Buffalo Sabres Prospects Top 20 Rankings - Fall 2008

The Fall Top 20 sees some reshuffling across the board, as a new name supplants Jhonas Enroth as the Sabres top prospect. Kudos to the Buffalo Sabres scouting department for their assembly of future talent. This edition of the list sees improved positional balance, as a few key areas of need were addressed in the June draft. The team welcomed eight players from the class of '08, getting bigger, quicker, tougher, and more offensively skilled in the process. Three of the players picked over the summer - Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, and Luke Adam - find themselves in the top half of the list heading into 2008-09. The Top 20 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 18-23.

The Sabres prospect depth chart at a glance:

The Top 20 1) Tyler Myers - D 2) Nathan Gerbe - F 3) Jhonas Enroth - G 4) Tyler Ennis - F 5) Chris Butler - D 6) Mike Weber - D 7) TJ Brennan - D 8) Luke Adam - F 9) Drew Schiestel - D 10) Philip Gogulla - F 11) Marc-Andre Gragnani - F 12) Marek Zagrapan - F 13) Tim Kennedy - F 14) Paul Byron - F 15) Corey Tropp - F 16) Brad Eidsness - G 17) Dennis Persson - D 18) Corey Fienhage - D 19) Felix Schutz - F 20) Mike Funk - D

1) Tyler Myers, RHD, Kelowna Rockets (WHL), 2008 1st round (12th overall) It's not everyday that the opportunity comes along to draft a player of Myers' potential. A gliding skater, his 6'8 frame offers ideal reach for a defenseman while his physical side continues to ramp up. Five years of blending in a defensive understanding after developing as a forward have given the Sabres a potential steadying force from the backend as the stockpiling of defensemen continues. Myers isn't nasty by nature and WHL opposition is sure to test his composure in 2008-09. This will especially be the case if Rockets teammate Luke Schenn sticks with Toronto to start the NHL season. Either way, a professional training camp can do wonders for an 18-year old who's still finding his physical comfort zone. Myers seems fit for the challenge and should be considered a favorite to fill out Team Canada's blueline for the 2009 World Junior Championships. The word of the day is potential. If Myers hits his top end, he'll be a top-pairing defenseman that opposing teams will be unable to neutralize. Even if he's not there yet, the package is enough to edge out Nathan Gerbe as the Sabres #1 prospect heading into 2008-09. 2) Nathan Gerbe, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 5th round (142nd overall) The darling of this summer's development camp, the 5'6 Gerbe displayed his explosive skills throughout in preparation of his first NHL training camp this fall. The mini-dynamo packs a tenacious desire to get shots on goal, and his superior foot speed should allow him space to excel at the next level. Like Myers, Gerbe is a unique talent, and should be considered a certain top-6 forward in the NHL. Furthermore, this may very well his last appearance on this list. Gerbe's size is of no concern. The 21-year old slasher played with a brass set while piling up 70 goals over three seasons with Boston College, and the thought of backing down doesn't enter his mind. Feisty, fast, and fun to watch, Gerbe is a cut above the rest of Buffalo's forward crop with his game-breaking package and fearless attitude. Last spring, the Hobey Baker runner-up and Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player scored a goal and an assist against Sweden in an exhibition skate with Team USA in preparation for the IIHF World Championships. It is possible that roster numbers alone could send the Oxford, MI native to Portland to start the 2008-09 season, but it won't be long before the NHL realizes that the little guy who dominated college hockey can compete with the world's best as well. The nod to Myers over Gerbe is not about draft position, as there were a few '08 first rounders that would not beat Gerbe out for the top spot. It's more about what Myers represents at the ripening age of 18. While Gerbe has easily been the most impressive, most productive prospect over the past twelve months, he didn't immediately project to the extent that Myers currently does at the same age. Both should be excellent pros. 3) Jhonas Enroth, G, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 2nd round (46th overall) After leading the SEL in goals against average and save percentage in 2007-08 with SSK, the 20-year old Enroth will start laying groundwork for a North American career with Portland of the AHL this season. The 5'10 netminder brings sharp technique and agility to the crease, and his mind and attitude are poised for NHL duty in the not-too-distant future. Before he hits NHL goals, Enroth will need to adjust not only to the angles of tighter North American rinks, but also the more pressing down low game that the AHL and NHL present. With Ryan Miller cemented long term and Patrick Lalime in the fold for two years, the competitive Enroth can take his foot off the gas pedal as he enters the fray. He'll likely pull the lion's share of starts for the Pirates, and will only see time with Buffalo if something out of the ordinary occurs. Quick, skillful, and dedicated to North American hockey, his slip to #3 is not a reflection of anything negative, but rather what has taken place around him. 4) Tyler Ennis, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), 2008 1st round (26th overall) Like Gerbe before him, the 5'9 Ennis employs a fearless approach that he uses to make things happen on nearly every shift. The flow of the WHL is the least "open" of the three CHL leagues, yet Ennis cuts through the grind to be a dominant figure with his agility and puck skills. Last season, the Edmonton native rode seven multi-goal games en route to racking up a total of 43 for the Tigers. The WHL hasn't seen a 50-goal scorer since Justin Keller in 2005-06, and Ennis may very well be the next. Hitting the half-century mark could become more difficult if he's tabbed for Team Canada at the 2009 World Juniors. Being one of the better forwards at camp, it's reasonable to suggest that his sweater is already stitched, causing him to miss four or five games in additional to those missed while in Buffalo. Fifty goals or not, it's one and done for Ennis in the WHL. He tough, skilled, and already exudes an aura of professionalism on and off the ice. He'll be eligible for AHL play in 2009-10, and there's not much sense in letting his talent fester in juniors. 5) Chris Butler, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 4th round (96th overall) Butler enters his first professional season with the makings of a dynamic NHL contributor. Smart and mobile, the St. Louis native bulked up while developing into an all-situations player over his shortened three-year stint with Denver (WCHA). His growth as a defenseman included a bevy of blocked shots, a favorable +/- rating, and key minutes on both sides of special teams play. "Buts" likes to contribute offensively, wisely picking spots to use an extra gear to get up-ice. Among the defensive prospects, the 6'1, 200-pounder gives Andrej Sekera a run for his money in terms of being the most complete backend package. As a byproduct of the Teppo Numminen re-signing, look for a Portland pairing of Butler and Mike Weber as the seeds get planted for the Sabres next shutdown pair. 6) Mike Weber, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 2nd round (57th overall) The second half of the proposed combo with Butler, Weber earned scores of fans when he was thrust into NHL duty midway through his first pro season. His simple play proved effective, and his physical nature addressed an area of concern on the Sabres blueline. Where the Teppo Numminen re-signing should have an effect on the slick Andrej Sekera, the Craig Rivet deal should do wonders for the lunch bucket toting Weber. Weber, 20, is likely off to Portland unless he outperforms Sekera in training camp. While the argument can be made that he is ready for prime time, there's no doubt that his leadership and toughness will be appreciated by his Pirates teammates. 