The Buffalo Sabres have big future plans for Cliff Pu. On Monday, Sabres GM Jason Botterill signed the junior hockey scoring sensation to a three-year, entry-level contract.
If Pu's career trajectory goes according to plan, he will find himself in AHL Rochester next season. That is when his ELC will activate.
It won't be long until Pu is dropping jaws of Sabres fans with his frenetic pace and impressive hockey sense. Botterill and Housley think very highly of Pu. And, rightly so.
Pu, 19, finished the 2016-17 season ranked eighth among all OHL skaters with 86 points (35 goals, 51 assists) in 63 games for the London Knights.
In 178 career OHL games, Pu has scored 132 points (52 goals, 80 apples). This season, Pu has scored one goal and five assists.
The North York, Ontario native has also scored 20 points (10+10) in 37 OHL playoff games.
Pu was selected in the third round (69th overall) at the 2016 NHL Draft.
Pu was a leader on the London Knights squad that won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as Ontario Hockey League champions in 2016. Pu also assisted the Knights on their 2016 Memorial Cup championship.
Botterill and Phil Housley spoke glowingly of Pu's work ethic and measurable at Sabres development camp in July and then again that the Prospects Challenge that Buffalo hosted in September. Pu did not look out of place one iota against such high end prospects as Nico Hischier (Devils), Charlie McAvoy (Bruins), Zach Aston-Reese (Penguins).
Botterill and Housley rewarded Pu with a longer than usual stay at Sabres training camp. While other prospects were sent back to their junior teams after one or no exhibition games, Pu was given the greenlight to stay and continue to play with the big boys. Botterill and Housley raved about Pu's assets. He was the last junior player to be returned to his major junior club team.
Pu has NHL speed, size, vision, and skill. He's a playmaker and a scorer. He's a responsible defender as well. His skating stride and style are the closest thing to Connor McDavid that I have seen in junior hockey. Pu dances on air. Give him three strides and he will burn you. Give him three strides and the puck and he'll embarrass you.
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