The Buffalo Sabres have little to play for over the last few games of the season, so they are going to give an opportunity to one of their young prospects. The team has recalled Alexander Nylander from the minor leagues, along with journeyman and Rochester Americans captain Kevin Porter.
Nylander, 20, was selected eighth-overall in 2016 but hasn’t yet been able to breakthrough like his older brother William Nylander. Dealing with injury and inconsistency, the younger Nylander has amassed 54 points in 113 AHL games, but still possesses extremely high offensive potential. The Sabres gave him a four-game recall at the end of last season as well, hoping to spark that potential and give the team another high-end scoring threat.
With Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart playing well, and Casey Mittelstadt deciding to turn pro, the Sabres have a talented young group to build around in the coming years. Adding Nylander to that mix is imperative after spending such a high draft pick on him. Perhaps this latest taste of the NHL will be enough to push Nylander over the edge and have him compete for a roster spot with the Sabres next fall.
Porter, 32, played two games in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins last year but is generally limited to minor league action at this point in his career. In 249 career NHL games Porter has just 58 points, but he has consistently produced in the AHL and currently sits third on the Americans in scoring. His call-up is likely just a reward for another good season in the minor leagues, where he is preparing for the playoffs once again.