Prospect Profile: Clarke MacArthur

Name: Clarke MacArthur
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 191 lbs.
Birth date: 4-6-1985
Age: 22
Hometown: Lloydminster, Alberta
Acquired: drafted in the 3rd round (74th overall) in 2003 by Buffalo

Background

MacArthur fits the Darcy Regier mold of being a winner.  He won a AJHL championship with the Drayton Thunder and he also won a league championship with Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League.  As a rookie with the Rochester Americans of the AHL MacArthur had 53 points in 69 games and he added 63 points in 51 games last year (his second season).  MacArthur also played 19 games with the Sabres last season.

Scouting Report

MacArthur has all the tolls to be an outstanding offensive player.  He has shown at every level he has played that he has the talent to be an outstanding NHL player.  MacArthur is fast and has the ability to see the ice well, which is evident by his assist numbers every year.

Performance

06-07 Rochester: 51GP-21G-42A-63P
06-07 Buffalo: 19GP-3G-4A-7P

Future

The future for MacArthur appears to be bright.  He has all the tools to be an outstanding forward in the NHL.  He could eventually become a first or second line forward if he can get stronger and adjust to the NHL game.  The big question with MacArthur is when is the future?  Is it now or is next season?  The way I see it personally he will spend next season going back and forth between Rochester and Buffalo because he can still go to the farm without clearing waivers and both Michael Ryan and Daniel Paille would need to clear waivers.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Sabres brass gives MacArthur an opportunity to make the roster but he would have to blow them away to stay on the roster.

Information collected at:
Hockey's Future
CBS Sportsline