OFF-SEASON PLAYER ADDITIONS
Tim Conboy, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Carolina Hurricanes)
Jordan Leopold, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Pittsburgh Penguins)
Shaone Morrisonn, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Washington Capitals)
Rob Niedermayer, C (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New Jersey Devils)
Colin Stuart, LW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Calgary Flames)
OFF-SEASON PLAYER LOSSES
Jeff Cowan, LW (Unsigned Free Agent)
Joe DiPenta, D (Signed with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL)
Matt Generous, D (Unsigned Free Agent)
Tim Kennedy, C (Signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers)
Michael Kostka, D (Signed with the Rochester Americans of the AHL)
Toni Lydman, D (Signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Ducks)
Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, G (Signed a minor league contract with the Calgary Flames)
Adam Mair, C (Unsigned Free Agent)
Henrik Tallinder, D (Signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Devils)
Raffi Torres, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks)
2009-10 Season Finish: 1st Northeast Division, 3rd Eastern Conference, 100 Pts.
2009-10 Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to the Boston Bruins in the Quarterfinals
2010-11 Prediction: 2nd Northeast Division, 5th Eastern Conference
The Buffalo Sabres had an impressive 2009-10 season by finishing first in the Northeast Division, but were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Bruins in six games. The Sabres will look to have another fine season in 2010-11 and make it back to the playoffs for the second straight year. The team boasts a formidable offense led by the talented Thomas Vanek, who brings lots of goal-scoring skill to the lineup, as well as plenty of size. Jason Pominville brings lots of offensive depth, passing and playmaking skills, as well as depth to the power play, while Derek Roy brings playmaking skill and energy to the forward lines. Tim Connolly brings lots of quickness, offensive depth, and skill to the penalty skill despite being very susceptible to injury, while Jochen Hecht is also excellent on the penalty kill and has plenty of two-way skill. Paul Gaustad brings lots of grit and toughness and two-way skill to the lineup, while Drew Stafford provides goal-scoring skill to the forward lines, as well as some size. Mike Grier brings exceptional defensive skill to the team’s offense, as well as lots of skill and some leadership qualities, while newcomer Rob Niedermayer brings some grit, two-way play, and skill to the penalty kill. Patrick Kaleta and Cody McCormick both provide a tremendous amount of grit, toughness, and physicality to the lineup, while Matt Ellis brings a strong work ethic and offensive depth to the wing. Colin Stuart and Mark Mancari will look to make the team next season as depth forwards, but will likely have to battle for roster spots at training camp. Other prospect forwards who will be looking to secure roster spots with the Sabres in the coming weeks include Tyler Ennis, Nathan Gerbe, Felix Schutz, and Derek Whitmore.
The Sabres boast a defense that has a good mix of veterans and young talent, which should keep them fairly competitive on the blueline next season. Craig Rivet remains one of the top defenseman on the team with his gritty play and leadership skills and can even chip in points from time to time. Newcomer Jordan Leopold provides plenty of mobility and offensive skill to the blueline, while 2009-10 Rookie-of-the-Year Tyler Myers brings tremendous size, great skating, and lots of offensive upside to the Sabres’ defense. Chris Butler brings lots of offensive upside and puck-moving skill to the team, while Shaone Morrisonn brings lots of size and defensive depth to the blueline. Andrej Sekera provides mobility, puck-moving skill, and can play a lot of minutes, while Steve Montador brings lots of toughness and a little offensive skill to the team’s defense. Newcomer Tim Conboy brings some toughness to the team and is versatile, as he can play both defense and on the wing, but will likely have to battle for a spot at training camp with prospects T.J. Brennan, Alex Biega, Marc-Andre Gragnani, and Mike Weber. While the Sabres have a fairly stable blueline, the addition of a veteran defenseman could help add some depth to their defense.
Ryan Miller had an exceptional year in 2009-10 which saw him win his first Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie and will look to repeat that success in 2010-11. He is very quick to make saves and can dominate against the opposition, which will likely result in him starting the majority of next season’s games. Patrick Lalime will likely backup Miller once again next season and brings plenty of veteran depth to the team in goal. While Lalime brings some veteran depth to the team, he has struggled in net the past few seasons, giving the Sabres a very inconsistent option as a backup goalie. He will likely have competition at training camp for the backup role from prospect Jhonas Enroth.
TEAM STRENGTHS
- Lots of talented players on offense.
- Good mix of veteran and young players on defense.
- Very strong starting goalie in Ryan Miller.
TEAM WEAKNESSES
- Could use another veteran defenseman on the blueline.
- Could use a stronger backup goalie.
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