7) TJ Brennan, LHD, Montreal Juniors (QMJHL), 2007 2nd round (31st overall) Brennan carried on his strong close to the season, showing marked improvement over the summer by standing guys up while focusing less on jumping into the offense. He certainly will continue skating the puck, but keeping that club in his bag more often offers the best building block towards a professional career. The Sabres will have little concern if he maintains the 41 points per season he has put up thus far. It's the plus/minus improvement they're looking for, and the package is there to make it happen. The New Jersey native's best asset is still his rifle from the point. Watching him skate into a 90+ MPH blast over the summer was truly a treat, and knowing that he finds spots to use it in game action made it even better. 8) Luke Adam, C, Montreal Juniors (QMJHL), 2008 2nd round (44th overall) Needing a banging scorer down low, the Sabres looked east to Newfoundland to get their guy. Luke Adam turned 18 years old the week of the draft, and already stands at 6'2, 203 pounds. Couple in the fact that he scored 36 goals last season in the QMJHL, and the Sabres have themselves a bullish forward who should fill nets aplenty over the next two QMJHL seasons. Like Ennis, reaching the 50-goal milestone is within reason for the third-year man. Adam has few detractors, and for good reason. He goes hard every shift, keeps his stick on the ice, and knows how to use his body. Overlooked while developing on "The Rock", Adam is sure to be a more well-known commodity as major junior hockey returns to Montreal for the first time since 2003. 9) Drew Schiestel, LHD, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL), 2007 2nd round (59th overall) The Hamilton native returns to Niagara (OHL) where he'll shoulder a greater load whether Alex Pietrangelo sticks with the Blues or not. Workmanlike in his 6'2, 190-pound frame, the defender worked his way through ups and downs in early 2007-08, ultimately steadying himself in the winter months with a good attitude and sound defensive play to justify his 59th slot in the 2007 draft. Schiestel has a set of wheels that he'll use to rush the puck more often this season. Like many rearguards his age, limiting giveaways will be a key developmental component moving forward. He's stronger, more physical, and more responsible than he was a year ago, and can no longer be considered one of the OHL's most underrated players. Consider him a no-brainer signing after the season. 10) Philip Gogulla, LW, Kolner Haie (DEL), 2005 2nd round (48th overall) Gogulla has the makings of an excellent two-way player, but for now the Sabres will wait for his full committment to a North American career. Adding size and muscle to his long stride, the winger was a key cog for the DEL's Haie in 2007-08, more than doubling his previous year's production with 44 points (11-33-44). The 6'2, 198-pounder looked poised to exercise his contract with the Sabres when he gelled with Marek Zagrapan and Nathan Gerbe at this summer's development camp. Upon return to Germany however, he revealed that he'd be skating in the DEL for a fifth season in 2008-09. With rumors of some DEL clubs (including Cologne) looking to jump to the newly formed KHL at some point, it's possible that the allure of a more competitive (and lucrative) landscape closer to home keeps him there for an extended period. 11) Marc-Andre Gragnani, LW/D, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 3rd round (87th overall) Kick-started by a move to LW, the QMJHL product countered an abysmal +/- by posting a team-high 38 assists in his first season with Rochester. His positional flip-flopping a la Mark Streit and Christoph Schubert has been well documented at this point, but his optimum value lays up front. The Montreal native was kept back as a defenseman through most of the summer conditioning camp, and is likely to see plently of power play time from the Pirates blueline. He's a sharp puck mover who, with more intensity and less nonchalance, has enough offensive upside to crack an NHL lineup one day regardless of position. 12) Marek Zagrapan, C, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 1st round (13th overall) The Slovakian center enters the final frame of his three-year deal after a season of flat statistical growth, and a summer that saw him skate in a KHL camp with Spartak Moscow. It was a tough 2007-08 all the way around in Rochester (Zagrapan was a -22), and the lack of veteran leadership did very little towards putting the nifty passer in a position to succeed. A bulked-up Zagrapan will look to strike chemistry with Nathan Gerbe as the Sabres try matching their top farm pivot with a complementary scorer in their first season in Portland. There is still time for Zagrapan to get it clicking, and there's reason to think he'll get a look at some point from the Sabres this season as they assess the future of the former first round pick. Zagrapan has the vision and the kick to play in the NHL. As written here before, his success is built on finding consistency. 13) Tim Kennedy, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 6th round (181st overall - by WAS) After leading Michigan State in scoring the past two seasons, the 22-year old Buffalo native signed a two-year contract in June. Kennedy doesn't have blazing speed, but he's nifty in traffic and has been a quality finisher since his days at Timon/St. Jude. Nearly half of the 38 goals that Kennedy scored over the past two seasons came on the power play. Special teams proficiency is needed on the farm, but being a solid two-way contributor will be the key to unlocking his NHL potential. The 5'10 forward will continue his development in Portland, where he immediately improves Buffalo's AHL scoring depth. Maintaining his tendencies against stronger, faster players could earn the hometown product good standing on the emergency call-up pecking order by mid-season. 14) Paul Byron, C, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), 2007 6th round (179th overall) Perhaps the fastest skater in the QMJHL, the buzzing Byron has set the stage to be one of junior hockey's premier goal scorers in 2008-09. Paired with Flyers prospect Claude Giroux (51 pts), the 5'8 Byron piled up 21 goals in 19 games last spring as Gatineau staked the QMJHL's spot in the Memorial Cup. With Giroux gone, Byron is the prime engine for first-year coach Mario Richer. Being zeroed-in on by opposing checkers is nothing new to the speedster, so his statistical success this season will be built more on how well he manages his supporting cast. Byron is a proven junior star with his speed and scoring instincts, and his pro projection is relative to how well his undersized frame reacts to being targeted physically. Expect to hear his name in early season trade talks as teams look to acquire known scoring commodities. 