Buffalo Sabres add to position of strength with latest signing

The Buffalo Sabres have signed Rasmus Asplund to a three-year, entry-level deal, to further reinforce the center position for the organization.

If there’s one position you would highlight as a strong one for the Buffalo Sabres, it’s center. With Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly on the roster, they have arguably one of the best one-two punches in the league.

Then there’s Casey Mittelstadt, who has already show signs of being something special. Despite only being 19, he scored five points in six games during his first action this past season at the NHL level.

Regardless, the Sabres signed another center on Wednesday. As reported by Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News, Rasmus Asplund has agreed a three-year, entry-level deal with the organization.

The Blue and Gold traded up in the 2016 draft, in order to select Asplund with the 33rd overall pick. As such, there are a lot of expectations surrounding the young prospect.

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The 20-year-old is coming off his best season yet in the Swedish League. He finished the campaign with career-highs of eight goals, 20 assists and 28 overall points, in 50 games.

In total, Asplund spent four seasons playing for Färjestad BK at the SHL level. Over that time, he recorded 20 goals, 42 assists and 62 overall points in 170 games.

Playing professional hockey in Europe should prove invaluable for the Swedish native. He is a fast, two-way center, who has an excellent work ethic.

As you’d expect, there are also some questions about Asplund’s ability to replicate his form with the Sabres. Chief among these is his size and whether or not he will be able to cope with the physicality of the NHL.

Still, the overriding perspective is that Asplund has what it takes to succeed in Western New York. Consider this scouting report from Steve Kournianos of The Draft Analyst:

"Asplund is quick and shifty, using his speed and turning ability to gain time and space. He has a good touch around the net, positioning his stick in the right place and takes a beating to complete a play. His SHL numbers might not show it, but he’s a very good scorer with a quick, accurate shot. Asplund is strong on the puck and can make plays across the ice or diagonally while traveling at a high rate of speed. His work ethic off the ice is excellent, and it shows — he’s a tenacious forechecker and competes every shift from start to finish. Asplund is far from physical, but his excellent work in the faceoff circle coupled with his smarts makes him a perfect fit for the NHL’s puck-possession game."

As a final thought, Asplund’s experience at the international level should also prove advantageous. This includes 12 points (four goals and eight assists) in 14 games at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championships for the under-20s team.

Next: 3 reasons the Sabres should pursue John Tavares

Have you had much of an opportunity to see Asplund in action? What is your take on the center, and what kind of success do you predict he will have with the Buffalo Sabres? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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