Buffalo Sabres: What Should We Expect from Tyler Ennis?

After a season marred by concussion issues, Tyler Ennis enters training camp looking to get his career back on track with the Buffalo Sabres.

With training camp starting on Thursday, there are numerous storylines surrounding the Buffalo Sabres. One of the more intriguing ones relates to the enigma that is Tyler Ennis.

To some, Ennis is a player who has yet to live up the potential which saw the Sabres select him 26th overall, in the 2008 NHL draft. To others, he proved his worth during two consecutive last-place finishes, both times leading the Sabres in goals.

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Objectively speaking, the 26-year old is probably somewhere in between right now. And in his defense, he had little opportunity to improve last season, with two major concussions helping limit him to 23 games.

As much as the concussions had Ennis wondering if his career was over, one positive to come out of it was a renewed appreciation for playing. As a result, he is more determined than ever to work hard and make the most of his talent.

Speaking to WGR550‘s Paul Hamilton ahead of training camp, Ennis said: “I feel great. The body feels really good, I feel strong, put on a lot of muscle so I’m ready to go.

“I think making sure I take care of my body a little better, I trained harder, I took a little more time on the little things.”

This will be music to the ears of the Sabres organization, who still believe the Edmonton, Alberta native has a major part to play moving forward. Assuming he’s fully recovered, he figures to be good for at least 40 points during the upcoming campaign.

Dec 19, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Tyler Ennis (63) brings the puck up ice during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Likely because he hasn’t played since the end of 2015, Ennis in some ways sees this season as a start over: “It feels like a fresh start for me, because I’ve been off for so long December 30.

“Last year was frustrating and it’s a clean slate and I’m ready to go again and treat it like a fresh brand new year and get back to where I was two years ago.”

During last season, there were reports that the Sabres were listening to trade offers for the two-time Brad Hornung Trophy winner. Obviously, his concussion issues quelled any potential interest.

From Ennis’ point of view, he’d prefer to remain in Western New York anyway: “I love being in Buffalo and all I want to do is win a championship for this city.”

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In that respect, the winger is optimistic about the direction of the franchise: “The last half of (last) season everyone came together and found the structure and we really didn’t give up many chances.

“Defensively we were sound and now we’ve added some offensive pieces and I think the mindset has changed from a rebuilding long process to a lot of good pieces that are jelling together and it’s time to change the mindset into a playoff team.”

For his part, Ennis is fully aware of the part he will have to play in helping the Sabres challenge for the playoffs: “I need to be an offensive guy that can put the puck in the net with the same kind of production that I’m used to.”

Overall, Ennis deserves the opportunity to be part of a winner, after being through various ups and downs during his time in Buffalo. We now wait to see how significant his involvement is.

Next: Is Robin Lehner the long-term answer in goal?

What kind of season are you anticipating from Ennis? Do you expect him to get back to being a 20-goal scorer for the Sabres? Let us know in the comments section below.

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