Down on the farm.

[ricogarion]

This is just some short news on some of the Sabres of the future:

Courtesy of Rotowire NHL- http://www.rotowire.com/hockey/latestnews.htm

 

Clarke MacArthur-

 

MacArthur is one of Team Canada's top goal scorers after the first three games of the 2005 World Junior Tournament. He started as the team's 13th forward and has carved a much bigger role for himself, scoring four times in three games and igniting the team on several occasions. At 6' and 180lbs, MacArthur will need to add a few pounds to be able to carry his intense game into the NHL but with the kind of work ethic he's demonstrated in North Dakota, he'll soon be rising on the Sabres' depth chart.

 

 

Derek Roy-

 

Roy leads Rochester of the AHL in scoring with seven goals and 22 assists, but coach Randy Cunneyworth indicated Roy hasn't played like he did in 49 games as a rookie for the Sabres last season, The Buffalo News reports.

 

"Not that he's played poorly, but we can expect more out of him," Cunneyworth said of Roy. "Some nights he's doing just enough to get by, and I think he can add a lot more. There's probably a little worrying going on about the NHL lockout, but he needs to concentrate on the task at hand." This surprises us a bit, but we wouldn't worry too much because Roy can play like his hair's on fire when he's trying to impress the Sabres. He'll likely have a third-line role when the NHL resumes play, and might be a fantasy factor in a few years.

 

 

Ryan Miller-

 

Miller is having a strong season for Rochester of the AHL. He's 14-9-1-2 with a 2.51 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage and two shutouts.

 

"We're seeing some of the best hockey Miller has played to date," coach Randy Cunneyworth told The Buffalo News. "His game is really solid. He's putting the complete games together that we need to get. He's saved our butts a few nights." Miller will compete for the backup role vs. Mika Noronen behind Martin Biron when the NHL resumes play.

 

Thomas Vanek-

 

Despite a nagging groin injury, Vanek has really picked up his play and leads Rochester of the AHL with 14 goals. He's tied for second in the AHL with 10 via power plays. Vanek should be snapped up in all keeper leagues, simply on potential. The fifth overall pick of the 2003 draft was benched five games into his pro career, but now he's thriving now. "He's really found the timely moments to make plays," coach Randy Cunneyworth told The Buffalo News. "He's realized how tough it is at this level, and he's sorting those types of issues out."

 

Drew Stafford-

 

Stafford, the Sabres' top pick in the 2004 draft, will skate for the defending champion U.S. squad at the World Junior Championships, according to The Buffalo News. Stafford is enjoying a fine sophomore campaign at the University of North Dakota, helping the Fighting Sioux reach No. 8 in the country. In 19 games he has six goals, including a team-high four winners, and 12 assists. We'll be watching his scoring closely. His upside is top line, but he still should make the pros as a capable third or fourth liner if the scoring role (and fantasy value) doesn't pan out.

 

This is Rotowire content to show what some of those outside of Buffalo think.

[Swedesessed]

I really liked what I saw out of Derek Roy too...I think he can be a very good NHL player for a long time.

[Swedesessed]

Thomas Vanek-

 

Despite a nagging groin injury, Vanek has really picked up his play and leads Rochester of the AHL with 14 goals. He's tied for second in the AHL with 10 via power plays. Vanek should be snapped up in all keeper leagues, simply on potential. The fifth overall pick of the 2003 draft was benched five games into his pro career, but now he's thriving now. "He's really found the timely moments to make plays," coach Randy Cunneyworth told The Buffalo News. "He's realized how tough it is at this level, and he's sorting those types of issues out."

 

I just hope this guy does not turn out to be another Pavel Brendl :o