Isak Rosen got the call Monday Night at the AHL All-Star Classic that he would make his season debut with the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday against Columbus. Rosen is ranked as a top-five prospect in the Sabres organization and has enjoyed great success with the Sabres AHL team, the Rochester Americans. In his 150+ games, Rosen has tallied 126 points, with 57 goals. He was tied for the team lead in points last season in Rochester, and was named an All-Star this year in the AHL. This season, Rosen has 23 goals and 16 assists in 40 games, averaging just under a point a game. This will be the 21-year-old’s second stint with the Sabres as he played seven games with the Sabres last season, but failed to record any points.
What Can We Expect from Rosen?
Rosen will have big shoes to fill in his first game back with the Sabres, as he will be on the first line tonight with JJ Peterka and Jiri Kulich. Rosen is taking Tage Thompson’s spot in the lineup tonight as he is considered day-to-day with a head injury he suffered against the Devils on Sunday. Forward Tyson Kozek took a puck to the hand in Buffalo's win over the Nashville Predators on Friday and was put on Injured Reserve. Once Thompson returns, Rosen will slide to Kozak’s spot. Rosen will have to pick up Thompson’s pace as the Sabres offense has been clicking on all cylinders due to the play of Thompson. Rosen has a shoot first mentality which makes him the perfect replacement, and with the Columbus and Nashville upcoming this week, Rosen will have plenty of opportunities. As both of these teams are ranked in the bottom for shots allowed per game. Whether this call up is permanent or not, this is an opportunity for Rosen to make an impact with the Sabres. Rosen has been in the AHL since he was 18, and now has three years of pro hockey under his belt since coming over from Sweden. As one of the Sabres top prospects, if Rosen pans out at the NHL level, this is only a sign of great things to come for this franchise.