year deal over the summer, and while an obvious need for North American exposure is present, it may be appropriate to root the young defenseman in Sweden for one more season if Timra wants to re-sign him. 18 - Alex Biega, RHD, Harvard Crimson (ECAC), 2006 5th round (147th overall) An engaged, all-situations defenseman, Biega leads the Crimson charge at both ends of his ice. The assistant captain gets good leverage with his 5'11, 205-pound frame, and gets the puck to the net nightly as evidenced by his 80+ shots on goal. The next closest defenseman on his team has just 30 through February. The Montreal native is a great skater who has learned to pull back,while continuing to use his feet to force plays in his own end. The steady, mature game has made him a Hobey Baker candidate as a junior, and the current plan calls for a return to Cambridge as a senior where he'll form a family trio with junior-to-be Michael, and incoming freshman, Danny. 19 - Corey Tropp, RW, Michigan State Spartans (CCHA), 2007 3rd round (89th overall) Corey Tropp and the Michigan State Spartans were enduring trying times even before the sophomore decided to temporarily shorten his "student/athlete" tag. Earlier in the season, a bout with mono knocked the right wing out of commission for a few weeks, all but killing any chance he had to skate for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. Then the clincher came in January when Tropp, along with Andrew Conboy, were both exiled from the program after an on-ice attack on Michigan's Steve Kampfer. With hopes of reinstatement prior to his junior season, NCAA eligibility rules prevented Tropp from finishing 2008-09 with Sioux Falls of the USHL. Tropp has modest finishing skills, a good release, and the willingness to mix it up to maintain his edge. His skill set combined with a solid work ethic makes him a middle-line prospect once he's able to resume his game experience. 20 - Corey Fienhage, RHD, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2008 3rd round (81st overall) Unlike his Sioux teammate Eidsness, Fienhage did not enjoy a developmental season of Junior "A" before hitting the collegiate ranks. Thought to be heading to Indiana (USHL) in 2008-09, Taylor Chorney's early departure to the Edmonton Oilers opened up the scholarship spot for the 6'3, 214-pound Fienhage to enter college immediately. The jump from Minnesota high school to the WCHA takes some time, and Fienhage, 18, has struggled some with the pace of the game. Stout and aggressive with good foot speed, the athletic rearguard still made a rugged statement with 28 PIM in his nine appearances. The encouraging sign is the nature of the calls - six roughing minors, one high stick, one check from behind, a misconduct from a fight, and another for interference. He wasn't intimidated, and he wasn't taking hooking and tripping calls as one would expect from an inexperienced defender. Aside from Weber, the former high school safety's fierce demeanor represents the best option for toughness in the Sabres pipeline. So while on the surface the WCHA freshman may appear to be a disappointment to most Sabre fans, a season of limited exposure while letting the pace marinate in practice was almost foreseeable. Dressing in roughly a quarter of his teams contests, the rookie has earned the praise of coaches with his continued hard work in practices. 21 - Mike Kostka, RHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), undrafted free agent Signed after a successful career at Massachusetts, Kostka, 23, has brought a seasoned defensive element to the Pirates blueline in year one. One of three rookies in Portland to start the year, Kostka acquitted himself nicely as he was thrust into monster minutes when injuries mounted up in the winter months. The 6'2, 210-pounder has handled the high-paced transition with ease, carving out a reputation as one of the hardest workers on the farm to limit the usual rookie mistakes. Calm with puck, his strong skating game is marked by safe plays, making him a consistent plus player throughout the course of the year. Strong enough to hold his own yet not overly aggressive, Kostka is good with his stick defensively but can also be an effective point man when applying pressure offensively. The work being put in on the farm has been noticed, making Kostka a firm support player for the foreseeable future. 22 - Jacob Lagacé, LW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL), 2008 5th round (134th overall) Lagacé showed up to play in his first post-draft season, leading the Sagueneens in goals and points all season long. In addition to being the offensive pace-setter, he's also been the Sags' top two-way forward. The 5'11 winger gets pucks to the net, grinds out penalties, and is generally noticeable even when he's not scoring by working hard on every shift. His work ethic is best illustrated by his being among the league leaders with five short-handed goals. He's not overpowering, but is best described as a persistent battler with finish. A leader who can capitalize on his opportunities, Lagacé has the skating, low center of gravity, and crafty hands to develop into a role player (3rd/4th) with some solid AHL work. 23 - Felix Schütz, C, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 4th round (117th overall) A two-way checker with good offensive skills, the QMJHL product returned to North American after taking DEL Rookie of the Year honors with Ingolstadt in 2007-08. Schütz has brought smarts and craftiness in his initial AHL foray, compiling 10 points (5+5) in November to assert himself as a solid support player for the Pirates. With a few ramp up years in the AHL, Schütz's two-way coolness projects him to be a middle-line depth player. At 5'11, 187 pounds, Schütz isn't a banger, but his hard-nosed, competitive instinct provides a solid foundation to work off of moving forward. Keeping a pesky edge to his game will eventually earn increased minutes and a greater role as the development cycle continues for the 21-year old German. 