Buffalo Sabres Prospect Compher Continues In College
The future of some members of the Buffalo Sabres is uncertain, but we can say right now that we know where at least one Buffalo Sabres prospect will be playing next season.
Left winger J.T. Compher has decided to continue his college hockey career and will return to the University of Michigan next year.
It’ll be Compher’s junior year at the University of Michigan.
He was on WGR-550 radio Tuesday morning, which is where the news came out.
JT Compher appeared on Buffalo's @WGR550 this morning; looking forward to return to @umichhockey AUDIO: http://t.co/Xm69D1iOM1 #GoBlue
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) May 5, 2015
The 20-year-old was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, with the 35th overall selection. A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Compher spent two seasons with the U.S. National Development Team before beginning his career at the University of Michigan in 2013.
His freshman year, Compher put up 31 points (11-20) in 35 games with the Wolverines. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, along with a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team.
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This season, his sophomore year, saw Compher put up 24 points (12-12) in 34 games. He also represented the United States at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championships.
Compher’s other option, rather than return to college, could have been to test the American Hockey League waters with the Rochester Americans. Instead, he’ll continue with his education and college hockey career for at least another season.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this: it seems as though the Buffalo Sabres organization encouraged Compher’s decision.
Compher said #Sabres management told him they thought it would be better for him to play another year in college
— Howard Simon (@hsimon62) May 5, 2015
As some have suggested, it’s possible that Compher could have struggled for playing time in Rochester and is actually better off returning to college at this point. He can continue to grow, both physically and mentally, and will be able to fit into the team’s structure when the timing is right.
Compher’s return to the University of Michigan doesn’t affect the Buffalo Sabres’ maintenance of his rights, as he’ll continue to remain property of the Sabres until after his senior year.
The Buffalo Sabres are clearly taking a slow approach to prospect development at this point, rather than trying to rush players along (as in the case of Mikhail Grigorenko.) While some fans will surely be eager to get these guys up and running, it’s often better to really allow them the time to grow before bringing them to the AHL or NHL levels. This is about recognizing that the team is in a rebuild and structuring player development to be successful in the long run.
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