‘”To be honest, I think for me the hands are the last thing to come back,” he said. “I’ve been skating back home so that helps. Especially wanting to come to camp not too rusty. The hands are the most important part of my game. When they come back is when I think I’m playing well.”‘
Archives for July 10, 2017
Mystery draft pick revealed: Laaksonen gets his chance at Sabres camp
‘”I got a text from my agent and he said, ‘You’ve been drafted’ and I was like, ‘it’s the third round’ and he was like, ‘No, this is not fake,’ ” Laaksonen said. “I was like, “Oh my God, Oh my God.’ I run to my mother and hugged her. It was a special moment.”‘
Sabres name Hockey Canada’s Ryan Jankowski director of amateur scouting
‘Greg Royce had been in that role but was fired in April along with former GM Tim Murray. Head amateur scout Jeff Crisp, in his first year in Buffalo after 13 years in Anaheim, essentially filled in that role for the draft last month in Chicago. Crisp has now been promoted to assistant director of amateur scouting.’
Sabres notebook: Why no development camp scrimmage?
‘”Summer training for players this age is critical,” said assistant GM Randy Sexton. “I’ve seen it happen in other development camps where you have these high-intensity scrimmages or practices. Kids are competitive by nature and now you’ve got five kids that are nursing injuries for 2-3 weeks. And that throws a serious wrench into their training regiments. So we need to be sure, back to helping these players becoming as good as they’re capable of them becoming, that it includes a strong summer of off-ice training.”‘
Little-known prospect Oskari Laaksonen knew Sabres had interest
‘Laaksonen’s selection surprised just about everyone. Even in this age of information, essentially only some statistics and his outdated height and weight were available to journalists and fans.’
Sabres assistant GM Randy Sexton passionate about new job
‘“When Jason asked me to come aboard, I thought this was just the perfect opportunity to start to rebuild another championship team,” he said following the first session of development camp. “I know it’s kind of an old saying, but it’s too good an opportunity to pass on.”’
Sabres’ Asplund seems to be developing at a good pace
‘“It’s a good spot for me to stay in Sweden and not to sign this year and I’m happy about it, one more year in Sweden would be great for me. Maybe I’ll have a chance to play for the National Team and with Olympic Games coming up too and NHL players aren’t allowed to go, maybe I’ll have a chance to train for that too.”’
The unknown draft pick of 2017
‘At first glance when looking up his stats and stature, Laaksonen had been listed at 5′ 3″ and just a bit over 130-pounds on Eliteprospects.com. However, Laaksonen was quick to respond to those who questioned his size while having fun along the way.’
Sabres’ Lehner will head to arbitration in late July
‘Negotiations will continue with both players as Jason Botterill will try to avoid these arbitration hearings like he did with Johan Larsson who signed a two-year deal on Saturday.’
Sabres hire a new head of amateur scouting
‘The Sabres have a new director of amateur scouting. Ryan Jankowski replaces Greg Royce who was fired with Tim Murray. Jeff Crisp did the job during the draft. He’s retained as assistant director of amateur scouting.’