The once and future Sabres, are in the Playoffs, unlike their parent club. And they won the first game against Providence, so they could make it a few rounds. I'm surprised they didn't ship Chris Butler down there to help them out or Matt Ellis. But it looks like they got things handled.
(ed. note they did send Chris Butler down)
The Pirates are led by Mark Mancari, who had 67 points on the year, Tim Kennedy who also had 67 points on the year. Mathieu Darche who had 66 points (the Matt Ellis replacement next year) And Nathan Gerbe who was almost a point a game player this year in the AHL and will be on the Big Club next October. Marc Andre Gragnani, who had a nice productive year in the AHL with 51 points, could maybe crack the top 7, maybe the top 8. Depending on what they do with Tyler Myers next year.
Marek Zagrapan maybe finally coming around, but the clock is running out on him. Felix Schutz could be a darkhorse forward next fall. But it wouldn't hurt to have him in Portland to start things off. And Jhonas Enroth had a nice productive year in Portland, but no doubt will be coming back there next year. And maybe trade bait for the Sabres. Everyone loves young goaltending, and could bring in something vital to the parent organization. Since goaltending isn't a issue for many years to come.
The Pirates seem to be a good mix of young guys and AHL vets, that have gotten them through a injury plagued season, and hopefully a nice long run to the Calder Cup. This experience will only help these guys and improve their value to the Sabres, who if they see a bunch of guys that can make, will shed salary for possible cheaper and comparable talent.
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