At the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Sabres traded Nikita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko, prospect J.T. Compher and the 31st pick in the ’15 draft in exchange for centerpiece Ryan O’Reilly. Oh, and Jamie McGinn, too.
At the time, he was an afterthought to the big news of landing O’Reilly. A throw in at best. Like an extra bagel that comes with a dozen.
But after 34 games, it’s clear McGinn is proving to be much more than a footnote. The winger is tied with Sam Reinhart for fourth on the Sabres with seven goals and eight assists. And for a team that has given up ten more goals than it has scored, McGinn (+1) is one of only two players in positive territory in the +/- category (Reinhart is +2). He’s a great influence on many of the young talent on the team.
“I don’t want to be just a throw-in; hopefully the fans fall in love with me, because I’m going to compete hard every shift. I want to be a big part of it and I want to bring a winning way here,” said McGinn.
VERSATILITY
McGinn was expected to bring his physical presence and fill out a bottom six role for the Sabres. Instead, he’s proving his versatility, currently playing top line minutes with Ryan O’Reilly and Sam Reinhart and getting time on the power play, parking himself in front of the net. He’s averaging just under 12 minutes of ice time per game.
“I’m just trying to keep it simple and do the things that make me successful,” McGinn said. “I have to get myself into it by getting hits early. When I do that, the ice kind of opens up for me a bit.”
You can put the bump-and-grind winger practically anywhere in the lineup. And Bylsma has done just that. McGinn has played on a line with David Legwand and Marcus Foligno; he’s skated on Jack Eichel’s left with right wing Tyler Ennis; he’s filled in for an injured Evander Kane, playing with O’Reilly and Sam Reinhart; and he’s also played right wing with Jack Eichel and Evander Kane.
The 6’1″, 210 pound winger brings good energy to every shift and is not shy about going into the dirty areas, creating room for his linemates. He cycles the puck well and has good hands for creating plays when he’s in close. There isn’t much flash to his game, he’s just a powerful player who plays bigger than his modest size and is strong on the forecheck.
THROUGH THE YEARS
McGinn was drafted 36th overall in 2006 by the San Jose Sharks. He was dealt to Colorado in a multi-player trade deadline deal in 2012. His high energy game can yield results as he put up 19 goals and 19 assists for the Avalanche in 2013-14. Last year, after 19 games, he decided to have back surgery to address a genetic back problem. In 400 NHL games, he’s scored 76 goals and 67 assists.
Born in Fergus, Ontario (about a two hour drive from Buffalo), McGinn is super excited to be close to home and playing for the Sabres.
“It’s just a great opportunity playing in front of family and friends and such a great organization,” McGinn added.
THE REST OF THE TRADE
It’s common knowledge how Ryan O’Reilly has embraced the expectations heaved upon him since joining the Sabres. He’s proving to be everything Buffalo was hoping he’d be as the centerpiece of the trade.
After playing eleven games with the Avalanche, tallying two assists and seven shots on goal, Zadorov was assigned to Colorado’s AHL affiliate. General Manager Joe Sakic wants to see the 6’5″, 220 pound Russian play big minutes in the AHL instead of playing a limited role in the NHL.
Grigorenko, who re-united with Avs’ coach Patrick Roy, has appeared in 30 games, tallying one goal and ten helpers. Roy coached Grigorenko for two seasons with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
J.T. Compher, a 20-year-old winger, is playing for the University of Michigan this year.
The 31st pick the Avs received was traded to San Jose, who selected Jeremy Roy.
CONTRACT YEAR
This is a contract year for the 27-year-old winger, so General Manager Tim Murray will have to make a decision whether McGinn has a future with the team. If he continues his strong play, there shouldn’t be a question. After all, who doesn’t keep the extra bagel?