The 1999-2000 campaign saw many changes on the Buffalo Sabres Prospect Front. Several players improved their stock greatly while others either graduated to the NHL or moved on.
The Sabres greatest strength, prospect wise, is the defenseive corps. Despite the trade of blue-chipper Cory Sarich, the corps still possesses good potential and plenty of possible blue-chip players. Dmitri Kalinin, Brian Campbell, Henrik Tallander, Doug Janik, and Matt Kinch help to make this one of the best dcorps not in the NHL. Kalinin really came on and allowed the Sabres to move Cory Sarich for offensive help. Campbell has a chance to become the best offensive defenseman since the Phil Housley days. Tallander and Janik could be expected to fill a physical role someday.
The forwards are not as deep as the defenseman and certainly lack a blue-chip player. With the loss of Max Afinogenov, this is a good chance for someone to step up as the hot forward in the organization. We did gain JP Dumont, but he will be in the NHL next year. The Sabres do have some interesting players up front though. Guys like Norm Milley and Milian Bartovic are potential snipers. Mike Zigomanis is of the boom or bust variety but could be a solid set-up man. Barrett Heisten and Jaroslav Kristec will try to fill the role of "power forward" while Darren Van Oene will be groomed as an enforcer who has a little skill.
Since last year the Sabres most improved area, prospect wise, is the goaltender position. While Martin Biron graduated to the NHL, Mika Noronen took over in Rochester and looked great doing so. He should be a top 10 NHL goaltender in a few years. The surprise of last years draft, Ryan Miller, gives the Sabres better depth. Although far from the Amerks, he shows NHL ability.
As the Sabres draft their prospects, look for all the information on the new guys at Will's Kickin Sabres.
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1)Dmitri
Kalinin
Could be the top rated Sabre prospect. Was called up to the Sabres, an impressive feat for someone who has yet to see their 20th birthday. Boasts great size and is mature beyond his years. Has great potential and expect him to be an above average, 2-way, stud defenseman. Great guy to have in the locker room and will listen and learn. Always seems laid back and smiling. Is playing very well in Rochester and even was the youngest player to appear in the AHL All-Star game.
2) Jp Dumont
Originally drafted by the Isles with the 3rd pick overall in the 96 class. The first thing people talk about with this guy is his ability to score goals; and lots of them. Shoots left handed and has the acumen to score around the opponents goal. Solid skater. Possesses great offensive creativeness and puts himself into scoring position. Has looked great in Rochester; really dominating. Many hockey publications had him ranked as a ROY candidate. Somehow didnt break through with the Hawks, many believe it is because of the front offices not so kind opinions of Quebec players. Could turn out to be a steal for the Sabres organization. People often mention 50 goals and Dumont in the same sentence. Read more 3) Mika Noronen This Finn netminder has added great goaltending depth to the system. Has had some success on the WJC tourney for his nativeland. Arrived to the Amerks for his first taste of the North American game. Has had his ups and downs but recently won 4) Brian Campbell Nicknamed Soupy. Did everything at the junior level. Has played just Ok in Rochester but has really shown great flashes in the NHL. Although he lacks size (5-11, 180) he makes up for it with skating and strong offensive skills. Some say he is very competitive and has strong dedication to the game. Will be a NHL player but the jury is out on whether he is a top flight guy or just a power play specialist. Next year will be a big year for him as he will be given more responsibility.
5) Barret Heisten Plays with defending NCAA champs, The Maine Bears. Also appeared in the 2000 WJC. Plays the game with heart and a nasty streak. Has good size and uses it often. Good passer from the corners. Many question his offensive upside. Sounds like a Buffalo Sabres though.
6) Henrik Tallander Some of the Sabres brass are now touting this Swedish dman as the top prospect in the system. Well there's no doubt he is their top european prospect. Listed at 6-3 210 but still mobile. Unlike most Swedes, this guy plays it tough and physical. Doesnt score at all, but is still considered the best Swedish Dman right now. He wants to play in the States which is always good. Has work ethic, and great leadership. He even captained his WJC team. Needs to bulk up.
7) Norm Milley One of the better offensive prospects in the system. Small at 5-11, 185 but deadly. He possesses great speed and scoring instincts. Can score and pass with equally well. Has a good head on his shoulders and will skate back to help on defense although he is not thought of as a 2 way player. Lacks physical play but isnt afraid to take a hit. Projected to be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL.
8) Jaroslav Kristek Reminds many of fellow country man Vaclav Varada. Plays an all out style which involves alot of hitting and cornerwork. Good size at 6-1, 190. Made the WJC team and had a great showing. Also played in the WHL all-star game. Has solid offensive instinct and should carve out a solid NHL career. 9) Ryan Miller Another late round gem. Drafted in the 6th round I believe. This freshman was expected to be the backup on the Michigan State team but instead took the starting position with strong play. Possesses great size (6-2, 160) and should fill out as he gets older (he's only 18). He is said to play an aggressive style with a nice glove hand mixed in with good quickness. Can also handle the puck. Don't expect to see him turn pro for another 3 years but this is a guy to watch out for.
10) Mike Zigomanis Nicknamed "Ziggy". Was once projected to be a 1st round pick but fell on the Sabres lap late in the 2nd round. What Ziggy lacks in size, he makes up in raw passing ability and competitive drive. Many scouts say he isnt a good enough skater to make it, so he will have to improve in that area. Averages over a point a game in Kingston. Expect to see him in Rochester eventually.
