Sabres news: Jack Quinn ready to make an impact in Buffalo

Although we never got to see Buffalo Sabres prospect Jack Quinn in the NHL last season, it does not mean that he is not ready to make an impact in Buffalo sooner rather than later. The eighth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft is set to be healthy and prepared to show what he can do next season.

Quinn played in the AHL last season for the Rochester Americans, something he probably would not have done if it was a typical year. But with the OHL not having a season and unable to play for the Ottawa 67’s again, Jack made his pro debut in the AHL.

As he was somewhat launched into the AHL, maybe before he was totally ready for it, Quinn struggled a bit. He had nine points on two goals and seven assists in 15 games played. This was just a season removed from Jack have 89 points with 52 goals and 37 assists with the 67’s. But this downtick in production did not seem to frustrate the 19-year-old forward.

“It wasn’t an easy year. It was tough. I struggled more than I wanted to and production-wise, but I think it helped me a lot in the long run. I think it helps me a lot going into this year,” Jack told the Buffalo News in a recent interview.

Jack also mentioned that being around more NHL guys and playing in the AHL was a great experience and challenged him a lot. It is great to see someone as young as he is not overly disappointed in not have the production he is used to having.

After receiving surgery on a hernia in April, Quinn’s first year in the AHL was cut a little short. As he was faced with a six-week recovery from surgery, he spent some time in Buffalo around the Sabres and newly named head coach Don Granato, trying to soak in as much information as possible while working to get back to full health.

Quinn will be fully ready to go come next season. Whether he starts the season in the AHL again and works his way up to Buffalo or is on the opening day roster for the Sabres, we will surely be hearing Jack Quinn’s name more than a few times next season.