The Buffalo Sabres closed the 2011 draft by taking a flyer on productive forward, Brad Navin. A 6'2, 183-pound center from the Waupauca High School Comets, graduating class of 200, Navin brutalized the Wisconsin scholastic ranks this past season, posting 29 goals and 52 points in an injury-shortened 14 games. Per Bluechip Bulletin, he was the only player this year to register zero no-point games and the only only to post two or more in every outing.
And for the second straight year the Sabres take a high-scoring, high school player in the seventh round that was ranked in the 160's by Central Scouting. Navin was ranked #163. St. Thomas' Christian Isackson was rated 166th a year ago.
Wisconsin high school is a far reach from being a superior level of competition, but Navin's skating, shooting, and all-around offensive package made him an easy scholarship target for a few division I programs including the one he settled on - his home state Wisconsin Badgers. He will be the first Sabres prospect to develop in Madison since Doug MacDonald, a fourth-round pick in 1989.
Unlike Isackson and many WCHA commits though, the 19-year old Navin is not expected to play a developmental year in the USHL, but will instead make the difficult leap directly into the collegiate ranks. Navin, who also starred as a quarterback on the football field, has already begun molding his power forward college game, enrolling for summer classes and training with his new teammates.
Navin represents long range offensive potential that teams often look for late. Way to close the draft on a high note.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Nathan Lieuwen off to Buffalo at #167
Finally, an easy one.Back in March, I mentioned the possibility of the Sabres considering Nathan Lieuwen in the late rounds.
Sure enough, the 6'5 netminder was available in round six and the Sabres astutely scooped him up. From the 2011 Draft Preview:
"An athletic 6'5 netminder, Lieuwen was once a highly rated draft prospect that saw his stock fall due to a concussion in his draft year. It took some time to regain his consistency, but he evolved into a reliable force in his third draft eligible season. After posting 33 wins and a 2.79 goals against average behind a Brayden McNabb-led defense, the refreshed 19-year old earned WHL playoff MVP honors by backstopping the ICE to their third Memorial Cup appearance.
Lieuwen is still somewhat of a raw goaltending prospect. His lateral movement needs work and he seems to have an issue catching the puck. I'm not sure how far he can take his game, but the huge stopper could theoretically be your stopgap #2 in the AHL next season. Think of him late as a "let's see if he develops" type of pick if other options have been exhausted."
Sure enough, the 6'5 netminder was available in round six and the Sabres astutely scooped him up. From the 2011 Draft Preview:
"An athletic 6'5 netminder, Lieuwen was once a highly rated draft prospect that saw his stock fall due to a concussion in his draft year. It took some time to regain his consistency, but he evolved into a reliable force in his third draft eligible season. After posting 33 wins and a 2.79 goals against average behind a Brayden McNabb-led defense, the refreshed 19-year old earned WHL playoff MVP honors by backstopping the ICE to their third Memorial Cup appearance.
Lieuwen is still somewhat of a raw goaltending prospect. His lateral movement needs work and he seems to have an issue catching the puck. I'm not sure how far he can take his game, but the huge stopper could theoretically be your stopgap #2 in the AHL next season. Think of him late as a "let's see if he develops" type of pick if other options have been exhausted."
Local product Alex Lepkowski goes to Sabres at #137
The Sabres continued to add more local flare by adding West Seneca native Alex Lepkowski of the OHL's Barrie Colts in the 5th round of the 2011 draft. Standing 6'4, 212 pounds, Lepkowski is a hard working, stay-at-home presence who moves well for a big man. He's carved out a reputation as a blue collar kid who coaches rave about.
A former standout at St. Francis High School where ties exist to Sabres amateur scout Nik Fattey, Lepkowski represents a very intriguing platform for the Sabres to build upon. Despite not scoring a goal in his first two junior seasons, the imposing rearguard possesses some excellent puck skills that should continue to be leveraged with more experience and better decision making.
It's more than just the puck skills and size that make him worth a fifth-round look. Lepkowski has some leadership in his system as well. He's engaged 11 OHL combatants over his first two seasons while steadily developing into a dependable guy in his own end. It was the blend that allowed the Colts to trade captain and fan favorite Dalton Prout to Saginaw in exchange for his services midway through the 2010-11 campaign.