11) Doug Janik Played for the 2000 WJC team. Won the national championship with Maine in 1999. Has decent size and plays a respectable 2-way game. What you see is what you get with this player. Assets include size, skating, leadership, hockey sense and some offensive ability.
12) Denis Hamel This guy makes the list based on his one game call-up. He showed he is at least a valid NHL player. He probably wont score alot, but he uses his size well and even scored a goal his first game. It looked like he was skating better than what most people have said. Appeared in the AHL All-Star game. Reminds me of Dean Slyvester.
13) Darren Van Oene The big guy is playing well with the Amerks, he was averaving something like 0.50 points per game. However, he will make it to the NHL with his hard work, defense and physical play. Not afraid to drop the gloves. Great size at 6-4 and 220. Captained his junior team.
14) Milian Bartovic Drafted in the second round of the 99 draft, this guy is a great offensive talent. He is averaging a point per game in the WHL. Represented Slovakia in the WJC but didnt have a strong showing. Its too early to judge his NHL potential but he has the offensive skills to be a really good winger on the Sabres and help on the power play.
15) Mike Pandolfo Playing in his Sophmore season at Boston University. Is counted on for physical play and brings it. Has NHL size at 6-3, 220. Hasnt really scored big yet, but it may come later. Made the USA Junior team but wasnt a factor in the tournament. Brother of Jay Pandolfo of the Devils.
16) Karel Mosovsky Big,powerful guy who plays the role of a power forward. Has good attitude about the game. Hails from the Czeck Republic. Read more in this 17) David Moravec Remember him? He was that 26 year old Czech rookie who made the Sabres and scored in his only game. He has good offensive skills but he didnt want to stay with the Amerks. Probably will never be seen again.
18) Matt Kinch Named to the WJC 2000 team. Is a small, offensive minded defenseman. Has good on-ice vision. Plays with Calgary of the WHL. Read more 19) Andrew Peters Big, tough guy. Plays the role of an enforcer. Expect to see him in Rochester. Could be the replacement of Rob Ray.
20) Tim Preston Surprised many "experts" by being drafted in the 3rd round. A longshot to even get a pro contract, Preston neverless leaves it all on the ice. If he makes it, he will be a 4th line grinder.
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Prospect Weaknesses:
Center
Left Wing
Right Wing
DefenseMan
Goalies
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Check out Rookie Camp Report
Check out my Entry Draft 2000
Check out my 2000 Draft Preview
Check out my 1999 Sabre Draft Report
***Will's Kickin Sabres is currently looking for writers to cover the Amerks, CHL prospects, and the 2000 Entry Draft. There are no needed requirements for the job, we just ask that you know what you are talking about. You can submit one article or host a regular column. Writers are also allowed to write about whatever they wish. If interested please email Willrus.***
Defenseman
6-2, 198 pounds
June 30, 1980
Cheljabinsk,Russia
1998 Draft First Round 18th Overall
Left Wing
6-1, 190 pounds
May 5th, 1978
Trade
Goalie
6-foot-1, 191 pounds
June 17th, 1979
Tampere, Finland
1997 Draft First Round 21st Overall
Defenseman
6-foot-0, 180 pounds
May 23rd, 1979
Strathroy, Ontario
1997 Draft Sixth Round 156th Overall
Left Winger
6-foot-1, 189 pounds
March 19th, 1981
Anchorage, Alaska
1999 Draft First Round 21st Overall
Defenseman
6-foot-3, 218 pounds
January 10, 1979
Stockholm, Sweden
1997 Draft Second Round 47th Overall
Right Wing
5-foot-11, 185 pounds
February 14th, 1979
Toronto, Ontario
1998 Draft Second Round 47th Overall
Right Wing
6-foot-1, 189 pounds
March 16, 1980
Zlin, Czech Republic
1998 Draft Second Round 50th Overall
Goalie
6-foot-1, 150 pounds
6/17/80
East Lancing, Michigan
1999 Draft Fifth Round 138th Overall
Center
5-foot-11, 183 pounds
January 17th, 1981
Scarborough, Ontario
1999 Draft Second Round 64th Overall
Defenseman
6-foot-1 198 pounds
Agawann, Massachusetts
1999 Draft Second Round 55th Overall
Left Wing
6-foot-2, 205 pounds
May 10th, 1977
Lachute, Quebec
Trade
Left Wing
6-foot-4, 218 pounds
January 18th, 1978
Edmonton, Alberta
1996 Draft Second Round, 33rd Overall
Right Wing
5-foot-11 183 pounds
April 20, 1981
Trenic, Slovakia
1999 Draft Second Round 35th Overall
Left Winger
6-foot-5, 228 pounds
September 15, 1979
Winchester, Massachusetts
1998 Draft Third Round 77th Overall
Left Wing
6-foot-2, 202 pounds
August 22, 1981
1998 Draft 4th Round 117th Overall
Right Wing
6-foot-0, 180 pounds
March 24th, 1973
Vitkovice, Czech Republic
1998 Draft Eighth Round 218th Overall
Defenseman
5-foot-11, 189 pounds
February 17, 1980
Calgary, Alberta
1999 Draft 5th Round 146th Overall
Left Wing
6-foot-4, 220 pounds
May 5th, 1980
St. Catherines, Ontario
1998 Draft Second Round 34th Overall
Left Wing
5-foot-11 183 pounds
June 30th, 1981
Langley, British Columbia
1999 Draft Third Round 73rd Overall
Prospect Strengths:
