Buffalo Sabres‘ 7th year defenseman Erik Burgdoerfer(42) signed his first big league contract with the team a few weeks into free agency.
The sturdy pounding blue liner had a career year in 2015/2016, his second run and first full campaign of 74 AHL games for Hershey Bears. scoring 6 goals and 14 assists with a +10 rating.
He then went on to add another 4 assists through 21 Calder Cup Playoff matchups that saw them finally bow out in the Finals.
Already notching 7 assists through 22 contests with affiliate Rochester Americans, he scores a 1st ever NHL recall.
In his debut he skated 21 shifts for 10:03 of ice time with 3 hits, 1 giveaway and came out with a -1 in an overtime loss.
He’s soon to turn 28-years old and as previously thought he could be a late bloomer who’s just getting started at the highest level of hockey.
Erik Burgdoerfer (32)
Heading into his 6th season, undrafted defenseman Erik Burgdoerfer(32) re-signed for a second stint with Hershey Bears.
The 6’1″ 209 lbs. mostly stay-at-home, hard-hitting blue liner spent all but three early season games in the AHL skating 58 games, scoring a goal and 6 assists with a +8 rating and got another helper in 10 Calder Cup Playoff contests.
He started his pro career playing four years in the ECHL with Bakersfield Condors elevating his game with each campaign.
In 2013/2014 he scored a high 11 goals and 22 points and appeared in 16 Kelly Cup Playoff match-ups, adding another tally and 5 assists.
At 26-years old he played 4 seasons at RPI and could be a bit of a late bloomer but he’s easily always been a tough force to play against and will likely take his game to the next level as he plants his feet in Chocolatetown.
He was also a Washington Capitals‘ training camp invite and should easily get another look by the parent club.
It’s also worth noting he played under Bears‘ coach Troy Mann in his one season revitalizing the Condors.