Three leaders just returned to Rochester, all of whom can mentor some of the Buffalo Sabres younger prospects in 2023-24.
With so much talent on the Buffalo Sabres primary roster, it’s inevitable that many of our favorite prospects in the system will play most of the 2023-24 season in Rochester. Fortunately, these players have a few leaders returning to the Flower City who can double up as incredible mentors for potential puzzle pieces for the Blue and Gold.
Earlier today, forwards Mason Jobst and Brendan Warren returned, as did goaltender Michael Houser. So what do these three players bring to the table in Rochester? Keep reading for a quick rundown.
3 returning players who can lead the Buffalo Sabres prospects in Rochester
1 – Mason Jobst
Mason Jobst was the one player I wanted to see return to Rochester more than anyone else. Though undersized, the 29-year-old was a pivotal part of the Amerks playoff run this past season.
He went on a tear in the Calder Cup Playoffs, scoring 13 points in 14 games, including three goals and 10 assists. Jobst also put up 38 points, 14 goals, and 24 assists in 61 regular season games. The former Ohio State product has been around for a while now, and he knows what it takes to be a winner at the professional level, and that will help this young Amerks team.
2 – Brendan Warren
Brendan Warren made his mark during the playoffs, scoring five points, one goal, and four assists in eight games. Like Jobst, the former Michigan Wolverine knows a thing or two about winning, having tasted big-time success during his days in Ann Arbor when they won the Big Ten title during his tenure.
Like Jobst, Warren will likely never see NHL ice. But his experience not only in success, but also adversity given his experience toiling in the ECHL and clawing his way back to the AHL, will also be invaluable to some future Buffalo Sabres.
3 – Michael Houser
A fan favorite in my eyes, Michael Houser saw time in 21 games last season and compiled a 9-8-2 record, a 0.906 save percentage, and a 2.80 GAA. Houser joins under-the-radar signees Dustin Tokarski and Devin Cooley in Rochester, another pair of experienced goaltenders who have also bounced around several times since their respective professional hockey careers began.
Overall, it was a trio of good signings for the Rochester Americans, and they are putting the Buffalo Sabres youngest prospects in good hands here. Here’s to a good season for all three in Rochester this season.
Source: JOBST, WARREN AND HOUSER RETURN ON ONE-YEAR DEALS, Amerks.com.