Buffalo Sabres have called up native son Tim Kennedy from the Portland Pirates. I am pretty excited to see him play in the Blue and Gold tonight. I remember him playing at Caz ice rink when he was just a kid dreaming of making it. Now he is a Sabre. I never thought this day would come.
Looking at the broader spectrum of things this is just another feather in the cap of what is becoming a hot bed of hockey in the US. Over the last 15 years the Buffalo area has put many players into the NHL. Could it be Buffalo is on the way to replacing Minnesota as the best US market developing prospects. Now considering Minnesota is a whole state, Buffalo will never surpass that. However Buffalo has surpassed the individual towns in Minnesota in producing prospects. Let’s go over some of the players that have been drafted or played in the NHL in the past 15 years.
Start with the first waive.
Aaron Miller, Defenseman most notably of the Avs.
Todd Marchant, Winger on the Stanley Cup Champion Ducks in 2006
Kevyn Adams, Won a Cup with Carolina in 2005
Scott Thomas, not really a notable NHL career, but he did play in a few NHL games.
Second Waive
Brooks Orpik, Tough defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Peter Ratchuk,Former 1st Rd draft pick & Panther now playing in the German League.
Jeff Farkus, Hobey Baker Finalist and Former Maple Leaf, injuries ended career.
Philippe Sauve, Former Avs goaltender now playing in the German League.
Now many of these players may have had only minor blips on the radar, but the key was they got the scouts to Buffalo to open doors. Here is what their impact is.
The New Waive
Patrick Kane 1st Overall Draft Pick Hawks. Calder Winner. In his second year is currently leading the West in Scoring.
Pat Kaleta Sabres quickly becoming one of the most hated players in the NHL with his agitating play.
Tim Kennedy Sabres called up to the big club after leading AHL rookies in assists.
Lee Stempniak Maple Leafs forward, who was a fan favorite in St Louis before being traded.
Nick Foligno Ottawa Forward former 1st Rd Pick.
Mike Ratchuk 2nd Rd pick of Flyers currently playing with Phantoms after finishing his college career at MSU.
Jamie McCollum Goaltender for the US in the WJC drafted last season by Stanely Cup Champs Detroit Red Wings. Expected to be starting netminder there within the next few years.
Andrew Orpik, Brooks younger brother, currently playing at Boston College drafted by the Buffalo Sabres will look to see action next season after graduation.
There are plenty of other young players playing in the OHL, NCAA and USHL currently who have yet to make their mark. Also not included were players who were developed in Buffalo, with the team formerly known as the Niagara Scenics. Those include Brian Gionta and Ryan Callahan.
So as you can see the State of Minnesota is starting to get some competition from the City of Buffalo. Look no further than 2011 when Buffalo will be hosting the WJC. What Buffalo needs next is to get a team in the OHL where the local talent can be even further developed. Then the recoginition will finally come.
