Mikhail Grigorenko scored in overtime Friday as Quebec remained perfect through their first six games with a 4-3 come from behind win over Victoriaville. Grigorenko, who earlier helped force the extra frame with an assist in the final minute of regulation, has registered a point in all six Remparts' contests for a total of 14 (4+10) on the year. The crafty pivot dazzled with several exciting plays, including a superb blind pass from his knees in the middle period that was nearly converted. The Remparts will look to remain unbeaten on Saturday when they host Rimouski.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs scored on the power play as Prince George rode a five-goal first period to a 6-3 win over Kelowna. Jacobs now has five goals and 10 points has through his first five games to remain tied atop the WHL points leaderboard. The teams will finish their weekend set Saturday night in Prince George.
Logan Nelson picked up an assist as Victoria lost a
hard-fought 4-3 decision at Spokane. The Royals continue their road trip
Saturday in Tri-City.
Andrey Makarov got another short rest as Saskatoon got
shellacked by Swift Current 10-1. Makarov, who was previously forced into
relief action during his game off last week, entered in the 34th minute
with the Blades trailing 7-1. He'd allow two power play goals before settling in the third period with 10 saves on 11 shots. The Blades pay a visit to defending WHL champion Edmonton on Saturday.
In OHL action, Dan Catenacci set up the game winning goal as Owen Sound held off Sarnia 4-3. Catenacci stayed out of the penalty box for the first time this season en route to collecting his sixth point (3+3) through the Attack's first six games. Owen Sound returns to action Saturday versus Guelph.
Justin Kea recorded his first fighting major of the year as Saginaw was blanked by Niagara 4-0. Trailing 2-0, Kea tangled with IceDogs forward Joel Wigle late in the second period. Saginaw welcomes Kitchener to town on Saturday.
Alex Lepkowski logged a +1 as Barrie earned a 4-3 shootout victory over Mississauga. The Colts take on Peterborough.
In the USHL, Judd Peterson finished -1 with a shot on goal as Cedar Rapids downed Fargo 5-2. The RoughRiders will play the second of five straight games at home Saturday against Youngstown.
Joel Armia recorded three shots on goal in 15:55 of action as Assat dropped a 2-1 decision to the Blues. The Aces head back to the ice Saturday against TPS.
---
In AHL preseason play, Nick Crawford scored a pair of regulation goals and then the shootout clincher as Rochester closed the preseason with a 4-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Phil Varone added the other Amerks goal. Rookie netminders Connor Knapp and Nathan Lieuwen split the crease duties, with Knapp stopping 15 of 16 shots before giving way to Lieuwen, who blocked 16 of 18 and another three in the shootout to secure the victory.
Mikhail Grigorenko continued his early season roll Sunday with three assists as Quebec captured their fourth straight win by doubling Val-d'Or 4-2. The 6-foot-3 center has multi-point outings in all four games this season for a total of 11 points (3+8) to place 2nd in QMJHL scoring. Quebec returns to action Tuesday at Chicoutimi.
In the WHL, Logan Nelson logged a -1 rating as Victoria was blanked by Kamloops 3-0. Nelson and the Royals get back at it Wednesday versus Medicine Hat.
In Saturday QMJHL action, Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals including a beauty on a breakaway as Quebec rolled to their third straight win 5-0 over Sherbrooke. Grigorenko, who finished just 4/16 (25%) at the faceoff circle, scored what would eventually hold up as the game winner just 2:35 into the game. He'd go in all alone to add another, his third of the year, late in the second period. Nick Sorensen ('13) added two goals for Quebec, who next do battle with Val-d'Or on Sunday.
Linus Ullmark made 25 saves and then another three in the shootout as Mora edged Leksands 3-2. Ullmark, who allowed a goal from long range midway through the third, now has three wins in four appearances since his loan from MODO while amassing a 1.61 goals against average (2nd in Allsvenskan) and .928 save percentage (4th). Ullmark could again get the nod when Mora plays Orebro on Wednesday.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs earned an assist to extend his point streak to four games
as Prince George was defeated in overtime by Seattle 2-1. The helper gives
Jacobs nine points on the year, good for the co-lead among WHL scorers
entering the Cougars' pair of tilts with Kelowna next weekend.
Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon clawed their way back to a 2-1 overtime win at Swift Current. The Blades will welcome Red Deer town on Wednesday.
In the OHL, Brady Austin picked up an assist as Belleville lost to Oshawa 5-2. Austin fed Jordan Subban ('13) for a power play mark in the first minute of the third period but the Bulls were unable to further mount a comeback. Belleville is off until Saturday's date with Oshawa.
Dan Catenacci was unable to score but did add four minutes to his OHL-leading penalty total as Owen Sound lost to Sarnia 2-1. After making it clear to the team earlier this week that undisciplined play will not be tolerated, the Attack coaching staff watched as Catenacci was whistled for a checking-from-behind minor three minutes into the game. Owen Sound is off until Friday's rematch with the Sting.
Justin Kea racked up six minutes in penalties as Saginaw dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Sault Ste. Marie. The Spirit and Hounds will rematch Wednesday in Sault Ste. Marie.
Alex Lepkowski finished -1 as Barrie skated to a 4-1 win over Mississauga. The Colts and Steelheads will go back at it on Friday.
Judd Peterson potted an empty-net goal and added an assist as Cedar Rapids kicked off the 2012-12 schedule with a 4-1 win at Green Bay. The RoughRiders will play their home opener Friday against Fargo.
Mikhail Grigorenko notched a pair of assists Sunday as Quebec blanked Baie-Comeau 5-0. Both of Grigorenko's helpers came on goals by Florida prospect Logan Shaw. Grigorenko now has six points after his first two games. The 6-foot-3 pivot rounded out his line with four shots on goal, a +3 rating, and a 60% success rate at the faceoff circle (18/30). The Remparts are off until Saturday when they visit QMJHL newcomer, Sherbrooke.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs followed his five-point effort with an assist and a shootout marker as Prince George edged Everett 7-6. Jacobs (2+4) enters the week as the WHL's second-leading scorer behind Portland's Nicolas Pedan ('13), who has eight points in three games. Prince George welcomes Jacobs' former mates from Seattle to town next weekend.
Alex Lepkowski picked up hsi first point of the year, a power play assist, as Barrie dropped a 3-2 decision at Mississauga. The Colts host Dan Catenacci and the Owen Sound Attack on Thursday.
Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal and three assists Friday as Quebec opened the QMJHL regular season with a 9-4 win over Chicoutimi. All three of Grigorenko's helpers came on goals by Anthony Duclair ('13), who also added an assist to his hat trick. The Remparts return to action Sunday versus Baie-Comeau.
In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to earn the game's #1 star as Saskatoon defeated Prince Albert 2-1 in a shootout. Makarov saw just five shots in the opening period, but was equal parts busy and spectacular the rest of the way beginning with a 17-save second. The Blades and Raiders will complete the home-and-home series Saturday in Saskatoon.
Logan Nelson was +1 as Victoria downed Vancouver 6-4. The two clubs will play it back Saturday in Victoria.
In the OHL, Justin Kea posted an assist as Saginaw squandered a two-goal late in a 4-3 overtime loss at Guelph. Kea was efficient at the faceoff circle all the way from a clean win on his first-period helper to another key decision in the final minute of regulation. Saginaw continues the schedule Saturday in Owen Sound.
Brady Austin assisted on an empty-net goal as Belleville skated to a 3-1 victory over Sarnia. The Bulls go back at it Saturday at Plymouth.
Alex Lepkowski earned an ejection as Barrie dropped their opener 3-1 to Kingston. At 4:30 of the middle frame, Lepkowski racked up a fighting major and an automatic misconduct for being third man in on an altercation. The Colts resume play Sunday at Mississauga.
At the USHL Fall Classic, Judd Peterson recorded two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids closed the preseason with a 3-0 win over Tri-City. The RoughRiders begin the regular season Saturday, September 29 at Green Bay.
In Saturday action, Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal and an assist as Quebec closed their exhibition slate with a 5-2 win over Shawinigan. The big pivot, who earlier set-up an Anthony Duclair ('13) goal for the second straight game, scored with the man advantage 7:24 into the third period to give the Remparts a 5-1 lead.
