Sabres Open Development Camp

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - The top prospects in the Sabres organization hit the ice Monday morning, beginning a week long developmental camp.  Some of the team's future stars took part in on-ice and off-ice workouts at Niagara's Dwyer Arena.  42 players are in attendance, and they split time on two rinks at Niagara University.

The camp is designed to introduce the players to the Sabres systems and conditioning programs. 

Top prospects like Tim Kennedy, Tyler Myers, Nathan Gerbe, Mike Weber and Chris Butler were there.   All of the team's recent draft picks will be there, including first rounder Zach Kassian. He was the only player not on the ice.  The team reported that he had a foot injury, but gave no further information. 

Kennedy, the South Buffalo native, is attending this camp for the fifth time. He say he's trying to help the younger players and act as a mentor.  Kennedy, who will have a good chance to make the Sabres roster in training camp, says he's not concerned about his future, just about continuing to develop and play well.  Kennedy was the AHL's leading rookie scorer this past season in Portland.

Butler, who played 47 games with the Sabres and appears locked into one of the spots on defense, says he doesn't mind attending.  He feels like there are still parts of his game that need improvement, especially his offensive production. 

There was lots of attention on Myers, last year's first round draft pick.  He's grown an inch to six-foot-eight, and now carries 220 pounds.  He too is not focused on making the team, just on continuing to improve.

General Manager Darcy Regier watched the workouts.  Head Coach Lindy Ruff was ont the ice instructing the players. 

The sessions continue through Friday.  The team will work out from 3-5:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Those are open to the public at the Dwyer Arena.  Friday's session, which may include a scrimmage, runs from 11-2 and is also open to the public.