Buffalo Sabres Peanut Gallery Thoughts And Comments: The Derek Grant Thing
By Adam DeRose
The Buffalo Sabres were impressed with Derek Grant’s effort during preseason, but has he done enough to keep his spot on the roster? Adam dishes!
The Buffalo Sabres have forward Derek Grant on their roster. Congrats to Derek for making it to the big leagues! I know it’s something that I will never accomplish in my lifetime. When I was in school, I was uncoordinated, which was why I ran track and cross country at St. Joe’s. Running helped me earn a scholarship to Daemen College. So I understand the work, time, and dedication that goes into a desired sport. With that being said, I feel that Derek Grant has a skill set and that he is talented enough to play hockey, though it’s not at the NHL level yet. I think he should be sent back down to the Rochester Amerks to hone his trade.
Derek has played in 75 NHL games (www.sabres.com/stats ) and has yet to net his first career goal! Even Sabres great Rob “Rayzor” Ray scored on his first shot of his first shift during his first game!
What I think is the underlying reason why Derek is up in Buffalo as opposed to playing in Rochester is due to General Manager Tim Murray. It seems that GMTM has a massive woody or love affair with his former team, the Ottawa Senators. That’s why GMTM has a man crush on goalie Robin Lehner. With that being said, I did a little sleuth detectiving (yes, I know that “detectiving” is not a real word, but it sounds cool) and looked up where else Derek Grant played. Shockingly, it turns out that Grant had a short stint with the Senators from 2012-2014…it just so happens that GMTM was a part of the Ottawa organization at the same time! Coincidence? I think NOT!
Grant has only produced 3 assists this season thus far. I feel that he should be sent down to Rachacha, and that the Sabres should call someone who is more motivated up. I’m glad the Sabres finally called up Justin Bailey. The few times I went to Amerks games this season, Bailey was pretty much the only player that stood out. He was consistently scoring and throwing body checks.
I say, sent Grant down and bring up Nick Baptiste. Let’s see what he has to offer. He already has 17 goals and 8 assists in 28 games (www.amerks.com/stats) for the Amerks.
With the Hockey World Juniors over (and congratulations to Team USA for beating Team Canada up in Montreal 5-4!), maybe we can see what Alexander Nylander has to offer. During the tournament, Alex had 5 goals and 7 assists in just 7 games (http://www.worldjunior2017.com/en/statistics/#players). While playing for the Amerks this season, in 30 games, he has netted 5 goals and 12 assists (www.amerks.com/stats).
And honestly, I think a fresh face and some motivated skates would help the Sabres. Let’s send Grant back down to the minors where he can add to his AHL goal scoring tally. But what do I know, I’m only a former scholarship collegiate cross country runner. The only runs I go on now are beer runs, just before the Sabre games! In case you are wondering, it’s Labatt Blue Light. Cheers!