Post by BuffaloGM on Feb 18, 2009 15:48:08 GMT -5
The Rochester Americans kick off another season of AsHL action this evening in Hamilton in a divisional battle. The Americans finished 10th in the Western Conference a season ago, missing the playoffs by a single point. The Americans have many new faces in the fold, and look to return to post-season play. Just exactly who will be wearing the red, white and blue this season? Here's a breakdown of the opening night roster.
CENTER
Yannick Lehoux - Acquired via trade with Los Angeles. Lehoux was the second leading scorer a year ago for the Baltimore Skipjacks. He appeared in 76 games scoring 21 goals and adding 34 assists for 55 points. Lehoux is thought to be the most offensively gifted player on the roster. His vision and speed make him dangerous with the puck. He has also developed a solid two-way game.
Ville Leino - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. The Finnish born Leino is a highly touted pivot. He has the speed and playmaking ability the Americans were lacking last season. Leino will initially be given the second line center role, although it may take him some time to adjust to the North American style of play.
Andrew Ebbett - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Ebbett is similar in style to Leino. He is a more natural goal scorer than playmaker, but is very quick with the puck. More important than his offensive tools is his defensive play. Ebbett will be the third line center, and will also see a lot of penalty kill time.
Felix Schutz - Entry-level contract (3rd round, 90th overall, 2006). The German born Schutz is very much a work in progress. He flashed potential at training camp this year, but he is still very raw. He skates well, but he still appears timid with the puck. His defensive game has come along, though he still gets lost at times. That said, Buffalo management remains high on Schutz, who recently turned 21.
Overall, this group is very much an unknown. With three players making their North American professional debuts, that is to be expected. Lehoux will be relied upon quite heavily, but he was brought in to lead this group. The potential is there for a quality group up the middle, but the results may be delayed due to inexperience.
LEFT WING
Mathieu Darche - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. The Americans did not have much in the way of veteran presence a year ago, and Darche was brought in with that in mind. Darche will be asked to not only lead this young group, but to be among the leading scorers on the team as well. He will most often be found around the opposition's net, and he uses his big frame and soft hands to clean up around the crease. He is also very reliable in his own end.
Kaspars Daugavins - One of the members of a somewhat disappointing squad a year ago, Daugavins is primed for a bounce back season. The young Latvian remains the best skater on the team, and his playmaking abilities will need to be on display on a consistent basis this season. He netted 15 goals last season, but will be looked to provide more offense this season. His vision and patience with the puck should yield more quality chances for Rochester this season.
Jan Mursak - Mursak, like Daugavins, was rather inconsistent a season ago. However, both were adjusting to the AsHL. Mursak, the only real challenger to Daugavins in terms of skating on the squad, was among the few plus players a year ago for Rochester. He hasn't filled out as quickly as Daugavins, but possesses a very similar skill set. That said, Mursak isn't nearly as patient with the puck on his stick, and often looks to be in hurry to make a play. He will look to improve upon that this year.
Michael Ryan - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Ryan is similar in stature to Darche, but plays a much different game. Ryan relies on his speed to create chances, but isn't a true goal scorer. His tireless work ethic is very noticeable, which will be seen anytime the Americans are short-handed this season. Ryan is underrated in terms of puck skills, but he remains very passive with the puck.
Overall, this group should be consistent for Rochester. You know what you're getting with all four of these players, which will be very important for this team early in the season. If Daugavins and Mursak continue to develop their offensive games, this could be a dangerous group.
RIGHT WING
Jeff Hamilton - Hamilton had a difficult time a year ago, and only saw action in 16 games with the Americans. He was dealing with family issues off the ice, which have since been taken care of. He returned to camp this year with one goal in mind...score lots of them. He did just that, and earned himself a spot on the top line. It's not often you find the best pure goal scorer on a team also be the best distributor of the puck, but Hamilton is exactly that. He has definitely lost a step, but when the puck is on his stick he remains a very dangerous player.
Vladimir Zharkov - Entry-level contract (2nd round, 64th overall, 2006). The 2006 draft has yet another addition to the Rochester roster. Not much was known about Zharkov's development prior to camp, but there was a lot of interest in seeing what he could do. His skating ability is his best asset. His shot isn't far behind. The young Russian will be given ample opportunity to display his offensive game this season. Somewhat surprisingly, Zharkov also impressed with his efforts defensively in camp. He still needs work, but is ahead of his expected level.
Jesse Winchester - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Winchester, like Darche, is a big body who always finds his way to the net. He has a good scoring touch, but isn't exactly Gretzky or Lemieux with the puck. He's cut from the Dave Andreychuk mold, a big body who knows where to be on the ice at all times. He also controls the puck along the boards well. Winchester will open the season on the third line, and will likely get time on the penalty kill as well.
