The Buffalo Sabres have announced the official signing of Swedish defenseman Lawrence Pilut to an entry-level contract on Tuesday.
Pilut, 22, signs a two-year entry-level contract with Buffalo. He has spent the past four and a half seasons with HV71. There Pilut racked up 15 goals and 56 assists in 191 games. Pilut’s production accelerated this past season with 38 points in 52 games, including 30 assists leading him to be named SHL Defenseman of the Year.
The signing had been rumored for weeks but was unable to be officially be announced due to Pilut being involved with the Swedish national team at the 2018 World Hockey Championship. Pilut was later left off the roster, allowing the Sabres to sign him.
Pilut is a smaller defenseman that creates plays through skilled passes and agile footwork. In transition, Pilut can make a great first pass but can also carry the puck himself in a controlled zone entry.
Pilut signing a two-year deal is very beneficial to the Sabres who can now use the Tingsryd, Sweden native in Rochester with the AHL club in order to develop him to the North American setup. There is also work to be done on his stride and defensive coverage.
Pilut should bring depth, offense, and puck movement to the backend and could bring a spark to the NHL club under the right development and coaching.