BUFFALO, NY - The Buffalo Sabres have come to an agreement with seven street free agents, all of which have been assigned to Rochester of the OTHML. We here at The Buffalo News we have decided to break down all the new Sabres to inform the local fans.
C Gabe Gauthier - 5'9" - 200 lbs - 23 yrs old - University of Denver, NCAA
Gauthier is small, tough centerman. He is fiercely competitive and while he doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the game, he isn’t what some would consider as overly physical. In his four years at the University of Denver, Gauthier became one of the Pioneers best face-off players. He is a powerful skater with some speed who moves quite well with the puck. Gauthier was noted for his offensive prowess at the University of Denver. He possesses a hard, accurate shot to go along with a quick release. One attribute that makes Gauthier such a great offensive player is his ability to finding shooting lanes and being able to get shots through to the net. He is superb in high traffic areas and has shown a willingness to take the punishment in front of the opposition’s net to make or finish plays as well as wreak havoc for opposing goaltenders. Gauthier’s strength and tenacity makes the task of containing him quite difficult for opposing defenders. He is very good defensively and is aggressive on the forecheck. He also works and competes hard. Gauthier signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Sabres and will be assigned to Rochester for the 2006-07 season. Gauthier is another undersized forward which the Sabres have been noted for lately (Briere, Roy, Ryan) and likely will provide depth to Rochester rather than being a legitimate option at the NHL level.
C Rod Pelley - 6'0" - 200 lbs - 23 yrs old - Ohio State University, NCAA
Pelley is a tough, hard-hitting forward who became one of the Buckeyes top faceoff specialists this past season. He plays with an edge and is fiercely competitive. Pelley’s skating ability combines power with good speed and quickness. He is strong on skates and is tough to move off of the puck. He has great on ice vision and hockey sense. He anticipates where plays are going quite well too. One of Pelley’s best attributes is his cannon-like shot. He’s a player who also loves to shoot and has a superb wrist shot. He has a real nose for the net and is willing to pay a price in high traffic areas to make the plays. Pelley will likely spend his first pro season in the OTHML with the Rochester Amerks as he moves from the NCAA to the pro ranks of hockey. While he does not have as big an upside as other, more talented players in the system, Pelley has some strong qualities that could lead to an eventual career as a checking line forward at the NHL level.
C Rich Peverley - 6'0" - 185 lbs - 25 yrs old - St. Lawrence University
Peverley was a thre time scoring leader for St. Lawrence University, and also their captain. He is another quality type player who leads by example. Peverley has good size and strength and is just a good a scorer as a playmaker. Although hes no selke winner, he is solid in his own zone as well. Peverley will look to add some scoring punch for the Rochster Amerks in the OTHML. He will also be one of thier future leaders as captain or an assistant.
RW Danny Bois - 6'1" - 197 lbs - 24 yrs old - London Knights, OHL
Bois' best asset is his work ethic and courage. He wants to win and will pay a price. He needs to work on his basic skills of skating, puck handling and passing. His shot is good, but he needs to get in position to use it more. He has to control his temper, he takes many needless penalties. His defensive coverage is strong and he is aware of his responsibilities. Will need to upgrade his offensive skills in order to earn a spot on the Sabres roster. His hard hits will be needed to lead by example.
RW Joel Ward - 6'2" - 215 - 27 yrs old - University of Prince Edward Island
Ward is a big rough winger who loves to throw around his weight. He is a hard worker, and not afraid to drop the gloves. He does not have much of an offensive game, but plays hard and sticks to his defensive responsibilities. He is rarely out of position in the back end, and will work hard to dig the puck out of the corners. He will look to add depth and size to the wingers in the Buffalo Sabres organization.
D Micki Dupont - 5'10" - 186 lbs - 27 yrs old - Berlin, DEL
Dupont is a very small defenseman whose best asset is his vision and offensive instincts. He is a powerplay specialst, who makes a good first pass, and has a hard shot from the point. Another unmeasurable quality is his leadership qualities. He has worn the C on previous teams, and could possibly be a future captain of the Rochester Amerks. He will provide the Sabres with depth on the backend, and can see plenty of time in the powerplay should he get the call up.
G Mike Wall - 6'2" - 204 lbs - 22 yrs old - Everett, WHL
A bit of a late bloomer. Wall is big and covers a lot of the net. He's patient and keeps it cool the majority of the time. Posted great numbers in juniors, but needs more seasoning in the minors before he makes it to the the pros. Look for him to challenge in 07-08 for the starting spot in Rochester.