A former standout at St. Francis High School where ties exist to Sabres amateur scout Nik Fattey, Lepkowski represents a very intriguing platform for the Sabres to build upon. Despite not scoring a goal in his first two junior seasons, the imposing rearguard possesses some excellent puck skills that should continue to be leveraged with more experience and better decision making.
It's more than just the puck skills and size that make him worth a fifth-round look. Lepkowski has some leadership in his system as well. He's engaged 11 OHL combatants over his first two seasons while steadily developing into a dependable guy in his own end. It was the blend that allowed the Colts to trade captain and fan favorite Dalton Prout to Saginaw in exchange for his services midway through the 2010-11 campaign.
Buffalo takes Colin Jacobs at #107
The Sabres have selected Colin Jacobs of the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds with the 107th pick of the 2011 NHL draft. The 6'2, 204-pound right-handed center was the fifth leading scorer for the T-Birds in 2010-11, cashing 22 goals and 44 points with 69 PIM and a -20 rating.
A product of the up-and-coming Dallas Ice Jets junior program, Jacobs is a big, raw talent who works hard and will go to the high-traffic areas of the ice to get results. Tough on the boards, his package of size and shooting was a very attractive package in the fourth round to a Sabres club needing pivots in the prospect ranks.
Jacobs employs a physical brand, will definitely crash and bang, and is not afraid to drop the mitts, as evidenced by his four scraps as a rookie in 2009-10 and another in his draft year.
It's hard to classify Jacobs as a a natural offensive mind, but his willingness to use his frame makes him a potential power piece down the middle. Again, nice value for the Sabres at this spot in the draft.
A product of the up-and-coming Dallas Ice Jets junior program, Jacobs is a big, raw talent who works hard and will go to the high-traffic areas of the ice to get results. Tough on the boards, his package of size and shooting was a very attractive package in the fourth round to a Sabres club needing pivots in the prospect ranks.
Jacobs employs a physical brand, will definitely crash and bang, and is not afraid to drop the mitts, as evidenced by his four scraps as a rookie in 2009-10 and another in his draft year.
It's hard to classify Jacobs as a a natural offensive mind, but his willingness to use his frame makes him a potential power piece down the middle. Again, nice value for the Sabres at this spot in the draft.
The Sabres select Daniel Catenacci at #77
After losing Paul Byron's speed and hands thanks to the Robyn Regehr trade, the Sabres essentially replaced his skill set with their third round pick, Daniel Catenacci of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
A 5'10 center, Catenacci was the first overall pick in the 2009 OHL Draft after scoring 42 goals and 87 points in 39 games with the York Simcoe Express. Catenacci learned the ropes as a rookie in 2009-10 before breaking out with 26 goals and 71 points for the Western Conferences cellar dweller Greyhounds this past season. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native rounded out his line with 117 PIM and a -5 rating.
The left-handed pivot is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. He has excellent acceleration and can stop and turn on a dime. In fact, his wheels were on display at the CHL Top Prospects Game, where he won the fastest skater competition and also used his seapartion skills to pot a shorthanded goal. The key with Catenacci though, and something that doesn't make him a Milan Bartovic (a former Sabres 2nd round pick known for his speed), is that he has the finish and vision to bring out the best of his feet. He's a natural center with a quick release. There's not much more you can ask for in the third round of the draft.
A 5'10 center, Catenacci was the first overall pick in the 2009 OHL Draft after scoring 42 goals and 87 points in 39 games with the York Simcoe Express. Catenacci learned the ropes as a rookie in 2009-10 before breaking out with 26 goals and 71 points for the Western Conferences cellar dweller Greyhounds this past season. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native rounded out his line with 117 PIM and a -5 rating.
The left-handed pivot is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. He has excellent acceleration and can stop and turn on a dime. In fact, his wheels were on display at the CHL Top Prospects Game, where he won the fastest skater competition and also used his seapartion skills to pot a shorthanded goal. The key with Catenacci though, and something that doesn't make him a Milan Bartovic (a former Sabres 2nd round pick known for his speed), is that he has the finish and vision to bring out the best of his feet. He's a natural center with a quick release. There's not much more you can ask for in the third round of the draft.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Sabres select Joel Armia at #16
No better way to promote the NHL Premier in Helsinki than taking a big Finnish forward who can pot the puck.