The 6'3 center scored five points (2+3) in the two weekend wins over the Cataractes, and with a deep group surrounding him, looks set for an "off the charts" statistical year if he remains in the QMJHL for the entire season. Along with Duclair, a potential top-10 draft prospect and linemate of Grigorenko, the Remparts boast a deep group of 2013 eligible forwards including Nick Sorensen, Adam Erne, and Brandon Shea. All could be picked among the top-50.
And then there's Nikita Kucherov, a second round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning and good friend of Grigorenko's who was selected by Quebec in the CHL Import Draft. He has committed to play this season as either a linemate of or replacement for Grigorenko. The former seems more realistic given the NHL CBA chatter, and is just another factor in what could be a dominating year for the Sabres' top gun.
What happens with Grigorenko at Sabres camp impacts Sorensen as well, as the Danish-born forward would likely need to be shipped out since CHL teams can only carry two non-North American players.
The Traverse City cancellation seems to be a signal that Grigorenko won't be in Buffalo anytime soon, so expect him to be in the lineup when the Remparts open the regular season Friday, September 21st against Chicoutimi.
Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal and added two assists Friday as Quebec breezed to a 8-2 preseason victory over Shawinigan. The Remparts will play one more exhibition tilt Saturday before opening the 2012-13 regular season Friday, September 21st against Chicoutimi.
Grigorenko, who earned the game's #2 star, showed his playmaking skills in the first 40-minutes with a pair of deft feeds that resulted in goals by Anthony Duclair ('13). In between the helpers, the 6'3 pivot roofed a power play goal early in the second period to give the Remparts a 4-1 lead. Grigorenko rounded out his effort with two shots on goal and a 60% success rate at the faceoff circle (15/25).
In Finland, Joel Armia skated on a line with Tuomas Pihlman and Mika Niemi but was unable to score as Assat defeated HPK 4-3 in a shootout to advance to the Hämeenlinna tournament finals. Former Sabre Mike Ryan scored a regulation goal for the Aces before connecting for the shootout winner. Assat will battle SaiPa on Saturday to conclude the tourney.
Mikhail Grigorenko centered the top line Tuesday but was unable to point as Russia was doubled by Canada 4-2 to close the 2012 Canada/Russia Challenge. The 6'3 pivot finishes with one assist in the four-game set, while continuing to demonstrate own zone efficiency and awareness.
With the series tied at two games apiece, the two teams played a sudden death overtime that was settled 3:20 in when a Ryan Strome (NYI) wrister from the right circle beat Russian netminder Andrei Vasilevski (TAM).
Despite going without a goal, Grigorenko still showed well offensively throughout the week of games, using his puckhandling skills to draw defenders and his vision to hit his wings. Canada's defensive corps did a good job neutralizing his main target, Nail Yakupov, pushing him wide and blocking his route to the net. While the pair's effectiveness was limited, they did connect for quality chances both at even strength and on the power play but simply couldn't convert.
In his own zone, Grigorenko played his middle slot well by retreating low, sticking to his man, and using his long stick to block lanes and gather loose pucks.
What's next for Grigorenko could be dictated by the NHL labor negotiations, but for now the reigning CHL Rookie of the Year will attend training camp with the Quebec Remparts where he'll continue his strength development and execution of high percentage plays with the puck under the guidance of Patrick Roy.
Mikhail Grigorenko was again held off the scoresheet Monday as Russia downed Canada 6-5 to take game #3 of the Canada/Russia Challenge in Halifax. The Russians now lead the series 2-1 with the concluding game #4 taking place Tuesday evening (7pm, TSN).
Grigorenko centered a line with 2012 top pick Nail Yakupov and Memorial Cup hero Anton Zlobin. Despite not getting in on any of the half-dozen goals, the 6'3 pivot continued to impact the play with his vision and puck skills. His best opportunity came on a 2x1 break in the second period when he drove the net and saw his backhand off a Yakupov feed stopped by Flames prospect Laurent Brossiot.
As Sabres fans get acclimated to his game, they'll notice his awareness as a center. He sees the ice well in both zones, and while not being the most intense forechecker on the ice, knows his spots and smartly comes back defensively. The extra gear displayed pre-mono is also starting to re-emerge, as the ability to gobble up ice with the puck on his stick was briefly flashed late in the third. There was one particular play where he could have pushed the puck deep as opposed to trying to make a play to the middle, but overall he has played well in the three series games.
