Young Sabres building bonds
LEWISTON — There's more to the Buffalo Sabres' development camp than skating, push-ups and video clips. They had a group outing to a Bisons game, found time to share a few meals and likely grabbed a beverage or two.
Basically, it's a chance for the future teammates to get to know each other. That's good because the future is coming soon for the minor-leaguers.
The Sabres are undergoing extensive changes with their American Hockey League team. The Portland Pirates will look way different from last season, with numerous players already gone and several newcomers buying guidebooks about Maine.
The Sabres gave up on four former prospects and Pirates: goaltender Adam Dennis, forward Dylan Hunter and defensemen Mike Card and Michael Funk, who signed with Vancouver. Free-agent signees who won't return to Portland include Mathieu Darche, who signed with Montreal, and Tyler Bouck and Colin Murphy, who both agreed to play in Europe.
It leaves a lot of holes, but the guys hanging out at Niagara University this week are eager to jump to the AHL. The camp gives them a chance to prepare together.
"It starts a lot of friendships," defenseman Matt Generous said in Dwyer Arena. "You get to meet a lot of the guys and create a little chemistry on the ice. Off ice, you get to meet them and know their personalities."
Several got a head start late last season. Generous and forward Travis Turnbull signed with the Pirates after their collegiate seasons ended. They played eight games each, including the playoffs.
"To really get your foot in the door, especially when the team was trying to make the playoffs, you really see what type of league the American Hockey League is," Turnbull said. "It's a great league, and I'm happy that I got there and got that experience. I think it's going to help me out this year."
The Sabres also sent several of their top junior players to Portland to be around the club. Though defensemen T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel — second-round draft picks in 2007 — didn't get to play, they did get a few weeks to experience AHL life after signing three-year, entry-level contracts that start this fall.
"It was awesome," Schiestel said. "I just got to see around the town a little bit. I didn't end up getting any games in, but training with the team every day, practicing, just seeing the ins and outs of their everyday schedule was really beneficial for me. I'm really glad I did it, and it just helps me out a ton for next year."
Brennan spent his final season with Montreal of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League working on his defensive play, and his time in Portland showed him that effort matters every shift.
"A lot of the guys are trying to make the step to the next level, so they pride themselves on doing the little things," Brennan said. "Because at this level and the next, there's not really much that separates everybody. Of course, some guys have unbelievable talent, but it's just doing the little things like working hard, finishing checks and blocking shots, so for me I've got to really pride myself on doing that kind of stuff."
The camp this week has also allowed all the prospects to meet the Pirates' staff. Coach Kevin Dineen is on the ice daily, staying late to give shooting tips or chats.
"You get to know the guys and feel comfortable around the organization because all the training staff from Portland is here," Schiestel said.
Of course, all the Sabres' coaches are at Niagara, too. Though the prospects are ticketed for Portland this fall, the camp gives them a chance to impress Lindy Ruff, Brian McCutcheon and James Patrick and get a feel for NHL life.
"It's great to be wearing that Buffalo Sabres gear," Turnbull said. "You see what that feels like, and it's certainly very special to put on that emblem and come out here and show everybody what you've got. I think that's what this week is all about."
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The Sabres have signed unrestricted free agent Matt Ellis to a one-year contract. Ellis played in 45 games with Buffalo last season, with seven goals and five assists. He was acquired off waivers from Los Angeles.
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