The Sabres announced their 23-man roster this afternoon, cutting six players from the roster: Nicholas Baptiste, Daniel Catenacci, Alexander Nylander, Justin Falk and Brendan Guhle. The first four have been loaned to the Rochester Americans, while Guhle has been sent back to the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL.
Nylander and Guhle are the biggest names to not make the final roster. 2016 first rounder Nylander isn’t an enormous surprise, as his style isn’t exactly suited for the bottom-six minutes he’d likely receive. Rochester will allow him to learn the pro game while putting on some muscle. Guhle could have played a nine-game trial, but the Sabres opted for Casey Nelson as the team’s seventh defenseman instead.
Derek Grant, the golden boy of this year’s training camp and preseason, made the opening day roster. That didn’t come as much of a surprise after John Vogl pointed out he was playing on the Sabres’ second power play in practice this morning. The 26 year old has three assists in 40 NHL games.
Also on the roster is Hudson Fasching, who impressed in a short stint with the team last season. He had a goal and an assist in seven games after completing his final season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Forwards: Evander Kane, Brian Gionta, Jack Eichel, Kyle Okposo, Johan Larsson, Sam Reinhart, Matt Moulson, Derek Grant, Zemgus Girgensons, Nicolas Deslauriers, Hudson Fasching, Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno, Ryan O’Reilly
Defense: Josh Gorges, Cody Franson, Jake McCabe, Casey Nelson, Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Ristolainen, Dmitry Kulikov
Goalie: Anders Nilsson, Robin Lehner
Here it is!
Our 23-man roster: https://t.co/seTypmzwMY #SharpenYourSwords ⚔ pic.twitter.com/DS9b2pL3BQ
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 11, 2016
Who should have made the final 23-man roster but didn’t?
| Alexander Nylander – has pace to burn | 28 |
| Nicholas Baptiste – had a good camp | 37 |
| Brendan Guhle – should’ve gotten the 9-game tryout | 154 |
| These are the best 23 players we have | 374 |