Who says you can't go home?
Jordan Nolan can officially debunk that myth.
His professional hockey career led him to Los Angeles, California. His heart is now leading him home. Jordan said his days were done in LA. They wanted it that way. He wanted it that way. He's rather be in Buffalo.
The Garden River, Ontario native grew up a stone's throw away from Buffalo.
His father, Ted, coached the Sabres on two different occasions during his NHL coaching career. Jordan has always had fond memories of attending Sabres and Buffalo Bandits indoor lacrosse games.
On Wednesday, the Sabres claimed Jordan Nolan off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.
On Thursday, Jordan pulled on a Sabres sweater for the first time in his NHL career. After his first skate with his new teammates, Jordan reflected on his Buffalo experiences.
Nolan said Buffalo “kind of shaped our lives.…
“Buffalo’s been nothing but good to our family,… Nolan said. “I guess third time’s the charm for the Nolan family.…
Jordan and his older brother, Brandon, have fond memories of their time in Buffalo as teenagers.
Jordan Nolan and his wife, Laura, won't need very long to get properly acclimated to their new home in Buffalo, NY. They already know their way around town.
“We’re so used to the area,… Nolan said. “I think it’s just a perfect setup for me.…
The son of a two-time Sabres head coach, Jordan is known to the equipment and medical staffs of the Sabres. They've known him in the past as Ted's son. Now, they will know him as #17 in the Blue & Gold sweater.
“A lot of memories here,… Nolan said. “I live over in St. Catharines in the offseason, a lot of my friends and family in this area.…
First year Sabres assistant coach Davis Payne coached Nolan for four seasons in LA. nolan said that Payne put in a good word for him to Sabres head coach Phil Housley and GM Jason Botterill.
Nolan twice has brought the Stanley Cup back to St. Catherines and Garden River.
Nolan is no shrinking violet. He plays a fast, physical, in your face style. He fights the heavyweights and won't stand idly by while opponents take liberties with his teammates. For a 6'3" 220 lb. man Nolan can motor around and create a massive disruption in the o-zone. He's a nasty fore checker to play against. His opponents will have to have their heads on swivels when Nolan is on the ice.
The June trade of Marcus Foligno created a crevice in the Buffalo Sabres toughness department. Nolan will play bodyguard to the skilled guys like Jack Eichel, Ryan O'Reilly, Kyle Okposo, Evander Kane, Samson Reinhart, Jason Pominville and others.
I've always been impressed by Nolan's hands. I don't think it's outlandish to expect Nolan to score 10 goals a season. He routinely hacks, slashes and bullies his way to the crease where 80% of today's NHL goals are scored. Nolan also holds on to pucks and plays a puck possession style.
Nolan scored 4 goals and 4 assists last season. He has scored 20 goals and 24 assists in his NHL career.
Phil Houlsey saw a lot of Nolan when the Nashville Predators and the LA Kings would lock horns. Housley admires Nolan’s high impact, high speed style of play.
“For a big guy, he really moves well,… Housley said. “So it’ll be good to see him being the first forward down, playing physical, coming up with pucks. He’s got a big frame. I think one of the things when you watch him is he protects the puck real well because he’s hard to defend, and that can wear down opponents".
Look for Jordan to make his Sabres debut on Friday night when the NY Islanders visit Buffalo for the final preseason game.
Thanks, Sabres.com
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Ted Nolan is presently coaching Team Poland's men's team. Jordan has already spoken with his proud Papa.
“Once he heard the news, he was pretty happy, pretty emotional,… Nolan said. “They live in St. Catharines right now. I think he’s just happy to have me closer to home.…
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