Francis Lemieux - Lemieux led the Alaska Aces (EsCHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres) in scoring a year ago, helping the Aces to the best record in the league. His 80 points were good enough for 6th in EsCHL scoring, and earned him a good look in camp this year. Lemieux impressed enough to grab a spot on the fourth line this season. He is similar to Ryan in that he is an energy player, and will be used in much the same role.
Overall, this group should be steady. Zharkov is a wild-card, but the other three are all responsible players. Hamilton will be asked to provide a lot of offense for this team. Zharkov can provide that as well, but he won't be relied upon to do so.
DEFENSE
Jamie Heward - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Heward was brought in to be an anchor for an otherwise very young defensive unit. It didn't take long for Heward to establish his role on the team during camp as was unanimously voted team captain. Heward still skates well enough to keep pace with play and remains reliable with the puck. He will be paired with Matt Hunwick to start the season.
Matt Hunwick - Entry-level contract (9th round, 241st overall, 2004). Every now and again a team will find a late round gem. It doesn't get much later than the 9th round, where Buffalo found Matt Hunwick in the 2004 NsHL Entry Draft. Hunwick's continued development doesn't come as a shock, however, as he works as hard as anyone in the league. While at the University of Michigan, Hunwick's all around game came into view. Hunwick is a very fluid skater with good puck skills. He makes crisp passes and his shot has come a long way. Not many 9th rounders get to where Hunwick is today, but he could soon be knocking on the door in Buffalo.
Alex Pietrangelo - Entry-level contract (1st round, 5th overall, 2008). The Sabres made a few deals on draft day, and one of those deals led to Alex Pietrangelo being the fifth overall selection. From day one in camp it was easy to see why Pietrangelo was a top five selection. His effortless stride often leads people to believe Alex isn't giving an effort on the ice. He has a heavy shot and moves the puck very well. He was a little erratic in his own end early in camp, but he improved as camp went on. He will be paired with Nathan Oystrick to start the season.
Nathan Oystrick - Oystrick struggled through an up-and-down season a year ago in Rochester, but his play at the end of the season gave Buffalo management reason to smile. His play in camp this year gave them even more reason to smile. Oystrick quickly established as a leader on the back end, along with Heward. Oystrick isn't blessed with the same skating ability of Pietrangelo and Hunwick, but he is a very smart player. He also has a heavy shot and likes to push the tempo when he has the puck. Oystrick's defensive coverage in the second half of the season improved dramatically.
Mario Scalzo - Scalzo is perhaps the best skater in the defensive bunch, and had a solid season a year ago for Rochester. His skating ability allowed him to disarm quite a few chances against and get the puck up the ice. His puck skills have improved, but he also appears more comfortable with the puck this year. He still isn't the biggest kid in the world, but he isn't afraid to get his nose dirty. He will be paired with Alexander Hellstrom to start the season.
Alexander Hellstrom - Hellstrom entered camp last season with little chance of cracking Rochester's roster. He wasn't quite fast enough. He wasn't quite good enough handling the puck. He wasn't AsHL material yet. Turns out he was very much AsHL material. The big Swede appeared in all 76 games for Rochester. His +12 was the best rating among all Rochester defensemen. He also added five goals. Not bad for a kid with no chance to make the team. Hellstrom is arguably the most reliable defenseman in his own zone for Rochester. He likes to play the body, but his positional play is already very solid. He still isn't great with the puck, but he is improving.
Overall, this group is what will dictate the type of season the Americans have. This is a very talented group of defensemen, all of whom are 25 or under aside from Jamie Heward. Much of the attention will be on Alex Pietrangelo, but Hunwick, Oystrick Scalzo and Hellstrom's continued development will be a huge key to the season.
GOALIES
Antti Niemi - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Believe it or not, this young Finnish keeper was the top priority for Buffalo management during the free agent period. As soon as he became available, all of their attention was put on getting Antti Niemi to sign with the Buffalo organization. His play in camp showed why Buffalo management was so intent on bringing him in. Niemi stole the starting job, at least for now, away from Johan Holmqvist. He has good size for a goalie, but his reflexes set him apart from any other goalie in the system (other than MAF). Niemi is lightning quick, but he will need to work on his rebound control. It is believed Niemi will receive as many starts as he can handle this year.
Johan Holmqvist - Holmqvist was disappointed in his play a year ago, which wasn't all that bad. He was hung out on more than a few occasions, and he posted solid numbers. He came into camp this year expected to be the starting goalie in Rochester, but Niemi's strong play stole the spotlight. Holmqvist should still get plenty of work as the Americans break in young Niemi, and will likely get the call to Buffalo should Fleury or Mason go down with an injury.
The same as every other team to ever play the sport, the goalies will have to play well for Rochester to make it back to the playoffs. Niemi and Holmqvist will likely get the bulk of the action, but Ryan Munce shouldn't be overlooked. He played very well a season ago, and he was pretty close to beating out Holmqvist in camp as well. At this point, it appears as if Niemi will be given the reins. How he handles that pressure early in the season will be something to watch.
