Buffalo Sabres‘ 5th year center Philip Varone(84) has connected for at least a goal in each of his three years of recalls up to the NHL, but on his most recent visit the 5’10” 190 lbs. mini power forward scored on his first and only shot on net to get the ball rolling in a 4-1 victory.
That would put his shooting % at 100. He skated 13 shifts for 8:01 of ice time with 2 penalty minutes and one hit in his first appearance of the 2015/2016 season.
He played 28 games with the parent club in 2014/2015 scoring 3 goals and 2 assists, while also playing in 55 AHL games putting up a leading 44 points with affiliate Rochester Americans.
His 10 goals are tops on the Amerks this season He’s been the team’s top of scorer for the past two.
The 25-year old will become a restricted free agent at the end of the current campaign and should be a shoe-in to keep in the system.
Philip Varone(22) Rochester Americans
Rochester Americans‘ rookie center Phil Varone(22) is another 1st year player that has to have a smile on his face looking back at the results of his pro debut.
Originally a San Jose Sharks‘ 5th round pick in 2007 (#147 overall), the 21-year old signed an AHL deal to start 2011/2012 with the Amerks after attending Buffalo Sabres‘ training camp.
In 76 regular season games he posted 11 goals and 41 assists, which sat him at number 10 in the league for rookie scoring and his helpers total was good enough to tie him for first overall. His 52 points led all Rochester players in points as well and he had a team 2nd best +17 plus/minus.
Near the end of the season, the Sabres stepped back into the picture and signed him to a 3-year entry level deal that will keep the 5’10 186 lbs. forward with the organization through 2015.
Good work!