AHL: Young Americans

With the loss of key players like Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, the Buffalo Sabres are committed to moving forward with young talent. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson looks at Andrej Sekera and several other Rochester Americans hoping to get a chance with the Sabres this season.

Michael Funk (Buf), LD, Rochester Americans

Solid and reliable finesse defenseman .. positions well and knows where to be on the ice .. has improved his size (weight) but still lacks physical play .. prefers poke checking and proper positioning to gain an advantage over his opponents .. not flashy defensively but will rarely put the team at risk .. called on regularly as a penalty killer .. fluid skater with long strides .. exceptional puck control and passing abilities for a defenseman his size .. he transitions well and can carry the puck into the attacking zone if he chooses .. loves to jump into the play and join the rush .. has a decent wristshot but needs to expand his repertoire.

Marek Zagrapan Buf, C, Rochester Americans

Gifted center with playmaking abilities .. controls the puck well but is inconsistent in traffic .. successful at creating space and has exceptional passing abilities .. effective in the faceoff circle and is not afraid to mix it up along the boards .. needs to improve his defensive play, as he is offensive-minded .. given the Sabres' depth at center, he will likely have to become a more consistent and all-around player to crack the lineup.

Mark Mancari (Buf), RW, Rochester Americans

Currently an alternate captain for the "Amerks" .. leads by being vocal and sticking up for his teammates .. loves to instigate opponents and mix it up after the whistle .. strong point man on the powerplay .. has a hard and accurate slapshot, which defenders almost seem to cringe at .. flexible player who can play both RD and RW .. could utilize his size better and be more physical .. needs to improve his puckhandling skills, as he can be pushed off the puck despite his large frame.

Clarke MacArthur (Buf), LW, Rochester Americans

Currently the captain for the "Amerks" .. tends to lead by example with gritty, hard-working play .. not the fastest skater but is very agile .. cuts well and can out maneuver his opponents in open ice and along the boards .. solid puckhandling and passing abilities .. can get pushed off the puck because of his size but will work hard along the boards .. a regular component of the powerplay and usually delivers in key situations .. does an admirable job on defense but can have momentary lapses at times .. should be at the top of the call-up list given Buffalo's shallow depth at LW and the team's need for physical play.

Andrej Sekera (Buf), LD, Rochester Americans

Energetic two-way player who loves to fly around the ice, as he is an agile and speedy skater .. an exceptional puckhandler with solid passing abilities .. can carry the puck from one end of the ice to the other .. slick in 1-on-1 situations but can be overly aggressive in the attacking zone.. equally effective at poke checking and working along the boards in his own end .. anticipates well, allowing him to break up plays and/or counterattack .. relies on his speed too much instead of positioning himself properly on defense .. regular PP/PK player .. does well to close passing lanes in 5-on-3 situations .. an offensive defenseman who looks primed for the next level and will likely be No. 1 on the Sabres' call-up list for defensemen.

Mike Weber (Buf), LD, Rochester Americans

Physical defenseman who loves to block shots .. always looking to take one for the team .. can take punishment, as well as dish it out .. likes to clear space and stake claim in front of the net .. has a solid first pass out of the defensive zone but needs to work on his offensive skills.