View the video below for shift-by-shift coverage of Grigorenko's game #3:
Mikhail Grigorenko continued to show flashes of chemistry with Nail Yakupov (EDM) Friday but did not get in on the scoring as Russia doubled Canada 6-3 to even the 2012 Canada/Russia Challenge at one game apiece. The 6'3 center has one assist through the first two games of the series, which now shifts back to Halifax, Nova Scotia for its conclusion on Monday and Tuesday.
In other Friday action, Joel Armia was held off the score sheet for the third straight game as Finland was downed by Sweden 5-2 at the United States National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid. The Swedes, who were coming off a 10-2 blowout loss to Team USA the day before, finish the week with a 3-1 mark. Armia (4GP 1-0-1 8 PIM) will look to end the visit on a high note when Finland goes for their first win of the week versus Team USA on Saturday.
***
EDIT: Check out Grigorenko's shifts from game #2 vs. Canada.
Mikhail Grigorenko recorded an assist Thursday as Russia prepped for the 2013 World Junior Championship with a 3-2 loss to Canada. The game played in Yaroslavl was the first of the Canada/Russia Challenge, a four-game event that will conclude next week with games three and four in Halifax. The two countries will go right back at it on Friday.
Grigorenko stood out with his size and vision. He showed both his raw and cerebral skills when the puck was on his stick, and he seemed to know where his linemates were at all times. His secondary helper came in the third period on a Nail Yakupov power play tally.
Courtesy of my friend James, you can view all of Grigorenko's shifts here:
With training for the 2012-13 season not officially beginning until late August, a group of Sabres prospects will get a head start by skating with their respective national teams as a first step towards earning a roster spot at the IIHF World Junior Championship. The 2013 tournament will take place in Ufa, Russia from December 26th to January 5th.
The Sabres top pick in 2012, Mikhail Grigorenko, was among 29 players named to Russia's preliminary roster for the Canada-Russia Challenge. The four-game event, which this year replaces Canada's National Junior Development Camp, will be split between Yaroslavl, Russia (August 8-9) and Halifax, Nova Scotia (August 13-14). Filling a prominent role in international play over the past few seasons, the talented center posted five points (2+3) in six games at the 2012 tourney while playing through an ankle injury suffered in the Russians' third tilt. The 6'3 pivot will likely center a line featuring 2012 #1 pick Nail Yakupov down the right side during the series with Canada, who will ice a summer squad absent of any Sabres prospects for the first time since 2007.
Also among the highlighted prospects is 2011 first-round pick, Joel Armia. The 6'3 wing, who recently participated in his first NHL development camp, is a veteran of two U20 tourneys with Team Finland, including a five-goal, seven-point effort at the 2012 event, and should be considered a virtual lock for continued scoring line duty in 2013. A year removed from what he thought was his "worst game ever played", the big-bodied 19-year old will return to New York State (Lake Placid) on August 4th for the four-nation tournament at USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp.
Two picks from the 2012 draft, Jake McCabe and Logan Nelson, will skate in Lake Placid as USA Hockey evaluates a total of 46 under-20 players. The Americans will be split into Team White and Team Blue for intra-squad games and international tune-ups before cutting down for a round robin tourney with their European visitors.
A mobile left-handed warrior, McCabe is one of 17 defensemen in camp, a group that includes four first round NHL picks (Jacob Trouba, Connor Murphy, Jordan Schmaltz, Brady Skjei) and another eyed for top-five status in 2013 (Seth Jones). The 6'0", 195-pounder is set to enter his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin, where he is expected to again log major minutes while manning a point on the Badgers' top PP unit. The Eau Claire, WI native has previous international experience with a 2011 U18 gold medal and should be right in the mix when USA releases their preliminary roster in December.
Nelson, 18, shot on to the radar following his impressive WHL rookie season that saw him collect 23 goals and 62 points (3rd on team, 4th among league rookies) with the Victoria Royals. Playing with an edge while going to the net, the 6'1" wing demonstrated a significant jump from the 6-3-9 posted in 41 games the year before as a member of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers. If the momentum of his stunning rise continues, there is a decent opportunity for him to get a deeper look from the staff headed by fellow Minnesotan and former Sabres first-rounder, Phil Housley.
