Tagged: Rochester Americans

10Sep

Tim Kennedy(13) Florida Panthers / Hartford Wolf Pack

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Tim Kennedy(13) starts a new season in his 4th year after signing a one-year, two-way contract with Florida Panthers, the team he was traded to by New York Rangers at the tail end of the 2010/2011.

He played a full season in the NHL with Buffalo the year before that but has skated mostly in the AHL with Connecticut Whale and Rochester Americans (with the exception of 6 games with the Panthers) since the Sabres walked away from his arbitration away.

Maybe 2011/2012 is the season for the 2005 6th round Washington Capitals draft pick (#181 overall) to reignite his NHL career.

09Sep

Colin Stuart(10) Buffalo Sabres / Rochester Americans / Portland Pirates

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7th year pro Colin Stuart(10) re-ups with Buffalo for another season but will probably see most of his playing time switch from the AHL city of Portland to Rochester with the Sabres‘ purchase the past off-season of the Amerks.

He’s skated 54 games in the NHL (3 last season, 0 points), but the re-signing is more likely to help guide the younger players in the AHL and get the team back into the hunt for the Calder Cup. Something Rochester has struggled to do consistently in the last 5 seasons.

Colin‘s brother is Mark Stuart of the Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers, the team that drafted him in 2001 (5th round, #135 overall).

28Aug

Mark Mancari(25) Vancouver Canucks / Buffalo Sabres / Portland Pirates

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After 6 years in the Buffalo system and a career year in NHL games played and points (20 games, 1 goal and 7 assists), Mark Mancari(25) gets cut loose by the Sabres.

Vancouver stepped in immediately and signed him to a 0ne-way deal for the league minimum $525,000. He’ll be fighting for an open spot in the Canucks lineup for opening night, but even if he gets sent down, it’s to play with Chicago Wolves, which isn’t exactly the worst AHL city to end up in.

It’s time for him to step up and become a full-time NHLer.

 

21Aug

Derek Whitmore(21)

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derek-whitmore21-1

Born in Rochester, NY, undrafted 4th year winger Derek Whitmore(21) comes home to the Amerks for 2011/2012.

He started his career with the team fresh out of college in 2008.

Buffalo re-signed him to his fourth one-year, two-way deal that almost assuredly will put most of his playing time at the Blue Cross Arena.

He did put some points up at a decent clip last season, his third in the AHL with Portland.

If he keeps that up, there’s a very outside chance the Sabres could call him up.

20Aug

Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) Buffalo Sabres

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marc-andre-gragnani2

Buffalo Sabres‘ 2005 3rd round draft pick (#84 overall) defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani(17) brought the stuff when it was necessary.

In 9 games last season he had 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists).

Those are also his totals through 15 NHL games played over three seasons.

He was summoned into action for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is where he came alive amassing 7 points in 7 games before the team bowed out in the 2nd round.

It’s a bit surprising he qualified with the team for a one-year, two way deal and could see his first playing time with the Amerks since his rookie campaign in 2008.

Last season he recorded the most points in a season (60) for a Portland Pirates‘ defenseman ever, a 2nd year in a row.

18Aug

Tyler Plante(35) Florida Panthers / Rochester Americans

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2005 Florida Panthers 2nd round draft pick (#32 overall) Tyler Plante(35) will mind the net once again in 2011/2011 for the only organization he’s played with during his 4 pro seasons as he re-signed for a one-year, two-way deal. The only difference will be the NHL team’s AHL affiliation has switched to San Antonio Rampage, so he’ll be in Texas instead of Rochester.

For a goaltender that was so highly touted and selected, it’s a bit of a wonder why he’s yet to play an NHL game.

9/14-12: Receives an invite to attend St. John’s IceCaps‘ training camp when it opens, putting their total capable number of net minders for the upcoming season at three. The 25-year old played mostly overseas in 2011/2012.

 

 

16Aug

Michael Ryan(14) Buffalo Sabres / Adirondack Phantoms

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9-year veteran center Michael Ryan(14) comes full circle in his career signing a one-year, two-way deal with Buffalo for 2011/2012. He’s expected to play mostly with Rochester in the AHL. He was drafted back in 1999 by Dallas (2nd round, #32 overall) but never signed by them.

He played the first five years of his career with the Sabres (65 games) / Amerks (210 games).

Last season he played a few games for Springfield but mostly with Adirondack Phantoms, where he put up some impressive numbers (52 games played, 25 goals and 16 assists).