The Buffalo Sabres sent center Casey Mittelstadt, who has been a healthy scratch three of the last four games, to the Rochester Americans today.
While Mittelstadt, 21, has never played in the AHL, the demotion wasn’t exactly surprising.
Mittelstadt has struggled in his second full NHL season, compiling only four goals, nine points and a minus-5 rating in 31 games while often looking lost defensively.
The former eighth overall pick has mustered just one goal and two points in his last 21 contests and endured a 16-game goal drought before scoring Nov. 29.
In a few of his recent appearances, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger shifted Mittelstadt to winger. In his last two games, he skated less than 11 minutes.
Playing in the minors, even for a week or two, could ignite Mittelstadt’s confidence.
Mittelstadt joined the Sabres in March 2018 after his freshman season at the University of Minnesota ended. He compiled 12 goals and 25 points and a minus-19 rating in 77 games as a rookie last season.
The correct and beneficial move for Casey! He needs the tutoring and game experience that playing in the AHL will provide !
Shalom !Fr Pat Ipolito