The Buffalo Sabres have selected Assat RW Joel Armia with the 16th pick of the 2011 NHL draft. A pure scorer, the 6'3, 191-pound Armia scored 18 goals and 29 points as a 17-year old this past season with Assat of the Finnish Elite League.
Armia is a great skater with an amazing set of hands and excellent creativity. A player who could've gone anywhere from 10-20, his combination of size and offense are a most welcome addition to the Sabres prospect ranks. Sniper city.
You could see the tools in place when he skated on HSBC Arena ice this past winter with Finland's entry at the World Junior Championship. The big wing didn't have the best tournament statistically (just one assist in six games), but continued to build as his year with Assat progressed. Armia returned to international play at the U18 World Championship, faring much better with four goals and 13 points to keep himself in the thick of first-round conversations.
And one for all the club-goers out there.
We said we wanted skill at forward, and the Sabres certainly delivered with a compelling package. (And they went to Europe for the first time in five years to do it.) With two years left on his contract with Assat, Armia will need to keep adding strength to his long frame while maturing his two-way awareness.
Let's not fool ourselves though. Armia is here to score goals, and this was an excellent pick by the Sabres at #16. As a matter of fact, Armia's skill level will land him VERY HIGH on the next SabresProspects rankings list.
For more info, check out Chris Ralph's profile on the young Finnish sniper.
The Buffalo Sabres have selected Assat RW Joel Armia with the 16th pick of the 2011 NHL draft. A pure scorer, the 6'3, 191-pound Armia scored 18 goals and 29 points as a 17-year old this past season with Assat of the Finnish Elite League.
Armia is a great skater with an amazing set of hands and excellent creativity. A player who could've gone anywhere from 10-20, his combination of size and offense are a most welcome addition to the Sabres prospect ranks. Sniper city.
You could see the tools in place when he skated on HSBC Arena ice this past winter with Finland's entry at the World Junior Championship. The big wing didn't have the best tournament statistically (just one assist in six games), but continued to build as his year with Assat progressed. Armia returned to international play at the U18 World Championship, faring much better with four goals and 13 points to keep himself in the thick of first-round conversations.
And one for all the club-goers out there.
We said we wanted skill at forward, and the Sabres certainly delivered with a compelling package. (And they went to Europe for the first time in five years to do it.) With two years left on his contract with Assat, Armia will need to keep adding strength to his long frame while maturing his two-way awareness.
Let's not fool ourselves though. Armia is here to score goals, and this was an excellent pick by the Sabres at #16. As a matter of fact, Armia's skill level will land him VERY HIGH on the next SabresProspects rankings list.
For more info, check out Chris Ralph's profile on the young Finnish sniper.
2011 NHL Draft - First round Live Blog
7:15 - Ok, folks. Here we go. Ongoing blog tonight with a full scale live chat beginning bright and early in the morning...
The 2011 Draft is about to begin, and although the Sabres aren't up until #16, there is still a chance they make some noise. The Robyn Regehr mystery has yet to be solved despite reports that claim he is not going to waive his no movement clause to come to Buffalo. We'll see what shakes out on that front.
Edmonton, you're on the clock.
**
7:20 - A great tribute to the late E.J. McGuire, the long time Director of NHL Central Scouting. The McGuire family takes the stage to begin the draft, and I must admit, it's odd hearing cheers with Gary Bettman on a podium.
7:22 - Oilers select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from the Red Deer Rebels. No huge surprise here. Excellent scoring center, getting stronger, and better. Add him to Hall, Eberle, Paajarvi, etc. Look out.
7:25 - I'm thinking three more picks before the fun really begins.
7:30 - Swedish wing Gabriel Landeskog goes to Colorado at #2. Big, offensive, can hit and grind. I think we're going to a need a live chat....