Linus Ullmark, 19, is one of four netminders in Norrtälje this weekend as Sweden prepares for a two-game set with the Czech Republic on August 1st and 2nd. The 6'3" stopper joins Oscar Dansk (CBS), Niklas Lundström (STL), and Joel Lassinantti in the nets before the Swedes trim their roster from 34 to 22 and head over the pond for USA's camp tourney. Dansk and Lundstrom represent very stiff competition so a strong showing will be necessary for Ullmark to survive the cutdown and get a leg up entering the year with Modo.
Zemgus Girgensons is eligible to play for Latvia at the 2013 tourney, but his availability likely won't be addressed until their selection camp in December. As a contracted NHL player, the Sabres will dictate whether or not he participates. There is no question that the Latvians would love to have their prize forward help them compete after their 2012 promotion.
The Sabres addressed their "to do" list Wednesday by announcing the signing of 2012 first round pick Mikhail Grigorenko to a three-year, entry-level contract. The talented pivot, who recently put his hands and vision on display in his first NHL development camp, will battle for a roster spot this fall when the Sabres gather for training camp.
Grigorenko's skill was apparent throughout the week of public workouts, highlighted by an assist and a shootout goal in Thursday's blue and gold scrimmage. The main question now is whether or not he can handle a professional load as an 18-year old. It's worth considering that just 90 days ago he was on the shelf with mono. It's fair to think he'll have more in the tank with continued strength and conditioning when the top club battles begin in September.
Grigorenko (6’3”, 200 lbs., 5/16/94) was selected by the Sabres with the 12th overall pick in the first-round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He was the third-ranked North American skater and top North American center on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings. The native of Khabarovsk, Russia is Buffalo’s highest forward selection since they took Thomas Vanek with the fifth overall pick in 2003.
In 2011-12, Grigorenko scored 85 points (40+45) while picking up just 12 penalty minutes for the Quebec Remparts in his first QMJHL season. He led all first-year players in the league in goals and points, and was second in regular-season assists. Despite only playing in 59 games, Grigorenko’s 40 goals and 85 points tied him for fifth and eighth place, respectively, among all players in the league.
A month ago Grigorenko, who immediately becomes one of the system's biggest forwards, and Zemgus Girgensons weren't even part of the Sabres organization. Now the team's offensive prospects have taken a major step forward. Couple the 2012 bounty with recently inked Joel Armia and the Sabres have themselves a nicely balanced troika for future scoring line duty.
***
Regardless of Grigorenko's skill level and chances of making the Sabres out of camp, where he plays next season may have more to do with the league's negotiations with the players association than anything else. Upon being picked in Pittsburgh, Grigorenko stated that he would return to Quebec City to play with Patrick Roy's Remparts for another year if he did not crack Buffalo's top roster. It seems the same would hold true if September 15th comes and goes without a new collective bargaining agreement being in place. Grigorenko won't be old enough to play in the AHL.
Along the same lines, the 2012 Traverse City tournament is tentatively scheduled to begin on September 14th. If the two sides are still at an impasse past an agreed to "drop dead date", there's a chance that the tournament could be cancelled, meaning the Sabres will need to wait a year to defend the crown.
***
Per TVA Sports, the Sabres reportedly followed up the Grigorenko deal by signing his former linemate and recent development camp invite Frederick Roy to a one-year AHL deal. The 5'10, 160-pound wing skated for the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts in 2011-12, finishing as the league's fourth leading scorer with 92 points (27+65) while earning the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as Defensive Player of the Year. A pesky competitor, Roy notched a pair of assists in the recent blue and gold scrimmage. He'll attend camp with the Rochester Americans this fall.
Grigorenko tries on the colors for the first time.
"Now it's time for me to make my impression felt... so sit back, relax, and strap on your seat belt"
The Buffalo Sabres made great strides in their quest to get bigger and more talented down the middle Friday, selecting Quebec Remparts leading scorer Mikhail Grigorenko (12th overall) and Dubuque Fighting Saints power froward Zemgus Girgensons (14th overall) in the first round of the NHL draft.
In all it was a successful opening night for the Sabres. They nabbed the most gifted player available at their original spot, and then acted swiftly with Flames GM Jay Feaster for the second straight draft by bundling the 21st and 42nd picks in exchange for #14 to close out their round earlier than scheduled.
