The Kids Are Alright

by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 4, 2009 8:00 AM EST

Heading into this season, Andrej Sekera was touted as a top six defenseman for this team; Mike Weber was the consensus eighth defenseman due to the fact that he could be sent down; and Chris Butler was going to get groomed in the AHL. Its nice to see that they could prove us wrong.

Each of these defenders has played above and beyond what we expected out of them heading into the season. Sekera has played himself into at least a top four defender, maybe so much as top-two, Butler has played himself into the lineup probably not putting on a Pirates uniform again, and Weber has held his own while battling injuries as well.

Sekera had shown signs of being a good defender for this team, making up for the not so sad loss of Dmitri Kalinin. At this point, he has lived up to those expectations. Sekera plays an average of 22:11 per game, which leads the team in that category. Ruff's confidence in Sekera is showing as well. Sekera has a quality of opponent rating of 1.57 which is third highest on the team and is second in defenders behind Nathan Paestch.

Mike Weber played 16 games last season and could have made the team as a seventh defenseman if not for the fact that he still had waiver eligibility. Weber has been in three games this season and has held his own. In three games this season, Weber is a -2 which could be much worse. It also could be much better, Weber still needs some grooming if he is going to be a good defenseman in the NHL, but he has the talent to get there.

Chris Butler came in last year from the University of Denver. This was to be his first season playing in the next level. Butler has exceeded expectations this season after being called up from Portland. Butler is a +4 which is good for second on the team and best for defenders. Butler has played his way onto a team that will have a glut of defenders when everyone gets healthy.

The young defenders have made a name for themselves this season. With Spacek and Numminen becoming unrestricted free agents, if the Sabres had to replace them it would not be as much of a concern. I think that at least Spacek will be back on the team this season. Numminen's situation will be interesting due to the fact that he is 40 years old with a weak heart. Weber and Butler could very well be the replacements.

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I really like Sekera’s work ethic and over all play. He just seems to want to play harder and better than everyone when he’s out there. I see him making mistakes every now and again – but he’s young and still learning. I think he’s going to be solid for us in the years to come. I’m happy with his development and physicality.

Weber and Butler i’d like to see more of but over all they have been better than I thought they were going to be. Obviously more playing time won’t hurt – but we want to win now so they are going to have to keep improving and not be a liability out there if we make it to the playoffs.

Numminen’s situation is very weird – but I like him and hope him the best. I’d like them to keep spacek if they could – I think he brings a veteran presence that the younger guys need. I would also like to see more production out of him – but he can take these younger guys under his wing and help them out.

All in all – I think we have some good youth with Sekera definately being a bright spot. Here’s hoping to continued development and growth until the post season begins (hopefully – and yes i’m very cautious when it comes to saying we’re going the playoffs)

Bring on the laughs!!!

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Feb 4, 2009 10:49 AM EST reply actions

Sekera

I have liked the play of Sekera so far this season but you are right about one thing…he still makes too many mistakes. Sure he plays a lot of minutes right now but do we want to rely on him in the playoffs? As I’ve said many times…the playoffs are a big if, but it’s time to start playing like a playoff team right now.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Feb 4, 2009 12:13 PM EST reply actions

do you see him making the same mistakes over and over? or is it just inexperience?

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Feb 4, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

Over and Over

He makes too many bad mistakes when he has the puck. He continues to give the puck away in the defensive zone. That being said…he is inexperienced and will get better. I think he will be our best defenseman in two or three years.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Feb 4, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

that has to be the one area that ticks me off the most – giving away the puck in the defensive zone. bad things happen when we turn the puck over – i’ll watch more closely to his puck handling in the d-zone tonight and going forward.

but your right – a few years and he will prabably be our best defenseman

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Feb 4, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

Nice summary

and I agree. My vacation coincidentally gave me a chance to see Connolly and Co. in Phoenix. The arena area there, both in and outside, is unbelievable. Got to see a great game too. This team will make the playoffs, but what I’m interested to know is what do you guys think about their chances?

Personally, I don’t see them as cup contenders with the current roster this season, but with the overloaded talent pool in Portland, making a deal or two for some key guys is certainly within reach. What do you guys think in terms of Stanley Cup chances this year and in the near future?

I don't like the phrase or the concept of tanking, but this team most definitely needs a facelift and a boob job if it ever wants to be noticed by the rest of the league again.

by JonHaven on Feb 4, 2009 11:05 PM EST reply actions

I think that we can agree they are not going to be Cup contenders but does this team make a move for a defenseman like John-Michael Liles. I know that he has a no-trade clause and probably a long shot but it could be a possibility with Colorado likely being a seller as we get closer to the deadline.

by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 5, 2009 9:40 AM EST reply actions