15) Corey Tropp, RW, Michigan State Spartans (CCHA), 2007 3rd round (89th overall) Collegiate scorers often demonstrate significant growth in their sophomore year. Ex-Spartan Tim Kennedy saw a 24-point increase in year two, while Nathan Gerbe enjoyed a 30-point bump at BC. Kennedy is an especially good measuring stick for gauging Tropp's progress. Both put up similar numbers in their two USHL seasons, and were used in similar capacities as Spartan freshmen. After netting six goals and 17 total points last season, the bar has been set for Tropp to at least add 20 in 2008-09. With six of their top-10 scorers gone, Tropp will have ample ice time to brew offense with a fresh set of linemates. A stronger Tropp will naturally become more physical this year, helping him win battles to use his quick release. A hot start for Rick Comley's squad should further his case to represent Team USA at the World Juniors after making a good impression this summer in Lake Placid. 16) Brad Eidsness, G, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2007 5th round (139th overall) MVP of the competitive AJHL a season ago, the gifted netminder moved to Grand Forks over the summer in preparation for his freshman year with the Sioux. Eidsness, 19, is quick, agile, and does a good job of anticipating play in preparation of each shooter. He made some impressive stops at the summer development camp, and will immediately get a shot at beating out senior Aaron Walski and 21-year old freshman Graeme Harrington for NoDak's #1 goaltending spot. 17) Dennis Persson, LHD, Timra IK Red Eagles (SEL), 2006 1st round (24th overall) The 6'1 defenseman earned a contract from Buffalo in June despite a pair of frustrating post-draft seasons in Sweden. Persson began last season in a limited role with Djurgardens (SEL) blueline, but was later dispatched to Nykoping of second tier HockeyAllsvenskan. Things appear to be on an upswing for the Swede, as he will remain in Europe in hopes of solidifying a top-six spot with Timra. A sound skater who sees the ice well, Persson showed a knack for jumping to the net at development camp. A fresh start with increased ice time should better his defensive play and decision making, ultimately setting the table for a move to North America in 2009-10. 18) Corey Fienhage, RHD, North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA), 2008 3rd round (81st overall) A stay-at-home type with high upside, Fienhage appeared to be heading to the USHL for a developmental season, but will instead join fellow freshman Ben Blood in bringing an element of toughness to the Sioux blueline corps. The Minnesota native offers a desirous blend of quick feet and a rugged edge, but will have to play his way into the lineup with seven quality defenders in the mix. Fienhage played safety for the Eastview High football team, and that mentality spills over to the ice. After Weber, the 6'3, 214-pounder is the Sabres best developmental option when it comes to patroling the backend with a crease clearing attitude and limited offensive capabilities. 19) Felix Schutz, C, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2006 4th round (117th overall) The 5'11 Schutz is a crafty player who looks to have benefitted from a season of pro hockey in the DEL. The German forward compiled 12 goals and 25 points to earn Rookie of the Year honors with Ingolstadt, and has the makings of an efficient two-way player as a North American professional. We like his checking ability, and he knows what to do when the puck hits his stick. A veteran of international competition, Schutz projects as a third liner in the NHL. He adds a sneaky ingredient to the Pirates mix, and could position himself favorably on the call-up list by leveraging his experience and smarts early on. 20) Mike Funk, LHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 2nd round (43rd overall) Not yet a mark for the Sabres top-six, Funk has steadily grown into a support role with better decision making and a physical spike over his first two AHL seasons. The 22-year old, who has earned brief call-ups in each of his two campaigns, enters the final year of his contract looking to stabilize an inexperienced Pirate blueline with added strength and smart first passes. By continuing to make safe plays, the British Columbia native will remain in the mix and likely get tendered a qualifying offer next summer. Plenty of others have the talent to bang their way into the Top 20. Here's a glimpse at the rest of the Sabres developmental chips. Alex Biega, RHD, Harvard Crimson (ECAC), 2006 5th round (147th overall) Fast, aware, and strong on his feet, Biega will wear the "A" for an emerging Harvard squad as a junior in 2008-09. The Quebec native has elements of Trevor Daley to his game when comparing body type, skating ability, and puck movement. Biega's differentiator is his booming slapshot, which he's used to average 20 points through his first two years in Cambridge. The 5'11, 205-pound defenseman is a prime candidate for a contract when his college days are done. His style supports a professional flow, and he has the leverage to compete physically. His overall value will rise once he shows what he can do against better competition. We anticipate a smooth transition, but the talented blueliner sits at #21 until it takes place. Justin Jokinen, RW, Minnesota State Mavericks (CCHA), 2008 4th round (101st overall) At 6'3, 180 pounds, Jokinen is a lanky, flashy playmaker with good finish. Jokinen should thrive with the Mavericks once he's able to move back to his natural spot down the right side. He scored a total of 90 points over his final two high school seasons, but only 39 of those came while manning a center spot as a senior. While there is no doubting his swift skating and overall scoring package, the Sabres are hoping that his strength and defensive awareness are addressed during his time in Mankato. His frame has a lot of real estate to develop. He's at least eight inches taller than Gerbe, yet he weighed the same 165 pounds when drafted. Continuing to get bigger over the next 18 months (he's already gained 15 pounds since June) could go a long way towards translating Jokinen's game into a professional platform. The sky is the limit once his strength catches up to his skating and skill, and his current ranking could very well be higher if he was able to be evaluated with his peers at the summer camp. Mike Kostka, RHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), undrafted free agent Undrafted in his eligible years, the former University of Massachusetts captain was scooped up at the close of his senior season. Kostka has a solid pro build at 6'2, 210 pounds, and plays a smart two-way game. A native of Ajax, Ontario, the smooth skating defender isn't overly physical, but is strong and responsible in his own end. He'll play in the AHL in 2008-09, where he'll hope to see time on special teams after leading all NCAA defensemen with seven power play goals last season. Jordon Southorn, LHD, PEI Rocket (QMJHL), 2008 4th round (104th overall) The Quebec native will remain in PEI for two more years where he'll be counted on to guide a shaky Rocket blueline. Standing 6'2 and closing in on 200 pounds, Southorn can easily hit the 41-point mark that T.J. Brennan has achieved in his past two Q seasons after posting 31 in his draft year. As the physical and defensive attributes start to emerge, keep an eye on the rearguard as he has the makings of a sleeper