BUFFALO – These days, when the Sabres recall winger Isak Rosen, he possesses a strong belief he belongs in the NHL.
That, of course, wasn’t always the case. In his first 15 games prior to this season, he struggled to produce and find a role.
But earlier this season, the Sabres cast Rosen, 22, in scoring role, awarding him duty on a top line and the power play. He responded by registering his first three goals and seven points.
When the Sabres needed him to fill in on the fourth line in his last outing Dec. 21, the prospect adapted and enjoyed one his most significant nights in the big leagues.
“It’s never an easy transition,” a confident Rosen said Sunday in KeyBank Center after the Sabres recalled him from the Rochester Americans. “You have to put the work in. It feels better, of course, to know that I can play on this level.”
The Sabres, who begin a two-game road trip Monday against the Florida Panthers, also sent defenseman Zac Jones to the AHL.
They summoned another forward because winger Jordan Greenway, who has been experiencing pain after undergoing two hernia surgeries, plans to meet with the doctor Monday.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff also said following Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens that another forward who was doubtful for the game but played.
Rosen, the 14th overall pick in 2021, participated in Sunday’s optional practice. On Friday, he scored his 20th goal for the Amerks in just his 28th appearance for the Amerks this season.
Over a full 72-game AHL season, that’s a 51-goal pace. In his fourth campaign, the slick Swede has morphed into a dominant scorer.
Rosen, who has registered 32 points for the Amerks, recently earned a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic for the third consecutive season.
Amerks coach Mike Leone also named him an alternate captain about a month ago.
“Huge honor from the coaching staff putting trust in you,” Rosen said. “Yeah, it feels great. It doesn’t change what I do on a daily basis, but it’s always an honor to have that letter.”