Need a quick fix of Sabres hockey?
The 2016 Prospects Challenge kicks off today, a four day rookie camp, with players from the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins organizations. In addition to a practice today, each team will play one another in the next three nights. $10 tickets can be purchased for the games that will take place downtown.
It’s a chance for young prospects to make a mark and battle for an NHL job, though the reality is most will return to the juniors or minors.
Here are just a few players to keep an eye on:
Justin Bailey – The 6’3” winger was on fire in Rochester last year (15 goals and 32 points in 27 games). Despite playing eight games with the Sabres last year, he’s still looking for his first NHL point.
Alexander Nylander – The dynamic 18-year-old winger was Buffalo’s 2016 first round draft pick. He turned some heads with his deft stickhandling during July’s development camp and may challenge for a roster spot.
Brendan Guhle – The 19-year-old defenseman will likely challenge for a roster spot.
Hudson Fasching – The 6’2″, 216 pounds, power forward acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in Tim Murray’s first trade played seven games for Buffalo last year, tallying one goal and one assist.
Evan Rodrigues – Jack Eichel’s former linemate at Boston University, the speedy winger played in two games for the Sabres last year, scoring a goal and an assist.
Anders Nilsson is the presumptive backup to Robin Lehner. But who will be the starter in Rochester? Should a callup be necessary, who will it be?
Jason Kasdorf – The R.P.I. standout played in just one NHL game for the Sabres last season: a 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Linus Ullmark – Thrust into a starting role last year as a rookie, the Swede did admirably. His stats dropped as the season went on and losses piled up in Rochester.
New Amerks head coach Dan Lambert will have his hands full evaluating all of these players, many of whom will be playing for him in Rochester.
Here’s the full roundup of events:
Friday, Sept. 11
- Buffalo Practice: 9-11 a.m.
- New Jersey practice: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Boston practice: 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12
- Buffalo morning skate: 10-11 a.m.
- New Jersey morning skate: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Boston practice: 1-3 p.m.
- Buffalo vs. New Jersey, 7 p.m., KeyBank Center
Sunday, Sept. 13
- Buffalo practice: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Boston morning skate: 10-11 a.m. (at HARBORCENTER)
- New Jersey morning skate: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (at HARBORCENTER)
- Boston vs. New Jersey, 7 p.m., HARBORCENTER
Monday, Sept. 14
- Buffalo morning skate: 10-11 a.m.
- Boston morning skate: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Buffalo vs. Boston, 7 p.m., KeyBank Center