24 - Mark Mancari, RW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 7th round (207th overall) The big-bodied Mancari has continued to be an effective clean-up hitter at the AHL level, getting himself into position to lead the Pirates in scoring with a point-per-game pace. Now 23 in his fourth AHL season, the Sabres would like to see his emotion equal his production, as he too often lets the action come to him instead of taking it to his opponent. At 6'4, 225 pounds, Mancari has a big shot with a nice touch for rebounds around the net. Despite the numbers, Sabres brass seems more intrigued by the creative efforts of first-year players Gerbe and Kennedy as more viable options moving forward. Mancari has maxed his tools at the AHL level, and looks to be an up-and-down journeyman type of player who may need a different situation to succeed in the NHL. 25 - Matt Generous, RHD, St. Lawrence Saints (ECAC), 2005 7th round (208th overall) An anchor on the Saints blueline, Generous has proven to be one of the more underrated players on the depth chart since his drafting. With shoulder issues set aside, the Cheshire, CT native returned as a senior leader to post a career high seven goals on 54 shots. Good on both sides of special teams, Generous has a 6'3, 200-pound frame built for the pro game and the skating and physical ability to succeed. A decorated scholar athlete, the senior stalwart has never been a healthy scratch in his four years at SLU, and while working under the tutilige of former Sabres property Mike Hurlbut, looks like a steady organizational depth player once his degree is earned. Clouding the picture is a sprained MCL suffered in his final regular season weekend that could throw caution to the wind depending on the severity. Nick Crawford, LHD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL), 2008 6th round (164th overall) Forming a solid back end unit with T.J. Brodie (CAL), Adam Comrie (FLA), and highly touted netminder Eddie Pasquale ('09), Crawford quietly assumes his role with a mobile, stay-at-home style in his third OHL season. The 6'1 product of the Don Mills Flyers has leveraged his excellent passing skills and power play opportunities into a career offensive year by doubling his 20-point output from 2007-08. Adding 10-15 pounds of muscle will be on the agenda for the next two seasons to help win more battles and gain stronger puck control. With a return to Saginaw clearly in the cards for 2009-10, working on his shooting while pushing a more aggressive tone will put the mild mannered defenseman in a better professional posture. Andrew Orpik, RW, Boston College Eagles (Hockey East), 2005 7th overall (227th overall) The senior checker continues to lead by grinding, all the while chipping in the occasional point with a career high output. After executing as one third of a tight forechecking unit that helped BC to a 2007-08 national title, Orpik was again placed with Kyle Kucharski and Matt Lombardi to form what on most nights is the most consistent, energetic line for the Eagles. Kucharski has been especially good for the Eagles this season, and his linemates have held their own around him. Orpik became a healthy scratch for one game during a post-holiday slid, but it was questioned to be more of a motivational tactic by Jerry York to spur his club than it was punishment of one of his senior leaders for one miscue or lazy penalty as is usually the case on Chestnut Hill. The E. Amherst, NY native had a good conditioning camp over the summer, scoring goals down low in scrimmages while forcing the opposing carrier to make quick decisions. Continuing to skate through his hits will be the key to employing his 6'3, 215-pound body at the AHL level for the next few seasons. J.S. Allard, LW/C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL), 2007 5th round (147th overall) The centerpiece of the trade that sent Angelo Esposito back to Montreal, Allard has had an off statistical year on a loaded Remparts roster while shifting from center to wing. Surrounded by the talents of Mikhail Stefanovich (TOR), Kelsey Tessier (COL), Dmitri Kugryshev (WAS), and former Sabres property Benjamin Breault, Allard was put into position to demonstrate growth over his .90 points per game in 2007-08 with St. John's, but instead failed to surge past the 60 point benchmark. Still, his playmaking skills and overall team play make him an attractive player to develop for the middle lines in Portland. Replacing some finesse with a little more attitude could build up some confidence for the heady forward. To date, the 19-year old has averaged .5 hits per game whereas a player like Lagacé is around one per outing. Allard was knocked out with facial injury on the first day of training camp, and it's easy to think that it has effected his willingness to get his hands dirty. Better positioning would lead to more consistent numbers, but regardless, Allard has yet to take that next step toward finishing plays with authority. Justin Jokinen, RW, Minnesota State Mavericks (CCHA), 2008 4th round (101st overall) The youngest player on the Mavericks roster, Jokinen, 18, will need some physical maturation to his 6'3, 180-pound frame before making any sort of impact in Mankato. The Minnesota high school product has been in and out of the lineup for the majority of his freshman year while his older, stronger teammates held down regular roster spots against the bigger skaters of the WCHA. Jokinen did score the game winning goal in the season opener, one of two goals scored through February, but the need for a smarter two-way adjustment has been present. Hard work in the weight room while building better chemistry with his teammates should go a long way towards Jokinen's skill coming