in waiting. Jean-Simon Allard, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL), 2007 5th round (147th overall) Uncertainty surrounding a jaw injury coupled with an influx of drafted talent drops Allard out of the fall top 20. The centerpiece of an offseason deal that sent Angelo Esposito to Montreal, Allard recently started skating after getting hit up high on the first day of Remparts camp. The 6'3, 192-pound forward posted a career best 60 points last season and will be set-up nicely on Quebec's second line once fully healed. Despite his upward offensive production as a junior, Allard will need to pay a higher price in the corners and on the way to the net to reach his full NHL potential. Nick Eno, G, Bowling Green Falcons (CCHA), 2007 7th round (187th overall) When Josh Unice opted to forego his NCCA eligibility to play for Kitchener (OHL), Eno walked into a scholarship and immediately paid dividends for the Falcons with 12 wins in 21 starts. A member of the 2007-08 CCHA All-Rookie team, the 6'3 Eno will again begin the season sharing the crease with Flames prospect Jimmy Spratt, but is likely to emerge as "the guy" once he secures a few W's against quality opponents. He was pleasantly consistent as a freshman, and with three more years of development, has plenty of time to backstop his way back into the top 20. Mark Mancari, RW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 7th round (207th overall) Despite leading the Amerks in scoring and being named an AHL All-Star, the 6'4, 225-pound Mancari actually saw his production dip in 2007-08. Expect his point totals to increase this season though, as veterans have been assigned to Portland, allowing the fourth-year man to simply play without taking on the role of leader. Mancari will linger around the Sabres final cuts, but he projects to be nothing more than an injury gap filler for the top club. Instead, he'll be a nice transition player on his second contract while forwards like Gerbe, Kennedy, Schutz, and Whitmore navigate their way through their first professional seasons. Derek Whitmore, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), undrafted free agent Like Kostka, the Rochester, NY native inked a free agent deal with the Sabres following a four year collegiate career. The 5'11 Whitmore is a natural goal scorer, finding the back of the net 70 times in a Bowling Green uniform. The 23-year old rookie will play in the AHL for the foreseeable future, adding some finish to an AHL grouping that produced the least amount of goals in the league last season. Andrew Orpik, RW, Boston College Eagles (Hockey East), 2005 7th overall (227th overall) The 6'3 forward will return to the maroon and gold for his senior season in 2008-09 after a seven goal, 13 point campaign as a junior. An effective checker, Orpik teamed with Matt Lombardi and Kyle Kucharski to compise a key grinding element to BC's national title run last season. Skating may hold him back some, but we like his responsible play and overall make-up enough to put him in the mix to get a deal after the season. Matt Generous, RHD, St. Lawrence Saints (ECAC), 2005 7th round (208th overall) The two-way anchor of the St. Lawrence blueline returns for his senior season of ECAC hockey in 2008-09. A +18 through his first three stanzas, the mobile New Englander has battled shoulder issues since late last year, but will ready to go when the Saints hit the ice for fall practice. Another in a long line of steady, adequately physical rearguards in the pipeline, the 6'2, 195-pounder could provide future AHL depth once his college days are done. Jacob Lagacé, LW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL), 2008 5th round (134th overall) Lagacé proved a solid offensive contributor in his first Q season with 23 goals and 62 points. With Francis Pare graduated from the Q, the pressure will be on Lagacé and fellow 2008 draft picks Nicolas Deschamps and Joel Champagne to carry the offensive load for the Sagueneens. His 5'11, 190-pound frame allows him to play a physical, puck-control style in juniors. Continuing to grind his way to the net to produce offense will go a long way toward earning a look from the Sabres two summers from now. Mike Card, RHD, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 8th round (241st overall) Card appears to be fully healed after back-to-back concussions ended his 2007-08 season midstream. The 6'1 showed steady defensive awareness and puck control skills reminsinscent of his WHL days at this summer's conditioning camp, but there wasn't much physical play to speak of. Keep a close eye on how he reacts to bumping bodies in training camp scrimmages. He was showing positive developmental growth before his injuries last season, and a good camp can go a long way for the youthful Pirate blueline. Vjacheslav Buravchikov, LHD, Ak-Bars Kazan, 2005 6th round (191st overall) Still offensive minded at heart, the Russian reargaurd has paid close attention to the holes in his defensive game since joining Kazan in 2006. He's done a better job at limting errors, and in turn has gained better levels of consistency and confidence. With the D focus in the bag, expect the skilled defenseman to slowly start branching out offensively in the open-style KHL. How it all relates to an NHL career is still unknown at this time. Drew MacKenzie, LHD, University of Vermont Catamounts, 2007 7th round (209th overall) The Connecticut native heads back east to Vermont after a successful developmental season with Waterloo of the USHL. MacKenzie, 6'2, 200 pounds, is steady in his end, plays a physical brand, and doesn't mind skating the puck up ice. Turning 20 midway through his freshman year, he is expected to immediately log quality minutes in the highly competitive Hockey East. The experience gained with the Cats should see the late-rounder move up in the next sets of rankings. Nick Crawford, LHD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL), 2008 6th round (164th overall) Putting his game together in relative anonymity in the OHL, Crawford goes about his business quietly and efficiently. Neither flashy or overpowering, making smart, simple plays is a trait that teams will look for in the late rounds. While the 6'1, 182 pounder will benefit from rounding out his frame, there is plenty of time to do so. He'll be in the OHL for two more years, and remember, Chris Butler was a similar 6'1, 185 pounds when he was the same age. Dylan Hunter, LW, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2004 9th round (273rd overall) Possessing average speed and strength, the former London Knight sees the ice well and continues to display the skills of a solid AHL contributor. The wing upped his production to 69 points in 2007-08 after a 42-point rookie campaigna year earlier. Hunter, 23, supports his teammates well and could still go the Michael Ryan route to the NHL (four AHL years before getting a sniff), but for now looks in danger of getting buried as incoming talent of a higher profile muddies the Portland waters this season. Adam Dennis, G, Portland Pirates (AHL), 2005 6th round (182nd overall) Dennis handled himself well given the team in front of his last season in Rochester. He earned 17 of the Amerks 24 wins while backstopping a team that surrendered the most goals against in the AHL. Moving forward, the OHL product will share the crease with heralded prospect Jhonas Enroth, and is likely the second option if the Sabres need an emergency doorman in 2008-09.