I mentioned in the draft preview how many top-end Europeans are now playing in North American in their draft years. Rated the #3 North American skater by Central Scouting, Grigorenko is the first Russian-born player drafted by Buffalo since 2005, while Girgensons, who was ranked 18th, becomes the first-ever Latvian to be selected in the first round of the NHL draft.
For those wondering, there are no language issues whatsoever with either player. Girgensons is 100% fluent after spending three years in the U.S., while Grigorenko picked things up rather quickly despite living in a city dominated by en francais. Kevin Devine dropped the line of the weekend by joking that Grigorenko already speaks better than (Sabres amateur scout) Iourri Khymlev.
With Grigorenko, the Sabres pick up a highly-skilled center with excellent offensive sense and balance. He has great hands around the net but it's his passing and vision that really stand out. The 6'3, 200+ pounder controls the offensive tempo, a trait that causes many to believe that he's close to NHL ready with a future as a #1 pivot. From a skill standpoint, Devine thinks he could good to go as early as this fall. I fully expect the Sabres to act quickly on a contract but time will tell on that front.
After accumulating four goals and 18 points at the 2011 U18s, Grigorenko was an instant North American hit with 85 points (40+45) to be an easy choice as the CHL's Rookie of the Year. Despite the sparkling results, his will to compete was often questioned, but his coach with the Quebec Remparts, Patrick Roy, always spoke glowingly of his Russian rookie and recently suggested that it has simply been an issue of stamina at the root of the chatter. I'm no doctor, but it makes you wonder about his spring bout with mononucleosis and the impact of its onset.
After listening to Kevin Devine and Darcy Regier speak after Friday's first round, it appears that Roy's input heavily influenced their decision. Grigorenko has informed the Sabres that he'll return to Quebec City next season if he is unable to crack the NHL roster.
The pick worked out the way it should have - don't chase him but don't let him pass by. I'm glad the Sabres agreed that you couldn't pass up a potential Malkin clone with the 12th pick in the draft.
Girgensons: fit for duty in a blue collar town
With Girgensons, the Sabres nabbed a well-rounded center with high character who plays the game hard. He'll hound the puck. He'll slide to block a shot. He'll stand in the crease and push back after the whistle. Simply put, the 6'2, 198-pounder is a natural leader who goes in straight line with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
While some speculated on Grigorenko's work ethic, no one ever questioned Girgensons'. Devine remarked about his no-quit attitude at the World Juniors when he sacrificed his body late in a blowout loss to Russia. He even kept chugging for a few shifts after breaking his jaw in an April playoff game on a play that saw him lay a hit.
And by the way, Girgensons can score. His aggressive style led to 45 goals through 100 USHL games over the past two seasons. While a very capable offensive player, the best seems yet to come as his hard working style should see him create a little more on his own as he develops. The blend of skills combined a very high effort level makes perfect sense after picking a dominant offensive talent two picks earlier.
While the Kelowna Rockets maintain his WHL rights, Girgensons is expected to honor his early commitment to the University of Vermont, where he'll be skating over the next two weeks in preparation for the upcoming Sabres d-camp.
Ironically, Calgary ended up nabbing Girgensons' replacement on the Dubuques roster with the pick they got from the Sabres, selecting Providence commit Mark Jankowski at #21.
***
The Sabres began day two by selecting American-born defenseman Jake McCabe out of the WCHA's Wisconsin Badgers. From the draft preview:
Many of the defenders in this draft bring a strong two-way skill set to the table, and McCabe’s total package could be considered among the best. The Wisconsin native played in the WCHA as a true freshman in 2011-12, using smarts and excellent mobility to score three goals and 12 points while getting PP time alongside points machine Justin Schultz on the Badgers top PP unit.
It’s not all offense though. McCabe has a mature body and good shutdown skills that could make for a nice #4 defenseman after his days in Badgerland. A product of the U.S. NTDP, McCabe’s history with Amerks bench boss Ron Rolston could lend to some valuable input on draft day as the Sabres re-load youth on the blueline.
McCabe rebounded well after missing some time thanks to a cut tendon courtesy of a teammate's skate. While pegged in the preview as a third, the pick in the second makes sense given the relationships and overall skills of the player. Needless to say, I really like McCabe as quality two-way defensemen are always welcome in the NHL.