CENTER
Yannick Lehoux - Acquired via trade with Los Angeles. Lehoux was the second leading scorer a year ago for the Baltimore Skipjacks. He appeared in 76 games scoring 21 goals and adding 34 assists for 55 points. Lehoux is thought to be the most offensively gifted player on the roster. His vision and speed make him dangerous with the puck. He has also developed a solid two-way game.
Ville Leino - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. The Finnish born Leino is a highly touted pivot. He has the speed and playmaking ability the Americans were lacking last season. Leino will initially be given the second line center role, although it may take him some time to adjust to the North American style of play.
Andrew Ebbett - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Ebbett is similar in style to Leino. He is a more natural goal scorer than playmaker, but is very quick with the puck. More important than his offensive tools is his defensive play. Ebbett will be the third line center, and will also see a lot of penalty kill time.
Felix Schutz - Entry-level contract (3rd round, 90th overall, 2006). The German born Schutz is very much a work in progress. He flashed potential at training camp this year, but he is still very raw. He skates well, but he still appears timid with the puck. His defensive game has come along, though he still gets lost at times. That said, Buffalo management remains high on Schutz, who recently turned 21.
Overall, this group is very much an unknown. With three players making their North American professional debuts, that is to be expected. Lehoux will be relied upon quite heavily, but he was brought in to lead this group. The potential is there for a quality group up the middle, but the results may be delayed due to inexperience.
LEFT WING
Mathieu Darche - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. The Americans did not have much in the way of veteran presence a year ago, and Darche was brought in with that in mind. Darche will be asked to not only lead this young group, but to be among the leading scorers on the team as well. He will most often be found around the opposition's net, and he uses his big frame and soft hands to clean up around the crease. He is also very reliable in his own end.
Kaspars Daugavins - One of the members of a somewhat disappointing squad a year ago, Daugavins is primed for a bounce back season. The young Latvian remains the best skater on the team, and his playmaking abilities will need to be on display on a consistent basis this season. He netted 15 goals last season, but will be looked to provide more offense this season. His vision and patience with the puck should yield more quality chances for Rochester this season.
Jan Mursak - Mursak, like Daugavins, was rather inconsistent a season ago. However, both were adjusting to the AsHL. Mursak, the only real challenger to Daugavins in terms of skating on the squad, was among the few plus players a year ago for Rochester. He hasn't filled out as quickly as Daugavins, but possesses a very similar skill set. That said, Mursak isn't nearly as patient with the puck on his stick, and often looks to be in hurry to make a play. He will look to improve upon that this year.
Michael Ryan - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Ryan is similar in stature to Darche, but plays a much different game. Ryan relies on his speed to create chances, but isn't a true goal scorer. His tireless work ethic is very noticeable, which will be seen anytime the Americans are short-handed this season. Ryan is underrated in terms of puck skills, but he remains very passive with the puck.
Overall, this group should be consistent for Rochester. You know what you're getting with all four of these players, which will be very important for this team early in the season. If Daugavins and Mursak continue to develop their offensive games, this could be a dangerous group.
RIGHT WING
Jeff Hamilton - Hamilton had a difficult time a year ago, and only saw action in 16 games with the Americans. He was dealing with family issues off the ice, which have since been taken care of. He returned to camp this year with one goal in mind...score lots of them. He did just that, and earned himself a spot on the top line. It's not often you find the best pure goal scorer on a team also be the best distributor of the puck, but Hamilton is exactly that. He has definitely lost a step, but when the puck is on his stick he remains a very dangerous player.
Vladimir Zharkov - Entry-level contract (2nd round, 64th overall, 2006). The 2006 draft has yet another addition to the Rochester roster. Not much was known about Zharkov's development prior to camp, but there was a lot of interest in seeing what he could do. His skating ability is his best asset. His shot isn't far behind. The young Russian will be given ample opportunity to display his offensive game this season. Somewhat surprisingly, Zharkov also impressed with his efforts defensively in camp. He still needs work, but is ahead of his expected level.
Jesse Winchester - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Winchester, like Darche, is a big body who always finds his way to the net. He has a good scoring touch, but isn't exactly Gretzky or Lemieux with the puck. He's cut from the Dave Andreychuk mold, a big body who knows where to be on the ice at all times. He also controls the puck along the boards well. Winchester will open the season on the third line, and will likely get time on the penalty kill as well.
Francis Lemieux - Lemieux led the Alaska Aces (EsCHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres) in scoring a year ago, helping the Aces to the best record in the league. His 80 points were good enough for 6th in EsCHL scoring, and earned him a good look in camp this year. Lemieux impressed enough to grab a spot on the fourth line this season. He is similar to Ryan in that he is an energy player, and will be used in much the same role.
