The regular season is a little over a week and the Sabres are left with 31 players in training camp. A few players are in the bubble with only two preseason games left to make an impression and earn a roster spot. Sabres coaching and management have decisions to make all over the roster over the next week.
Who’s In
The first player who I feel has earned a spot with his play so far is Mikhail Grigorenko. Going into camp the young Russian center was fully expected to start the season in Rochester. However with his new attitude and play, Grigo has caught the attention of coach Ted Nolan. Grigorenko had another strong showing playing on the top line Sunday with Hodgson and Stewart. Playing with two great players he scored a goal and also scored a highlight reel goal in the shootout. The 20 year old forward was all over the ice and played a complete game in his own end.
Another bubble player who has a roster spot pretty locked up is Nic Deslauriers. Deslauriers is a young power forward how brings good size and speed. The Sabres picked up Deslauriers from the Kings last year at the trade deadline. The Quebec native has impressed since he arrived in Buffalo last season. He provides great depth on the 3rd and 4th line, along with a strong physical presence.
Lastly the young Finnish defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has locked up a roster spot with his continuous strong performance. Risto has proved he is ready to play at the NHL level. The Sabres have no excuse to return Ristolainen to Rochester. He has proved himself in not only the defensive zone, but he has been a presence in the offensive zone. The future is now on the Sabres blue line.
Who’s Out
The first surprise cut of training camp could be 2nd overall pick Sam Reinhart. Reinhart has shown flashes in the preseason, but with Grigorenko’s emergence
Reinhart may be returned to Kootenay. The 18 year old forward is scheduled to play in the final two preseason games against Washington and Carolina. He’ll be given the full opportunity to make this team. However unless he shows the ability to score or be a playmaker in the final two games, it’ll be likely Reinhart is returned to juniors.
Former 2nd round pick Jake McCabe has wowed some people in training camp this season. Unfortunately for him the Sabres blue line is too crowded this season. I have no doubt in my mind that McCabe will be a very important part of the Sabres blue line next season. McCabe will likely be returned to Rochester
when Mark Pysyk returns from his hand injury in the next week.
A few players will need to have a strong end to camp in order to earn a roster spot. Players such as Brian Flynn and Torrey Mitchell may be fighting for that final roster spot. Both forwards play a similar role. The Sabres have been high on Flynn for a few years and they like what he brings. Mitchell was slated to be sent through waivers to Rochester as camp opened, however he’s played well throughout camp and earned a look. The final week of the preseason will be fun to watch the battles for the final roster spots.
Flynn and Mitchell are on the team, especially with Kaleta out for a month – which you make no mention of? Dalpe, Larsson (who’s been sent down) and DesLauriers are on the bubble….the real roster battles are on the back end where 5 guys are fighting for two or three roster spots. Benoit has solidified his spot with great play throughout the preseason. The top 4 should be Gorges, Myers, Risto and Benoit with Meszaros and ? manning the last two D spots, then the extra D. So the names you neglected to mention are Weber, Strachan and Zadorov who are in the mix with Pysyk and McCabe for the last two spots…
I enjoyed the article. Strong writing.