to the forefront next season. The growing frame and base talents are apparent, so being receptive to coaching should help translate his skating and shooting skills to the higher level of competition. Drew MacKenzie, LHD, University of Vermont Catamounts, 2007 7th round (209th overall) Unlike Fienhage, the 6'2, 200-pound Mackenzie took a developmental season with the defense factory in Waterloo (USHL) to better prepare for battle in competitive Hockey East, and the move paid off. A stay-at-home type with good eyes up ice, MacKenzie has been a left-side mainstay in the Catamounts lineup, eating quality minutes while earning time on the power play unit. A February bout with mononucleosis put MacKenzie on the shelf for the regular season stretch run. At the time of illness, the Taft alum was +1 with three assists in 24 games. Playing as a 20-year old freshman, the Connecticut native looks like a shutdown guy in the making as the Cats carry on their strong tradition. Vjacheslav Buravchikov, LHD, Ak-Bars Kazan, 2005 6th round (191st overall) The 21-year old Russian has taken the next step during his fourth elite league season with Kazan. Maturing into a steady defenseman who can move the puck, the youngest regular on the team has logged career highs in points and minutes while making making fewer mistakes overall. He's become quite confident with the puck, and is getting more shots through from the point. With Ak Bars finishing as the #2 team in the KHL's inaugural regular season, the experience of playing for a winning organization will bode well if the 6'1, 186-pounder decides to try his game on North American soil in the coming years. For now, any thoughts surrounding Buravchikov's contract status can be ignored until one party shows an interest in the other, or until a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia comes into play. Nick Eno, G, Bowling Green Falcons (CCHA), 2007 7th round (187th overall) The Sabres' high ankle blues started in Bowling Green this past fall, as Eno was on the shelf into 2009 due to a sprain of his own suffered in the Falcons opening week of practice. Still a tad limber, Eno returned for his first action against Ohio State on January 9th, but did little to spark the last-place Falcons. Through February, the sophomore went winless in six appearances. The 6'3 stopper covers a lot of net, and while not particularly crisp, he moves well for a big goalie. In the last edition of the top 20, Eno's puck handling was pointed out as something he could improve and it appears to have been addressed. The Michigan native managed an assist in two of his first three starts. Dylan Hunter, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 9th round (273rd overall) Hunter continues to bean adequate contributor in the AHL, playing center and wing as needed for most of his three professional seasons. Hunter, who missed an early chunk of the season after taking a puck to the foot, possesses solid vision to create and finish, but comes up short as a skater in terms of taking it to the next level. For now, the 23 year-old looks to be an AHL support player until he finds a higher gear and more regular goal production. Derek Whitmore, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), undrafted free agent Another product of the Sabres attention to the college game, Whitmore has been a pleasant contributor in his first AHL season. Signing after his senior year at Bowling Green, the 24-year old has been a steady worker as he tries to find his scoring groove at the pro level. The 5'11 wing is strong on his skates as he enters corners and heads to the front of the net to create activity, and looks to provide organizational depth while putting the pieces of a pro game together on nightly basis. Mike Funk, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 2nd round (43rd overall) The 21-year old defender ran into some bad luck in 2008-09, being limited to just 13 games after a pair of concussions derailed his season. After getting knocked on to the injury list with his first concussion in training camp, the Portland Winter Hawk product was cleared for a return to action in November. The 6'4, 210-pounder had a goal and two assists before getting viciously hit from behind on December 6th by Lowell's Ansii Salmela. The second serious blow to the head put his season on ice, and Funk has yet to return to skating. Prior to the season's developments, Funk appeared on the road to being retained past his entry deal. Adam Dennis, G, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 6th round (182nd overall) The 24-year old Dennis was further cementing himself as solid organizational depth option before a mid-December hip flexor forced surgery and a shut down to the season. Dennis stops the puck, but has neither the reflexes or quickness to make an NHL run. He does have a winning pedigree going back to juniors that allows for good experience in an AHL landscape that is more developmental than ever before. Mike Card, RHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 8th round (241st overall) Returning from two serious concussions in 2007-08, Card looked to have made some progress while skating at the Sabres summer camp. He was moving well in preparation for his third pro season, even dangling a bit in scrimmages while making crisp passes out of his end. After a run through training camp, the Kelowna product skated to a +3 through 13 games in Portland before being concussed again in November. The defenseman would briefly return nearly two months later, lasting just six games before shutting it down with lingering post-concussion symptoms. Now 23 with a series of head injuries, the future isn't looking all that bright for the once promising rearguard. The precipitous slide down the rankings in the final year of his deal leaves many a fan wondering how much longer he'll be appearing on the list.