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Nikita Zadorov should take a page out of fellow 2013 first rounder Rasmus Ristolainen's book. Speak softly and carry a big hockey stick. Zadorov was benched for the better part of two periods by Rochester Amerks head coach Chadd Cassidy earlier this week when he mailed in a lackluster performance in a 7-3 drubbing that came at the hands of the Dallas Stars. Cassidy asked for passion and effort from Zadorov and when the kid didn't respond, the coach parked him on the bench. Certainly not something that Zadorov was looking forward to when the Travesre City Tourney on 9/12/14. One week ago, Zadorov was being counted on as one of the granite pillars of the Sabres prospects team, not only at Traverse City, but in training camp as well. With blue line jobs available, the popular thinking was that Zadorov would force his way to the front of the line of candidates for the open roster spots. One week later, Zadorov's stock has fallen to the point that it is being suggested the he return to his OHL London Knights club rather than stick and stay in Buffalo for additional observation in the first 10 games of the season.
Perception is reality and right now, Zadorov is being viewed with a jaundiced eye by many observers. Only he can change the way that he is being viewed, much the same way that Ristolainen has re-branded himself with his brand new lighter, chisled physique and ultra-positive attitude. Ted Nolan has bee pumping Ristolainen's tires in the first two days of tryouts. There's a lot to love about Ristolainen's dedication and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the Sabres opening night roster. Ristolainen has lost 25 pounds of "baby fat" (his words) and has added muscle and strength to his 6'4" frame. He admits that he is lighter, faster and stronger than he was last season. The kid is in the best shape of his hockey career and appears to be on track of achieving his goals of not just making the Buffalo roster, but also being viewed as a go-to defenseman, like his friend and fellow Finn Olli Maataa in Pittsburgh.
Ristolainen is more of a defensive-minded D than Maata, but both love to use their booming shots to get point shots through to opposing goalies which creates rebounds and second chance opportunities.
Zadorov has an NHL-ready shot, size, and skill, however, there are now questions as to whether he can up his game to get to the next level. Zadorov has gained weight and perhaps he needs more of an adjustment period to get used to the added body mass. Tyler Myers can write a book about his weight gain challenges. That's another story for another day.
Did Zadorov show up fully engaged to the Traverse City for every game? If not, then why? He hasn't earned a Buffalo roster spot yet, nor has he been green lighted through to the NHL. Ted Nolan and Tim Murray are using Traverse City and Sabres rookie development camp observations to craft their opinions on all young prospects in the pipeline. Zadorov had a decent bounce back effort in the consolation game against St. Louis at T-City. His performance got him paroled from the dog house, however, he was a minus player and was held off the score sheet in four games that he played in against his peers.
One wonders, if he can't dominate games against other 18, 19 and 20 year olds at Traverse City, then how does he expect to dominate against 23-30 years olds in NHL exhibition games?
The skyscraping Russian defenseman has a laser pointer trained on his forehead right now. Welcome to Ted Nolan's tryouts, kid. Where nothing is given, everything is earned.
Thanks, Sabres.com
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Take a look at Rasmus Ristolainen. The kid looks like a natural born killer. He's focused and he's ready to rock-n-roll.
He's eliminated the fast food from his diet and he's a muscular man.
He's lost 25 pounds and is more powerful and strong than ever before.
Admittedly, he hated accepting his demotion to AHL Rochester last season, but now he's viewing his I-90 shuffle as a stepping stone to his NHL career.
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Ted Nolan and his coaches are looking for maximum impact from the lines and D pairs.
The Moulson-Ennis-Stafford unit showed some real signs of life last winter before the trade deadline.
I line of Foligno-Reinhart-Stewart line. #KnuckleSamwich
I also love the Hodgson-Girgensons-Gionta unit.
The Lemieux-Grigorenko-Armia line may be the top unit in Rochester when training camp breaks in three weeks.
I'm a big fan of the Gorges-Myers D grouping
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