BUFFALO – The Sabres aren’t bringing their ‘A’ squad to Toronto for tonight’s preseason contest against the Maple Leafs, but the lineup features a lot of youngsters and bubble players “that deserve to play,” coach Ted Nolan said.
“Camp’s far from over,” Nolan said this morning inside the First Niagara Center.
First, here are forward lines: Cody Hodgson, Mikhail Grigorenko, Chris Stewart; Zac Dalpe, Torrey Mitchell, Brian Flynn; Joel Armia, Johan Larsson, Nick Deslauriers; Matt Ellis, Tim Schaller, Patrick Kaleta.
“You look at Larsson, he had a good camp,” Nolan said. “He deserves another opportunity. You look at Grigorenko, he deserves another opportunity, Armia. You look at Dalpe. You look at Mitchell, the way he played center ice the other night. This is a situation guys are still battling for jobs. By battling for them, we give them opportunities.”
Defense: Drew Bagnall, Andrej Meszaros, Nick Petrecki, Rasmus Ristolainen, Tyson Strachan, Mike Weber.
Nolan has goalie Andrey Makarov penciled in for a 60-minute start. Nolan also said backup Nathan Lieuwen could also play.
Both youngsters are going to Rochester soon. Makarov hasn’t played yet this preseason.
“A good taste before they leave,” Nolan said.