Sabres Prospects Top 20 Rankings - Spring 2008

It's late March, and the birds outside are whistling "Sabre Dance". This usually means one thing - that it's again time to rank the current crop of Buffalo Sabres prospects. With the deck being shuffled with another season of play, the Spring 2008 edition of the Sabres Prospect Rankings features some fresh faces at the top, while familiar names like Clarke MacArthur, Andrej Sekera, and Patrick Kaleta are no longer being ranked. MacArthur has played a total a 56 NHL games, and with his roots going all the way back to the 2003 draft, the soon-to-be 23 year old has graduated from the rankings exercise. Along similar lines, Sekera, a potential top-pair defender, and bottom-line agitator Kaleta have seemingly graduated to full-time status with Buffalo. The Top 20 isn't a points competition, nor is it a measuring stick to see who's the closest to playing in the NHL. 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. Inside of 100 days until the 2008 NHL draft, the list is designed to serve as a needs assessment when building the Sabres selection strategy. The current top 20 features two goaltenders, eight defensemen, and ten forwards. Here's the list at a glance: 1 - Jhonas Enroth 2 - Nathan Gerbe 3 - Chris Butler 4 - Philip Gogulla 5 - Marc-Andre Gragnani 6 - T.J. Brennan 7 - Mike Weber 8 - Tim Kennedy 9 - Drew Schiestel 10 - Marek Zagrapan 11 - Dennis Persson 12 - Paul Byron 13 - Corey Tropp 14 - Brad Eidsness 15 - Jean-Simon Allard 16 - Benjamin Breault 17 - Mike Funk 18 - Felix Schutz 19 - Alex Biega 20 - Vjacheslav Buravchikov 1) Jhonas Enroth, G, Sodertalje (SEL), 2006 2nd round (46th overall) The 19-year old Enroth recently capped a strong rookie year in Elitserien that supports his status as a future NHL starter. Manning the pipes for a SSK club in its first season back in the top league, the agile netminder lead all regular starters with a 2.13 GAA and .932 save percentage while fending off SEL vet Bjorn Bjurling for total crease autonomy. The Stockholm native also pitched two shutouts in his 27 appearances. Sandwiched in between the SEL action was the World Junior Championships, where Enroth backstopped Team Sweden to a silver medal after an exciting overtime loss to Canada in the finals. His tourney numbers (2.33 GAA, .905 sv%) weren't as strong as his SEL numbers, yet did not nothing to disprove the notion that he can be a prime time professional in North America. With SSK failing to qualify for the playoffs, it is believed that the Sabres are talking contract with Enroth's camp. Jocelyn Thibault has been a sub-par backup, and Adam Dennis isn't quite ready for NHL pucks. It all adds up to Enroth offering a competitive nudge to Ryan Miller as the incumbent enters the final year of his deal. 2) Nathan Gerbe, LW, Boston College (Hockey East), 2006 5th round (142nd overall) The diminutive left wing continued to do what he has always done throughout his hockey career - erase doubts about his size by dominating the opposition with explosive skating and offense. The Oxford, MI native piled up 57 points this season for Boston College, including a sensational, Hobey-propelling stretch in December and January than saw him churn out 27 points in nine games. Entering the NCAA Tournament, Gerbe leads the nation in points, and is a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Some suggest his Hobey aspirations were tarnished when he was suspended for a butt-end earlier in the season. Whatever the case, Gerbe has accomplished loads this season while being the main focus of opposing checkers. He was the national leader in shots on goal, and a productive third-best in even-strength goals. Gerbe stands 5'5, but plays with enough heart, attitude, and skill to suggest that size doesn't matter. One might even argue that his smaller frame makes him harder to catch. As he moves up a level in talent and gains more space, expect the shifty forward to continue shedding detractors like has has Hockey East defenders the past few seasons. 3) Chris Butler, D, Denver (WCHA), 2005 4th round (96th overall) An excellent, all-situations defenseman, the 6'1, 190-pound junior anchored the back end for a Pioneers squad that iced only eight upperclassmen for most of the year. His solid season wearing an "A" was rewarded as the St. Louis native was named to the All-WCHA second Team. Entering college with the tag "offensive-minded", Butler has indeed been an effective puck mover while leading all Pio defenders in points the past two seasons. With all that in mind, his defensive work ethic has emerged as perhaps his best attribute. Butler has lead the team in blocked shots over the same span, all the while dictating an edgier physical game. Butler notched 49 points over his first two collegiate seasons, but increased leadership responsibilities in his own end have contributed to a decline in offensive production this season (3-14-17). He's the consummate team guy, and his consistent brand of hockey makes him a virtual lock to forego his senior NCAA season to instead head to his first NHL training camp in the fall. 4) Philip Gogulla, LW, Kolner Haie (DEL), 2005 2nd round (48th overall) Signing with Buffalo in June yet electing to head back to Europe, the 6'2, 198-pound wing asserted himself as a main cog in the Kolner Haie offense this season. He was the team's third-leading scorer, more than doubling his previous season's 21 point output, with 11 goals and 44 total points. In International action, he had three assists in three games for Germany in the Skoda Cup against Swiss, French, and Slovakian entries. The Dusseldorf native gets the puck deep, and has good control on the boards. Many of his points are assists generated from sheer effort. It's unclear at this time whether or not he'll move to North America in the second of his three-year deal, but his steady, three-year ramp-up in the DEL is indicative of a player ready to make the jump. 5) Marc-Andre Gragnani, LW, Rochester (AHL), 2005 3rd round (87th overall) The Gragnani blueline experiment that began back in the QMJHL is officially over. Drafted as an offensive defenseman, Gragnani moved to left wing midway through his first pro season and quickly ascended the ranks of developing Sabres forwards. The Montreal native has scored 11 goals and 34 assists with Rochester while still seeing time at the point on the power play.. Lacking the defensive strength necessary to handle aggressive AHL forwards, Gragnani soon abandoned his spot as the league's worst plus/minus rating once he switched positions. His talent and vision are well-served up front, as Gragnani quickly leapfrogged the team's leading scorer, Mark Mancari, to earn a brief February look with Buffalo. In two games, he revealed very little as a -2 with 4 PIM. With consistent hustle and better familiarity with the Sabres' system, Gragnani's skill set has the makings of a creative, middle-line forward. 