Player Profiles

This is just a continuation from my last blog


Jochen Hecht
6'1'', 199 lbs. -C

Pros: Usually consistent, excellent puck control along the boards, good behind the opposition net, scores regularly when put with the right linemates

Cons: Gives up easily on the play, not very strong in terms of the NHL, could add bulk, bad passer, puck control in open ice is questionable

This Season: Hecht has the same mediocre play that was displayed from him last season. The coaching staff have a lot of faith in him, probably because he's been around for a while, but in my opinion, I think he should be a deadline deal for a center with a little more skill than him. He still scores an okay amount of goals however.


Patrick Kaleta
5'11", 198 lbs -RW

Pros: Very physical, throws himself against any player, intimidates other players when chasing a dump-in, willing to drop the gloves when needed, draws penalties, good penalty killer, can display skill beyond his level at some points

Cons: Offensive instincts could improve, has trouble putting the puck in the net, defensive work could improve, takes a lot of physical abuse, concussion problems have caused trouble

This Season: Kaleta is one of my favorite players, and for good reason. It seems he's the only player on the team who's willing to go out and hit everything that moves shift after shift. Since enforcer Andrew Peters left, Kaleta is our only source of intimidation. He has been so unlucky this season with all the injuries he's endured, but when he's played he's shown flashes of brilliance. Especially in back to back games when he scored shorthanded goals against the Rangers and Canadians.

Tim Kennedy
5'10''. 173 lbs. -LW

Pros: Very crafty with the puck, good at getting out of tight situations, good behind the net, very fast

Cons: Causes many giveaways, could use a little more development, defensive awareness has yet to be seen, not always consistent

This Season: This is Kennedy's first full season with the Sabres, and it has been what you would expect of a rookie player. He has shown flashes of talent beyond his age in some games, and in others he's practically invisible. In a few years, I think Kennedy will be an important player for this team but for now he's a third and fourth line winger.


Clarke MacArthur
5'11'', 191 lbs. -LW

Pros: Good speed, nice shot, battles well, pretty good passer, tries his best physically

Cons: Not a very big or strong player, could work well if he had the right linemates, not the best stick-handler, very streaky

This Season: MacArthur started of this season very well as he lead the Sabres in scoring for a short time, but he has fallen off the wagon since. His scoring has seemed to have disappeared but he still works hard out there every game (one of the few). I always have high hopes for him and I really think he could explode offensively but he seems to get really hot and then cold for long periods of time.


Adam Mair
6'1'' 208lbs. -C

Pros: Good balance, fast skater, can be very physical, willing to drop the gloves, sticks up for teammates

Cons: Bad passing, tries to do too much, can't seem to find his place on this team, never seems to leave the fourth line, scoring is very scarce

This Season: Mair is suffering yet another disappointing season. The only role I can see him in on this team is as an enforcer, he's no good at anything else. Sure, he works as hard as he can, but that's not good enough when your team consists of rugged, board-battling players. Also, he's a very good and exciting fighter, I wish he would do more of it.


Mark Mancari
6'3'' 225 lbs. -RW

Mancari has not seen that much action with the big club but he has put up good numbers in Portland. He has looked good when he is in the lineup and I think eventually he will be a good player for the Sabres. Over the summer Mancari said he wanted a trade because he wasn't getting any playing time in the NHL, this caused Lindy Ruff to immediately send him to Portland out of training camp, he obviously isn't good enough to be playing in the NHL, he's no Ovechkin, he can't demand a trade like that.


Jason Pominville

Pros: Rocket shot, good on breakaways/shootouts, accurate

Cons: Needs to shoot more, can't get open, needs to be more physical, needs to work on passing the puck

This Season: Pominville is losing the "fan favorite" tag. He used to be one of my favorite players until he dropped off completely. After his breakout season of 34 goals his goal total has decreased dramatically. That may be because his linemate Danny Briere left but he should still be able to put up those types of numbers.