Notes from Day 1 of Sabres development camp

For the first time in three years the Buffalo Sabres took the ice at LECOM Harborcenter for their annual Development Camp. More than 40 Sabres prospects stepped onto the ice on Wednesday afternoon for Day 1 of the four-day event
The camp, now in its eighth year and fourth at LECOM Harborcenter, is designed to introduce prospective players to the Sabres' playing system while providing them with the necessary tools and conditioning programs in order to be successful at hockey's highest level.

Like years past, the roster for the annual camp features a balanced mix of young players, most of whom have been drafted to Buffalo in recent years. Some have already turned pro, others are getting ready to make the jump to the professional ranks and more will return to their respective college or junior teams in the fall. But the objective for all of them is the same: make an impression on the coaches and front office staff while improving their game.
For many, Wednesday's two-hour practice session served as an unofficial introduction to the organization. The players were divided up into two groups and were put through a series of drills that emphasized skill development and further exposed them to NHL rules. Most importantly, though, it was an opportunity to acclimate themselves with the Sabres' specific style of play and make a positive first impression on those who were watching nearby.

Appert pleased with Day 1 effort

Seth Appert, who is entering his third season behind the bench as Rochester Americans head coach, was pleased with the overall effort after Day 1, but like much of the front office staff wants the players to work hard and evolve their game during the week-long camp.
Joining Appert on the ice were his assistant coaches Michael Peca and Mike Weber, and goaltending development coach Seamus Kotyk as well as player development coaches Nathan Paetsch and Tim Kennedy and skating coaches Nick Tuzzolino and Mike Ansell. Sabres director of player development Adam Mair also was on the ice.
Bringing in the pool of talent that helped Rochester navigate its way to the North Division Finals of the 2022 Calder Cup playoffs - a group that includes Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Peyton Krebs, and Mattias Samuelsson, among others - isn't just helpful for these prospects that have been in the organization, but more so for the new ones trying to figure out how to be a pro.

"I think it probably helps the other guys the most," Appert said when asked how much it helps to have some of his Amerks crew out on the ice with the new slate of Sabres prospects.
"That was an idea that Kevyn Adams and Jason Karmanos had, I thought it was a fabulous idea. I also think it's a credit to the quality of the men that we have in that crew. They want to be here instead of rolling their eyes and being like, 'Really, I got to come back in the middle of summer and do this?'"

Experience in camp

Among those in attendance at development camp were five players who appeared in games for the Sabres last year: Krebs, Peterka, Quinn, Samuelsson, and defenseman Owen Power.
Forwards Matej Pekar, Lukas Rousek, and Linus Weissbach and defenseman Oskari Laaksonen all spent last season with the Amerks.
All will be counted on as veterans this week.
"It is an opportunity for some of the young prospects in the organization to hold a leadership role," said Appert. "For some of the European players to have a fellow countryman, who speaks the language, it helps the other players much more comfortable and only helps them."

Johnson and Portillo discuss next season

Ryan Johnson (first round, 2019) and Erik Portillo (third round, 2019) discussed their futures, both of which could include returns to the NCAA next season.
Portillo has already made the decision to return to the University of Michigan for his junior year. Johnson said he is learning toward a return to the University of Minnesota for his senior campaign but is soaking in development camp before making a final decision.
Both players, should they return to school, would then have the options to either sign their entry-level deals with the Sabres or become unrestricted free agents on Aug. 15, 2023.
Johnson said he would still be interested in signing with Buffalo even if he returns to Minnesota.
"I love the organization," he said. "It doesn't close the door. Just have to see what the future holds."

Portillo cited his education - he is enrolled at the Ross School of Business - and the opportunity to play 40-plus games on a talented Michigan team he backstopped to the 2022 Frozen Four as factors in his decision to return to school.
Asked specifically about the Sabres' organizational depth chart - which currently includes three other goalie prospects in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi, and Topias Leinonen, the highest drafted goalie in last week's draft - Portillo said he would expect to face internal competition with any NHL club.
"I'm just trying to do my best and deliver really well in Michigan here next year, and that's all I can do right now," he said.

Krebs and Savoie

Krebs shared his excitement with Buffalo's selection of forward Matt Savoie with the ninth-overall pick in last week's NHL Draft. Krebs and Savoie were teammates with the WHL's Winnipeg ICE in 2019-20.
"I was pumped right away," said Krebs, who is attending camp for the first time after being acquired last season. "I talked with Kevyn before the draft about Matt but once the pick went through I was excited. To have another Western-Leaguer and a former teammate, it is great.
"He is a special kid and that is evident by him playing in the WHL when he was 15 and I was 17 or 18."
Krebs and Savoie are roommates at camp.

Updates on Savoie, Kisakov

Savoie is attending camp but will not skate due to a shoulder injury he sustained during the WHL playoffs in May. Savoie said at the draft that he had resumed skating but had not yet been cleared for contact.
"We knew that he obviously finished the playoffs with an injury," said Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams. "We had done all our due diligence before we drafted him. He is chomping right now at the bit to play and to be out there. But our doctors just, he is still not quite 100 percent and it's July, so we just want to be smart with him."
Forward Aleksandr Kisakov, who attended the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal last weekend, is not attending camp due to the immigration process. Adams said he expects Kisakov to join the team for training camp in September.

"I give this kid so much credit," Adams said. "I mean, he wants to be here so bad. He is doing everything he can. … All indications are that he will be able to be allowed in the United States and fairly soon. "

Looking at the week ahead

Days 2 and 3 of Development Camp feature on-ice sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and 9:15 a.m. Friday before the The French Connection Tournament, an intra-squad 3-on-3 tournament on Saturday, July 16 at 9:15 a.m.
Thursday's and Friday's sessions are free and open to the public. The French Connection Tournament is a ticketed event for season ticket members with availability on a first come, first serve basis.