The 2011 Draft is about to begin, and although the Sabres aren't up until #16, there is still a chance they make some noise. The Robyn Regehr mystery has yet to be solved despite reports that claim he is not going to waive his no movement clause to come to Buffalo. We'll see what shakes out on that front.
Edmonton, you're on the clock.
**
7:20 - A great tribute to the late E.J. McGuire, the long time Director of NHL Central Scouting. The McGuire family takes the stage to begin the draft, and I must admit, it's odd hearing cheers with Gary Bettman on a podium.
7:22 - Oilers select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from the Red Deer Rebels. No huge surprise here. Excellent scoring center, getting stronger, and better. Add him to Hall, Eberle, Paajarvi, etc. Look out.
7:25 - I'm thinking three more picks before the fun really begins.
7:30 - Swedish wing Gabriel Landeskog goes to Colorado at #2. Big, offensive, can hit and grind. I think we're going to a need a live chat....
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Long road leads Prince to draft
Down the 90 in Rochester, D&C writer Kevin Oklobzija filed a piece on Spencerport native Shane Prince, the speedy Ottawa 67's wing who is likely to be a high pick in this weekend's draft.
Shane Prince close to realizing NHL dream
Before anything else you have to love this anecdote told by Prince's father:
Those late night skates have paid off as Prince is set to go quickly in day 2 if he doesn't get snatched late in the first round.
The story goes on to offer insight as to what puts Prince in that esteemed pack of players.
Shane Prince close to realizing NHL dream
Before anything else you have to love this anecdote told by Prince's father:
When his father, Dan, worked B-shift hours from 3 to 11 p.m., Shane would often wait up.
Late-night ice awaited at Scottsville Ice Arena.
"He'd have his bag packed and be waiting at the door when I got home so we could go skate," Dan remembers. "There'd be times I'd get home and his bag would be there and he'd be in bed, so I'd try to sneak into bed.
"But he'd hear me and come flying out of his room, 'Aren't we going to the rink?'"
Those late night skates have paid off as Prince is set to go quickly in day 2 if he doesn't get snatched late in the first round.
"He's going to go somewhere in the first 40 to 45 guys," said Kevin Devine, director of amateur scouting for the Buffalo Sabres.
The story goes on to offer insight as to what puts Prince in that esteemed pack of players.
He's strong for his size, as he proved during the NHL scouting combine earlier this month when the top 100 prospects convened in Toronto.
In the bench press, only five players were able to lift the 150 pounds more times than Prince in the allotted time. He did 11 reps. The best was 13. He was 10th in pushups, and in the top 10 in upper-body push strength, upper-body pull strength and hand-eye coordination.
"He's not the tallest guy but he's got a solid frame," Devine said. "He doesn't have any fear going into the corners first."
He's always been fearless and always been able to dipsy-doodle with the puck, even as a kid.
"His puck skills, his hands and puck-handling, were as good as anyone and better than nearly everyone," Montagna said. "He could do things with the puck that 99.9 percent of the others couldn't do."
That hasn't changed. If you want proof, just look at his 63 assists this season. Only three other OHL players set up more goals.
"I've always liked to have the puck on my stick," said Prince, who graduated from Spencerport High School in 2010. "I enjoy setting up plays."
Sabres announce Development Camp
As touched upon briefly, Sabres President Ted Black mentioned last week that the Sabres would again be holding their Development Camp the first week of July. On Monday, they offered greater details with a formal announcement that the camp will take place July 5-10 at Dwyer Arena on the campus of Niagara University.
The coaches will put these guys to work, so expect a rather fatigued group on the 10th. In the meantime, we'll try to stay on top of any invites in the week leading up to camp.
The camp will feature over 35 Sabres prospects. The team’s upcoming 2011 NHL Draft picks are also scheduled to attend the six-day camp.
The players will take part in both on-ice and off-ice workouts. The goals of the camp are to give prospective players the fundamental ideas of the Sabres playing system and conditioning programs of an NHL player. Camp participants will also study and examine NHL rules and the successful techniques a player must possess to become a professional athlete.
The coaches will put these guys to work, so expect a rather fatigued group on the 10th. In the meantime, we'll try to stay on top of any invites in the week leading up to camp.
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