Happy with their organizational skill and speed at the center spot, the Sabres used their third round pick on another big body that more likely projects to checking line duty.
A former first-rounder in the 2010 OHL draft (13th overall), the 6'4, 211 pound Kea employs a hard-working power forward style that sees him strong on the forecheck, valuable on the PK, and a willing pugilist as evidenced by 14 scraps through his first two years of major junior. Moving forward, many expect the lanky forward to get more opportunity to show his offensive side while filling out his frame.
The Sabres brought the big pivot in for their combine and certainly thought highly enough of his make-up to produce the third round investment. Per Kevin Devine, they think he could be Paul Gaustad type with better skating.
5th round (133rd): Logan Nelson - C/W, 6'2", 188 lbs.
Yet another Sabres combine visitor, the Minnesota native is a strong, skilled forward who compiled 23 goals and 62 points this past season in Victoria while playing parts of the year alongside fellow Sabres prospect, Kevin Sundher. Naturally a center, Nelson plays with an edge, using his big body to make plays around the net.
Passed over in his first draft year as a member of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers, Nelson moved to the WHL where he emerged as a more complete player. His production did not go unnoticed by USA Hockey, who invited the talented Nelson to their U20 Evaluation Camp later this summer. He'll turn 19 in September, giving him one more year of junior to become a stronger skater before hitting the AHL.
Nelson notched his first WHL hat trick back on January 3rd in a 9-4 loss to Calgary. All three goals can be seen below.
I thought that perhaps the Sabres would stop their "every other year" trend and add a goalie to build more top-to-bottom depth, and they did just that. We'll go back to the draft preview for the goods on the big Swede who the Sabres had good intelligence on thanks to the January hiring of former MoDo GM Fredrik Andersson as a professional scout.
Linus Ullmark – G, 6’3, 198 lbs., Modo (SWE Jr)
Big and raw, the talented Ullmark enters his second draft year after an excellent season with Modo’s J20 squad that saw him post a solid 2.76 goals against average and .918 save percentage with the storied franchise. Ullmark’s play steadily improved throughout the season and into the playoffs, where he sparkled with a 2.24 GAA, .927 sv%, and one shutout in five starts.
Growing up dreaming of playing for Modo’s top club, Ullmark got his wish at the Christmas break when he was called in to back up Mikael Tellqvist while Anton Forsberg was away at the U20s. When Telllqvist fell ill, Ullmark was thrust into his first start as an 18-year old on two hours notice and held up well in an OT loss to Lulea.
While the bottleneck kept him buried most of the year, we’re still giving Ullmark a good shot to be drafted by the Sabres and an equally good chance to earn a larger SEL role with Modo before coming to North America.
The Sabres continued their run of three straight players in their second year of eligibility with the selection of Austin. The mammoth rearguard flourished this past season after an offseason trade to Belleville, leveraging his past experience as a spot-duty forward to score six goals and 26 points while developing his stay-at-home game under the guidance of former Edmonton Oilers bench boss George Burnett. Named the Bulls' Most Dedicated player, the steady improvement and overall package including a strong shot and a nice set of feet for a big man make him a smart pick late in the draft.
One Austin's season highlights came as he showed his mobility up-ice to score the overtime game winning goal in game #4 of the Bulls' first round playoff series against Ottawa (below).
Developing just up the road from Sabres amateur scout Keith Hendrickson, Peterson enters Sabreland following a prolific high school season that saw him rack up 47 goals and 83 points with Duluth-Marshall (MN) High School. Peterson's offensive package, which includes a nice burst and sniping accuracy, along with his relationship earned him an up-close audition at the Sabres pre-draft combine, where he confirmed his standing as a deeper day two option and potential depth scorer.
Native Minnesotan Brian Burke was also said to be interested, but the Sabres acted before the Leafs final pick to snatch up the 2012 Mr. Hockey Finalist. Peterson will play for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders in 2012-13 before entering the WCHA ranks with the St. Cloud State Huskies.
Peterson ( gold #18) opened the 2011 scholastic season with a hat trick and an assist. You can see the points below.
***
Sabres Development Camp is scheduled for July 8th-14th. (So just chill 'til the next episode).
