BUFFALO – The Sabres have recalled seven prospects from the Rochester Americans to serve as Black Aces – extra players during a playoff run – after their AHL affiliate’s season ended.
Goalie Devon Levi, forwards Konsta Helenius, Riley Fiddler-Schultz and Anton Wahlberg and defensemen Ryan Johnson, Vsevolod Komarov and Radim Mrtka have all joined the Sabres.
The players will practice in a separate group from the Sabres, who play Game 6 of their first-round playoff series Friday in Boston against the Bruins. The Sabres lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.
The Amerks’ season ended Sunday when they fell to the Toronto Marlies in the best-of-three play-in round in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
“It’s a great opportunity for those young guys to come up and be part of the experience,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following today’s practice in KeyBank Center. “With the number of players we have here right now, there’s a point where you have too many and you don’t want it to be a distraction. I think we’ve got it pretty well mapped out where, they’re going to get their workouts, we’re gonna try to keep our game people separated.”
Ruff said the Sabres could need to utilize one of those youngsters.
“At any time, one of those guys could be a guy that may need to be called on, so it’s more than just coming here and watching,” he said. There’s an opportunity, if the right guy comes out of the lineup, that one of those guys could play.”
In other news, defenseman Logan Stanley missed today’s practice because he’s sick. Michael Kesselring practiced in his spot alongside Conor Timmins.
His status for Game 6 is unclear. Ruff said Stanley, who watched part of practice from the bench, “was worse yesterday.”
“Better today, but then you’re missing a couple days and you haven’t ate,” he said. “We’re gonna have to judge where the energy level is too at the same time.”