Sabres In Focus

Jochen Hecht- Hecht was selected in the second round (49th overall) by the St. Louis Blues during the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. With the Blues, Hecht played two full seasons, collecting 32 goals and 46 assists, but what then dealt to the Edmonton Oilers.

During a game with the Oilers, Hecht helped spark a comeback with a goal. Edmonton trailed 5-0 halfway through the game, but were able to come back and win 6-5. After one season with the Oilers, Hecht was traded again, this time to the Buffalo Sabres.

Hecht recently recorded his 400th career point during the 2009-2010 season. He is a solid winger, and is reliable to play some defense when if he has to cover for a defenceman once in a while. Continue reading

Nathan Gerbe- Standing at 5’5”, Nathan Gerbe doesn’t look like much at first glance – but try looking closer. The Buffalo Sabres’ 2005 fifth-round draft pick may have a very big future in the NHL.

Gerbe played his college hockey as an Eagle at Boston College. In 2008 Gerbe led the Eagles to the Championship, scoring five goals in the team’s final two games – he was honored as the tournament MVP as a result.

In the same season Gerbe was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the NCAA’s top men’s ice hockey player. He finished with 68 points in just 43 games. After his fantastic season at Boston College, Gerbe signed a three-year $2.55 million contract with Sabres on May 6, 2008. Continue reading

Tyler Ennis- Most Buffalo Sabres’ fans are unaware of the young talent playing for their AHL affiliate—and the best of that talent pool is 20-year-old Tyler Ennis. Ennis was selected 26th overall by the Sabres in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Standing at 5’9” and weighing 163 pounds, Ennis is not the biggest skater, but his quick and smart play keeps him ahead of the pack.

“His top-end skill is the best in the AHL,” Buffalo’s head of pro scouting Jon Christiano told The Hockey News. “He has quick hands, quick feet. He makes more NHL plays than any player at that level.”

Ennis’ first season in the AHL has been a magnificent one. He leads all rookies in goals (21) and assists (41), and he is second on the team in points behind Mark Mancari (63). Continue reading

Patrick Kaleta- He is known as one of the biggest agitator’s in the NHL. He was drafted by the Sabres in the 6th round (176th overall) in 2004. The Buffalo native is becoming known for his hits on opponents. In Buffalo, the company “Carubba Collision” sponsors the hit of the game: they have for years. Due to Kaleta’s physical play and since he has the hit of the game most of the time, many Sabres fans believe the name should be changed to “Kaleta Collision”.

Patrick Kaleta’s first game was one he will never forget. It was not just any ordinary game on that night. It happened to be on February 22nd, 2007, when Buffalo and Ottawa met for a emotional matchup.

After Chris Neil took a cheap shot at Chris Drury, a brawl ensued on the following faceoff. Kaleta took on Chris Phillips, as everyone grabbed a partner, including Martin Biron fighting Ray Emery. Kaleta had his family watching in the stands, and it was one unforgettable night. Buffalo went on to win the game 6-5 in a shootout. Continue reading

Thomas Vanek- Thomas Vanek was drafted by the Sabres in 5th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest draft pick in Austrian history.

Vanek signed a three-year deal with Buffalo on September 3, 2004, and began playing for the Sabres in 2005-2006 after a season with their AHL affiliate. He had a promising rookie season with 25 goals and 48 points in 81 games for the Sabres. His performance tailed off in the playoffs, managing 2 goals in 10 games.

Vanek recorded his best statistical season, the following year in 2006-2007. He played in all 82 regular season games for the Sabres, scoring 43 goals, tied for fifth in the league, and 41 assists. He also finished an NHL best +47, earning the NHL Plus/Minus Award.

Upon the expiration of his rookie contract during the 2007 off-season, Vanek signed a seven-year $50 million offer sheet from the Edmonton Oilers. The Sabres immediately matched the offer sheet, thus keeping Vanek under contract until at least the end of the 2013–14 season. Despite his lucrative new contract, Vanek’s production dipped to 64 points in 2007-2008. Continue reading