6) T.J. Brennan, D, St. John's (QMJHL), 2007 2nd round (31st overall) The 6'0, 200-pound defenseman used a late-season surge to identically match his 16-25-41 stat line of a year ago with St. John's (QMJHL). Brennan carries the puck with energy, and often opts out of his defensive posture to go hard at the net. On the back end, he plays a physical game with an increased sense of defensive awareness. The New Jersey native closed well, scoring six goals and running up a +6 in the final eleven games. At one point a lowly -23, Brennan dug himself out to finish the regular season -15. Brennan has been very effective on the Fog Devils power play, using a well-controlled shot assortment to score nine of his 16 goals. For his efforts, he was twice rewarded with QMJHL Defensive Player of the Week honors, and should be a top-five defenseman in the league when the franchise moves to Montreal in 2008-09. 7) Mike Weber, D, Buffalo/Rochester (NHL/AHL), 2006 2nd round (57th overall) The first-year pro emerged as one of the few bright spots of a forgettable Rochester season before going up to Buffalo in March. A rugged defender who makes the simple play, Weber flexed his leadership muscle immediately at the AHL level by jumping out to the team lead in plus/minus and penalty minutes through January. He's proven effective during his two Buffalo call-ups, handling the game speed while racking up +12 in nine NHL games. His first NHL point, an assist, came on 3/12 in his hometown of Pittsburgh when he flicked a simple wrist shot at the Penguins net. The difference between Weber 'the pro' and Weber the 'OHL junior' is his improved footwork. When he keeps them moving, he's a rock in his own end. Weber projects to be a 4-5-6 guy at the NHL level, and is currently ahead of the curve in terms of reaching that potential. 8) Tim Kennedy, LW, Michigan State (CCHA), 2005 6th round (181st overall by Washington) The crafty Kennedy has been a point-per-game fixture on the left side of Michigan State's top line all-season long. After failing to hit the score sheet in the first two skates of 2007-08, the Bishop Timon (NYHS) product uncorked 13 goals and eight assists over his next 16 games to vault into the national scoring race. The well ran a little dry after his torrid run, as the junior went 13 games (12 in conference) without scoring a goal. His drought ended with a flood though, as the Buffalo native started clicking with C Justin Abdelkader (DET), notching a goal in six of seven games heading into NCAA tourney action. To date, he leads the Spartans with 40 points, three short-handed goals, and a +15 rating. Kennedy does his best work around the net with accurate shooting and passing skills. He projects out to a middle line contributor, and will need to execute with strength and speed to compete with players of equal skill at the professional level. 9) Drew Schiestel, D, Niagara (OHL), 2007 2nd round (59th overall) The steady Icedogs defenseman shook off a bumpy start to put together an impressive season with Niagara of the OHL. A quiet puck mover who gets the job done, Schiestel took control of his game in November and didn't look back. Rated a team-low -6 through November 1st, the Hamilton native ran up a +20 over the following four-plus months, paving the way for career offensive totals (8-29-37) in the process. He was one of only two IceDogs to play in all 68 regular season games. At 6'2, 190 pounds, Schiestel already has the strength and skating ability to suggest he'll be a bona fide NHL defenseman. He passes well, likes to start the rush, and effectively uses his long reach to keep his zone clean. Another season of steady OHL play makes his signing with Buffalo a no-brainer one year from now. 10) Marek Zagrapan, C, Rochester (AHL), 2005 1st round (13th overall) In his second professional season with Rochester, the Slovakian pivot continues to show flashes of the player the Sabres were hoping for when tabbing him with the 13th pick in 2005. Offensively skilled with a good burst, Zagrapan scored a goal and flipped a nice assist to Philip Gogulla in the Sabres preseason before being sent down to Rochester to start the year. At one point the Amerks leading goal-getter, the QMJHL product has lit the lamp 16 times in 65 games this season. He displayed his best hockey during a 19-game stretch in December and January when he scored 16 of his 33 total points to date. His scoring has since tapered though, with just six points in the following 30 games. Zagrapan was pegged as a forward in need of developmental patience, and the lack of veteran leadership with the Amerks this season underlies what could easily be perceived as a flat year for the former first-rounder. Still only 21 years of age, achieving consistency in both ends will go a long way towards Zagrapan elevating his game and getting a serious look from the Sabres brass. 11) Dennis Persson, D, Nykoping (HockeyAllsvenskan) 2006 1st round (24th overall) Persson started the season as a fringe player with Djurgardens of Elitserien, registering a point while seeing limited minutes in 21 games. With former NHLer Ossi Vaananen joining an already-crowded Djurgarden blue line, Persson moved down a level to HockeyAllsvenskan, skating with brother Robin for hometown club, Nykoping. Manning the second pair, the 6'1, 187-pound Persson started to spread his wings from the backend, posting one goal, three assists, and 14 PIM in 21 games. Persson, 19, hasn't had the best of luck since leaving the Vasteras program two years ago. Ice time has been hard to earn, minor injuries have been battled, and he was left off Sweden's entry in the 2008 World Juniors. A mobile rearguard who makes simple plays, the left-hander still has middle pair potential. He'll need to be signed this summer, and it's possible the Sabres retain his rights and keep him overseas for another season while they sort out their AHL affiliation agreement. 