Buffalo Sabres: Rochester Amerks aworth getting the call up

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BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 17: A general view during the singing of the National Anthem prior to Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HSBC Arena on April 17, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Buffalo Sabres have been in decent form to start off November. A thrilling win in Arizona to go along with an impressive performance against the Washington Capitals has the Sabres on the right track.

What’s contributed to the Buffalo Sabres current production is the quality of the star players. Jack Eichel, Ryan O’Reilly, Evander Kane and Rasmus Ristolainen have all done their fair share for the club.

The more concerning factor of the club is the lack of depth contribution. Benoit Pouliot has recently come out of the shell, but others still remain to be seen.

Luckily, hockey offers the beauty of the farm system to give new players a taste of pro experience. Players from the AHL have made a huge impact on their respective clubs. Look at the Detroit Red Wings as an example, or the Sabres own Justin Bailey who has turned heads ever since his call up.

Buffalo could try to utilize some new faces in the lineup. Let’s look at three players from the Rochester Americans that could make a difference for the Sabres.

Kyle Criscuolo – Center

Once upon a time, the Buffalo Sabres were known for having one of the deepest center cores in the NHL. Sadly, that narrative has seemed to diminish this season as both Sam Reinhart and Johan Larsson haven’t been up to the task.

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But, worry not. This is where the Amerks’ top scorer in Criscuolo steps in. The 25-year-old comes out of Harvard University where he put up sublime numbers. In four seasons with the Crimson, Criscuolo notched 36 goals and 113 points.

The American then was drafted by the Red Wings and was sent to the notorious Grand Rapids Griffins. Last season, Criscuolo notched 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points.

At the moment, he’s carrying his scoring ability over to the Amerks. In just 10 games, the center has already put up 4 goals and 6 assists.

There’s no convincing me that Criscuolo could be a better option than Larsson on the fourth line. Criscuolo offers the depth scoring that the Sabres desperately need at the moment.

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