Overall, this group should be steady. Zharkov is a wild-card, but the other three are all responsible players. Hamilton will be asked to provide a lot of offense for this team. Zharkov can provide that as well, but he won't be relied upon to do so.
DEFENSE
Jamie Heward - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Heward was brought in to be an anchor for an otherwise very young defensive unit. It didn't take long for Heward to establish his role on the team during camp as was unanimously voted team captain. Heward still skates well enough to keep pace with play and remains reliable with the puck. He will be paired with Matt Hunwick to start the season.
Matt Hunwick - Entry-level contract (9th round, 241st overall, 2004). Every now and again a team will find a late round gem. It doesn't get much later than the 9th round, where Buffalo found Matt Hunwick in the 2004 NsHL Entry Draft. Hunwick's continued development doesn't come as a shock, however, as he works as hard as anyone in the league. While at the University of Michigan, Hunwick's all around game came into view. Hunwick is a very fluid skater with good puck skills. He makes crisp passes and his shot has come a long way. Not many 9th rounders get to where Hunwick is today, but he could soon be knocking on the door in Buffalo.
Alex Pietrangelo - Entry-level contract (1st round, 5th overall, 2008). The Sabres made a few deals on draft day, and one of those deals led to Alex Pietrangelo being the fifth overall selection. From day one in camp it was easy to see why Pietrangelo was a top five selection. His effortless stride often leads people to believe Alex isn't giving an effort on the ice. He has a heavy shot and moves the puck very well. He was a little erratic in his own end early in camp, but he improved as camp went on. He will be paired with Nathan Oystrick to start the season.
Nathan Oystrick - Oystrick struggled through an up-and-down season a year ago in Rochester, but his play at the end of the season gave Buffalo management reason to smile. His play in camp this year gave them even more reason to smile. Oystrick quickly established as a leader on the back end, along with Heward. Oystrick isn't blessed with the same skating ability of Pietrangelo and Hunwick, but he is a very smart player. He also has a heavy shot and likes to push the tempo when he has the puck. Oystrick's defensive coverage in the second half of the season improved dramatically.
Mario Scalzo - Scalzo is perhaps the best skater in the defensive bunch, and had a solid season a year ago for Rochester. His skating ability allowed him to disarm quite a few chances against and get the puck up the ice. His puck skills have improved, but he also appears more comfortable with the puck this year. He still isn't the biggest kid in the world, but he isn't afraid to get his nose dirty. He will be paired with Alexander Hellstrom to start the season.
Alexander Hellstrom - Hellstrom entered camp last season with little chance of cracking Rochester's roster. He wasn't quite fast enough. He wasn't quite good enough handling the puck. He wasn't AsHL material yet. Turns out he was very much AsHL material. The big Swede appeared in all 76 games for Rochester. His +12 was the best rating among all Rochester defensemen. He also added five goals. Not bad for a kid with no chance to make the team. Hellstrom is arguably the most reliable defenseman in his own zone for Rochester. He likes to play the body, but his positional play is already very solid. He still isn't great with the puck, but he is improving.
Overall, this group is what will dictate the type of season the Americans have. This is a very talented group of defensemen, all of whom are 25 or under aside from Jamie Heward. Much of the attention will be on Alex Pietrangelo, but Hunwick, Oystrick Scalzo and Hellstrom's continued development will be a huge key to the season.
GOALIES
Antti Niemi - Signed as an unrestricted free agent. Believe it or not, this young Finnish keeper was the top priority for Buffalo management during the free agent period. As soon as he became available, all of their attention was put on getting Antti Niemi to sign with the Buffalo organization. His play in camp showed why Buffalo management was so intent on bringing him in. Niemi stole the starting job, at least for now, away from Johan Holmqvist. He has good size for a goalie, but his reflexes set him apart from any other goalie in the system (other than MAF). Niemi is lightning quick, but he will need to work on his rebound control. It is believed Niemi will receive as many starts as he can handle this year.
Johan Holmqvist - Holmqvist was disappointed in his play a year ago, which wasn't all that bad. He was hung out on more than a few occasions, and he posted solid numbers. He came into camp this year expected to be the starting goalie in Rochester, but Niemi's strong play stole the spotlight. Holmqvist should still get plenty of work as the Americans break in young Niemi, and will likely get the call to Buffalo should Fleury or Mason go down with an injury.
The same as every other team to ever play the sport, the goalies will have to play well for Rochester to make it back to the playoffs. Niemi and Holmqvist will likely get the bulk of the action, but Ryan Munce shouldn't be overlooked. He played very well a season ago, and he was pretty close to beating out Holmqvist in camp as well. At this point, it appears as if Niemi will be given the reins. How he handles that pressure early in the season will be something to watch.