12) Paul Byron, C, Gatineau (QMJHL), 2007 6th round (179th overall) The dazzling Gatineau center has displayed equal parts skill and heart in the 2007-08 QMJHL season. Despite missing 18 games due to wrist and thigh injuries, the Ottawa native completed the regular season with 37 goals and 68 points in 52 games. An excellent finisher, Byron's .71 goals-per-game ranked second overall, while his 21.8 shooting percentage was seventh among the top-100 QMJHL scorers. The great thing about Byron's goal total is that 30 of his 37 markers came at even strength. Byron is speedy in transition, using an extra gear to find seams on the ice. With the up-tempo style, his 5'10, 140-pound frame often initiates contact with and without the puck. In fact, his thigh injury reportedly stemmed from a charley horse earned while delivering one of his 50 hits. He doesn't shy away from stepping in front of shots either, which further accentuates a workmanlike mentality. Byron has been a benefactor of playing roughly 30% of his games with touted prospect Claude Giroux (PHI), but he's clearly earned his own stripes all season long. He'll be counted on to be a go-to guy for Les Olympiques in 2008-09, a season that should tell a more compelling story of what are perhaps the best set of hands in the Sabres prospect stable. 13) Corey Tropp, RW, Michigan State (CCHA), 2007 3rd round (89th overall) The product of the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede arrived at Michigan State this past fall, immediately displaying his touch around the net in early practice sessions. Coming off a 62-point junior campaign, Tropp began his freshman year at right wing with seniors Bryan Lerg and Chris Mueller, eventually spending time with the other set of Spartan guns, Tim Kennedy and Justin Abdelkader, at various points throughout the year. A frequent flyer in coach Rick Comley's line juggling routine, the 6'0, 185-pounder finished his collegiate entrance with six goals and 11 assists. Tropp is as gifted a passer as he is a finisher, making him a player with scoring line potential. He's projected to be a forward on the rise once he gains more strength and experience with another year of CCHA action. 14) Brad Eidsness, G, Okotoks (AJHL), 2007 5th round (139th overall) The Chestermere, AL native capitalized on his opportunities in 2007-08, leading all AJHL goaltenders in wins (29) and save percentage (.933), while missing the triple crown by .01 in the GAA category (2.12). Manning the pipes in just four regulation losses, Eidsness helped propel a deep Okotoks team into the AJHL playoffs, where a second-round goal shortage resulted in defeat at the hands of upset-minded Drumheller. The dominant season is appreciated even more when considering a two-week spat with mononucleosis that reared its ugly head at the onset of training camp. Standing 5'11, Eidsness uses supreme reflexes to play a tight butterfly style in the crease. His glove is quick, and like fellow Sabres prospect Jhonas Enroth, he has a penchant for the big save. With a World Jr. "A" Challenge gold medal, league MVP award, and dominating junior numbers in tow, Eidsness will enter the wild WCHA next season as he continues his development with a six-digit scholarship to the University of North Dakota. Chosen 139th in 2007, Eidsness marks the second time this decade that the Sabres used a fifth-round pick on a Junior "A" goalie on his way to the college game. Back in 1999, Ryan Miller was chosen 138th overall out of the NAHL. 15) Jean-Simon Allard, C, St. John's (QMJHL), 2007 5th round (147th overall) The 6'3, 192-pound center started the year strong for St. John's of the QMJHL. At one point on-pace for an 80-point season, Allard saw his production taper a bit during the final quarter of the year when he went 15 games without a goal. A two-way center who sees the ice well, Allard still finished as the Fog Devils second-leading scorer with career-high 60 points, including a team-best 44 assists. His greatest improvement came in the plus/minus department, where he topped St. John's with a +15 after a 2006-07 net of -30 (fourth to the last overall). The Quebec native employs a smart work ethic while using his teammates well, but could stand to get his nose a little dirtier. To be an effective mid-line player at a higher level, the big pivot should more than double the 25 hits produced this season. He wears #4 like his favorite player Vincent Lecavalier, and he has the skills to quickly ascend the prospect ranks once he develops an on-ice moxie similar to the Lightning's perennial All-Star. 16) Benjamin Breault, C, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), 2006 7th round (207th overall) Breault recently completed his fourth QMJHL season with Baie-Comeau, posting totals of 36 goals and 41 assists. Centering the team's top line, he combined with one of the league's most prolific scorers, Francois Bouchard, to lead the Drakkar to a 2nd place regular season finish. Breault ended the season particularly strong, scoring 10 goals and nine assists in a nine-game stretch to boost his career point total to an even 265. Recently turning 20, Breault showed adequate playmaking skills last training camp to support his peers at the AHL level. Not known as a leader, the 5'11 Ontario native must continue to make plays with the puck and hold his own defensively in order to support his middle-line potential. 17) Mike Funk, D, Rochester (AHL), 2005 2nd round (43rd overall) The mobile defenseman rebounded from a November shoulder injury to help a struggling Amerks club stay afloat on the back end. A net of -11 in 50 total games for Rochester, Funk was getting some wind to his AHL sails before earning a mid-March call-up to the injury riddled Sabres. In four games with Buffalo, Funk made good first passes and stayed deep while rating -3. Near completion of his second pro year, the lanky Funk could stand to add 10-15 pounds of mass - even better if it comes in the form of a weighty fire in his belly to spike his physical game. He skates well, and is best when he plays within himself. The former Portland Winter Hawk doesn't have top-end potential, but looks to be serviceable depth defender with a little more seasoning. 