Rookie Brayden McNabb Up Next for Sabres

Another Buffalo Sabres game and another injury for the Sabres, this time Robyn Regehr left the game with an “upper body” injury.  So that means another call up from the Rochester Americans, this time it’s Brayden McNabb who get’s the call to join the team.  The rookie has played in all 19 games this season for the Amerks and has a goal and nine assists.

McNabb will now join Zack Kassian, TJ Brennan, Corey Tropp and Drew MacIntyre from the 2011/2012 Amerks roster up in Buffalo.  McNabb had a smile on his face when asked if anyone got the call and he said it was him.

During the first period of Friday night’s game, McNabb dropped Eric Boulton of the Devils to the ice with a solid hit in front of the Amerks bench.  Boulton wasn’t seen the rest of the game after that.  The New Jersey Devils had sent Boulton down for conditioning, welcome back to the minors!

Looking at other possible call up’s for defense, Shaone Morrisonn would have to go through re-entry waivers and would be too much of a cap hit on the Sabres if another team claimed him.  Drew Schiestel seemed like the next pick but consistency may be an issue.  Matt MacKenzie has played for what’s been asked of him but isn’t even close.  Alex Biega would then have to be next in line when it comes to players under NHL contracts.

The only other player left on defense is Joe Finley who has to be close at this point to earning an NHL contract if things continue the way they are.  He’s a big physical defenseman who continues to frustrate opponents.  The former first round pick from the Washington Capitals would likely be more known if it hadn’t been for injuries the last few seasons.  Finley only has an American Hockey League deal but could be signed to an NHL contract at any time.  The Sabres are still under the 50 contract limit and he’s done everything right up until this point.  That’s not meant to take away anything from McNabb or Brennan, just makes you wonder about a guy like this.

1 thought on “Rookie Brayden McNabb Up Next for Sabres”