Buffalo Sabres: Casey Mittelstadt finally signed

Just one day removed from signing defensive prospect Will Borgen, the Buffalo Sabres took another step to sign Casey Mittelstadt to an entry-level deal.

The Buffalo Sabres have secured another piece to their young offensive core, by signing Casey Mittelstadt. The move has been dawning for quite some time now, but the deal finally got done.

Another plus to note is that the United States native won’t start the years in his deal until he plays his first game. Furthermore, Mittelstadt won’t be wasting time this year and will get a fresh start in October along with the rest of Buffalo.

It can be assumed that the 19-year-old will earn the maximum of $925,000 from his entry-level contract; A team-friendly deal for the Sabres to secure a player with loads of potential.

The center has been performing at an elite level ever since high school. Mittelstadt was apart of the USA U-18 team, as he played seven games and collected four goals and five assists. The youngster only went on to impress again in this past year’s World Junior Championship, as he was the MVP of the competition.

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Mittelstadt just needed his freshman year with the Minnesota Golden Gophers to make the Sabres lock up his raw talent. The prospect notched 11 goals and 19 assists while being named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

There’s all sorts of praise to be given out for a center of Mittelstadt’s potential and current talent. Elite Prospects‘ Joe Curtis took a dive into the complete analysis of Casey’s game when saying:

"An electric offensive presence on the ice, Casey Mittelstadt brings the complete package of speed, skill, and hockey sense. He competes hard with every shift, and has the dynamic puck skills to keep up with his creativity, which is a hallmark of his game."

The signing combined with Borgen’s contract on Sunday has reflected all sorts of optimism for the future, despite such a disastrous season in Buffalo.

Borgen may need some time to develop, but on the other hand, some could argue that Mittelstadt could fit right into the lineup to start the next campaign.

Time will only tell and teams don’t want to rush it. However, Mittelstadt’s speed and skill could fit right into a lineup that desperately needs it.

Yet again, it’s a low-money signing for a player who shows complete signs of promise. The product from the Sabres might not be looking good on-the-ice, but it’s surely looking better off-the-ice ever since the Evander Kane trade.

Next: Getting to know prospect Will Borgen

What is you take on the decision to sign Mittelstadt? Further, what kind of campaign are you predicting for him next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!