18) Felix Schutz, C, ERC Ingolstadt (DEL), 2006 4th round (117th overall) The pesky forward with knack for making plays returned to Germany for his first professional season in the DEL, scoring 12 goals, 13 assists for a mediocre Ingolstadt club. The gritty Schutz was 8th in team scoring, while leading all forwards with 91 PIM. Standing 5'11, 187 pounds, Schutz was named DEL Rookie of the year as a 20-year old after two seasons of North American junior hockey in the QMJHL. Schutz plays a "pro style" game, using speed and physicality to get to the net. He plays like a third-liner, and will need to jump back over the pond once the space is available to start creating some upward pressure on the current Sabres crop. 19) Alex Biega, D, Harvard (ECAC), 2006 5th round (147th overall) A preseason all-conference pick by the media, the stocky Biega helped lead a late-season surge for the Crimson, scoring 13 points in their final 13 games. It was a welcome turnaround after starting his sophomore year with just nine points through his first 21 outings. Biega is an excellent skater with a big shot, and he uses good leverage to effectively play the body. Biega was the Crimson's fourth-leading scorer en route to being placed on the All-ECAC Third Team. Biega could be a dangerous weapon when paired with a stay-at-home type. It's safe to think that Biega returns to Harvard in 2008-09 to pursue his education, and more points from the Crimson blue. 20) Vjacheslav Buravchikov, D, Ak-Bars Kazan (RSL), 2005 6th round (191st overall) Drafted with an offensive reputation, the 6'1, 190-pounder has slowly patched the positional holes in his defensive game with Ak Bars of the RSL. The 20-year old got off to a bumpy start in 2007-08, but reacted to an October benching with improved poise, and his confidence took over from there. Buravchikov stepped up his game down the stretch and into the playoffs, moving the puck, creating opportunities for Kazan forwards, and continuing his responsible play in his own end. He had one point, a goal, in 46 regular season games, and has posted a goal and an assist in six playoff games to date. Rounding into form, Buravchikov remains the biggest question mark in the Sabres prospect stable. Missing The Cut Nick Eno, G, Bowling Green (CCHA), 2007 7th round (187th overall) A late-summer commitment landed Eno in Bowling Green, where he put forth solid numbers while enduring a year of "on-the-job training" in the competitive CCHA. Drafted by Buffalo out of Green Mountain in the EJHL, the Howell, MI native began the season 4-0 while splitting time with junior Jimmy Spratt (CAL). Earning the most wins and total playing time of nine freshman netminders in the CCHA, Eno was named to the conference All-Rookie team. His goals against average (2.79) ranked seventh in the CCHA, while his save percentage (.905) placed sixth. Eno compiled a 12-10 record to earn 70% of the Falcons' 17 wins, yet was just 4-7 against teams .500 or better. Covering a lot of space with decent glove work, the 6'3, 190-pound goalie would benefit by working on his puckhandling skills in the offseason. Dylan Hunter, LW, Rochester (AHL), 2004 9th round (273rd overall) Hunter has scored an impressive 18 goals this season, with just five of those coming on the power play. With NHL bloodlines (his father is former NHL pest Dale), Hunter has always had playmaking eyes, and was generally a one-weay offensive performer. He's gaining consistency in his third AHL season, but his speed is average, and he'd benefit by tapping deeper into his father's nasty side to garner more respect on the ice. As a professional under Randy Cunneyworth, the former London Knight has rounded out his game defensively to the point where he has positioned himself in a small cluster of players who can keep some of the greener Sabre forwards honest. Mark Mancari, RW, Rochester (AHL), 2004 7th round (207th overall) Despite being the Amerks leading point-getter with 48, the 6'4, 225-pound wing has plateaued a bit in his third AHL season. The points come for the AHL All-Star, but the overall effort has been somewhat inconsistent. The Sabres would no doubt like to see Mancari raise his physical play and develop into a power forward type. A little more vigor may have earned Mancari a better look when guys like MacArthur, Kaleta, and Gragnani were getting dialed by Buffalo. Mancari made waves by shattering the AHL skills competiton record for a 102.8 MPH slapshot, but has rarely been able to fire his rocket in normal game speed. To date, he has just three goals in his past 24 games while being the only Amerks player to appear in all 69 contests. Just 22 years of age, Mancari's case is far from closed, but for now it appears to be an uphill battle to the NHL for the former Ottawa 67's star. Matt Generous, D, St. Lawrence (ECAC), 2005 7th round (208th overall) The smooth-skating junior turned in another solid season for St. Lawrence of the ECAC. Producing 15 point of offense (3-12), the New England native also posted a team-leading +12 on a club with a .405 winning percentage. A steadying force on the Saints' blueline, Generous' size and skating ability were sorely missed as injuries derailed the defender on two separate occasions. It's likely the Sabres stash him in the NCAA for another season before deciding his future fate. Adam Dennis, G, Rochester (AHL), 2005 6th round (182nd overall) The former London Knight has gotten better as his second professional season has progressed, but still has more to prove before making a run at an NHL backup gig. Being a goaltender on the league's worst team is never an easy task, yet Dennis has posted three shutouts and .903 save percentage in 39 starts for Rochester while earning 16 of the team's 20 wins. Andrew Orpik, RW/C, Boston College (Hockey East), 2005 7th round (227th overall) The Boston College forward has proven his value as an effective checker in the competitive Hockey East rotation. A former high school defenseman, Orpik provides uses a bangers mentaility up front to impose his large frame around the opposing net. His style has generated six goals and six assists this season, while spending much of his time on an energy unit with Kyle Kucharski and Matt Lombardi. The brother of Penguins defenseman Brooks, the younger Orpik will likely finish his bachelor's with the Eagles next season. Drew MacKenzie, D, Waterloo (USHL), 2007 7th round (209th overall) Signed to attend the University of Vermont in 2008, the 19-year old Connecticut native packed up his gear and headed to the defensive-friendly system of Waterloo for the 2007-08 season. A steady performer in his own end, MacKenzie mixes a welcome element of toughness to his mobile style. At various points in the season, the 6'2, 200-pound rearguard has lead the Black Hawks in both plus/minus and penalty minutes while producing two goals and 12 assists in 51 games. With an extra year of Jr. "A" under his belt, MacKenzie will turn 20 during his freshman year in Hockey East. Mike Card, D, Rochester (AHL), 2004 8th round (241st overall) A product of the rugged WHL, the Amerks defenseman looked to be positioning himself beneath Andrej Sekera and Mike Weber on the re-call totem pole before getting rocked by a pair of serious concussions. After missing over a month due to his initial blow, Card had his head smashed against the glass on January 4th against rival Manitoba in just his second game back and has been out of action since. To that point, Card was -8 with a goal and four assists in 23 games. The 6'1, 190-pounder is currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment, with his playing future currently unknown.