Matej Pekar made a positive impression with the Sabres this month. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres send prospect Matej Pekar back to junior team

BUFFALO – After awarding Matej Pekar an opportunity to play his first NHL exhibition game, the Sabres sent one of their top forward prospects back to the junior Barrie Colts today.

In Tuesday’s 4-1 road loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pekar registered a team-high four hits, three shots on goal, three blocked shots and a minus-1 rating.

Pekar, 19, recently stood out during the Prospects Challenge rookie tournament, showcasing his mix of skill and grit. He impressed Sabres coach Ralph Krueger so much early in training camp he earned his first small taste of big league action.

The Czech starred with Barrie as a rookie last season, scoring 14 goals and 36 points in 33 Ontario Hockey League games before suffering a broken collarbone.

The Sabres drafted Pekar in the fourth round in 2018, 94th overall. He can’t play in the minors because he is too young.

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