The Buffalo Sabres may be on the verge of their All-Star break, but the Rochester Americans are not. Here are three Amerks to keep tabs on.
With the Buffalo Sabres heading toward the All-Star break, all attention turns to the Rochester Americans starting this Thursday. There are a few prospects to get excited about, and on today’s list we have two former first round picks plus one seasoned veteran.
While there is a lot of solid talent over in Rochester, the following three names stand out more than any other. Let’s meet them.
1 – Jiri Kulich
Since Kulich got here, he’s been arguably the most intriguing prospect outside of Owen Power, J.J. Peterka, and Jack Quinn, all of whom have played the entire season with the Buffalo Sabres. And Kulich hasn’t disappointed, having scored 21 points, 7 goals, and 14 assists in 32 games.
Kulich’s output could even be higher, but a stint at the 2023 IIHF World Juniors took him off the ice for a few games in Rochester. If he keeps up his strong output, he will likely grace at least the 40-point mark.
2 – Isak Rosen
Rosen hasn’t been as effective as Kulich, but he’s also not far off. With 17 points, four goals, and 13 assists in 33 games, the rookie’s numbers aren’t half-bad as he continues to adjust to the North American game.
While I don’t envision Rosen touching NHL ice anytime soon, I can see him building on his serviceable first half of the regular season. Like Kulich, expect Rosen’s game to dramatically improve, where he could at least double his points total.
3 – Vinnie Hinostroza
By all intents and purposes, Hinostroza is a prospect, and he’s been logging some solid minutes in Rochester. Of course, the situation isn’t ideal for the seasoned veteran, who figured he’d be playing solely at the NHL level this season.
But with the amount of playing time he’s been given, expect Hinostroza to make the most of it as he tries to claw his way back to the NHL. Whether we will see him in a Buffalo Sabres uniform again this season remains to be seen, but he’s going to do all he can to get back there.
Article Source: Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich displaying growth with Amerks; Vinnie Hinostroza playing big minutes in Rochester by Bill Hoppe
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