An enjoyable tournament with positive indications that the Buffalo Sabres have a “stocked cupboard”, and having first-round picks involved working hard to make an impression contributed mightily to the success achieved.
First round selected ninth overall for 2022 Mr. Savoie looked good with flashes of offensive brilliance accompanied by an enthusiastic attitude towards playing in Buffalo’s system and contributing without the puck in the proverbial “200-foot game”.
After scoring 69 points in 66 games in the WHL for his junior team in Portland last season seventh-rounder from 2021 Mr. Kozak signed an entry-level contract this summer and is now eligible to play for the Rochester Americans and had an outstanding tournament.
The importance of this tournament is highlighted by the New Jersey Devils as most of their coaching staff and management were in attendance for the Prospect Challenge observing players endeavoring to gain valuable experience, make an impression, and transition into camp.
Pittsburgh was one of six NHL teams participating in this season’s tournament but only played once and Penguins GM Ron Hextall finds the tournament “exciting” to more accurately assess players’ abilities competing against peers instead of at a higher level of competition during training camp.
The Canadiens website wrote of Montreal fans anticipating seeing their newest prospects which included the NHL’s number one draft pick Mr. Slafkovsky as all three games of the Tournoi Des Recrues 2022 were live streamed along with a French play-by-play option.
Ottawa reported that they invited 26 players to its 2022 rookie camp which includes playing at the Canadian Tire Centre, Bell Sensplex and LECOM Haborcenter for the 2022 Prospect Challenge referred to as “Senators’ rookie games” and ran by their AHL affiliates HC and assistants from the Belleville Senators.
Swedish import for Boston Fabian Lysell commented that he was looking forward to the Prospect Challenge Tournament in Buffalo because it is one of the best spots you can be in to learn and grow throughout the process.
Entertaining, productive, and with opportunities for up-and-coming players, officials, coaching staff, and the front office to participate and observe in what has become in the last seven seasons a well-organized event leading up to NHL training camps and the preseason.
Buffalo Winter 