Drew Stafford: Equipped to Play

Winning is not only expected now in Buffalo, it is almost demanded. While the Sabres ran off a 10-0 record to match the best start in NHL history, their AHL farm team in Rochester was following suit.

The Amerks, despite sporting eleven rookies in the lineup, reeled off seven straight wins and have lost just one game all season.

First-year forward Drew Stafford has played a key role in Rochester's blistering start and earned a quick promotion to the parent Sabres.

"I thought training camp went well, I was a little unsure about the whole process it being my first time so I didn't know quite what to expect," admits the 14th overall selection in the 2004 entry draft. "I understood that I would have to pay my dues and a first-year player like myself, it is rare that you step in right away."

If Stafford was disappointed he certainly didn't let it show on the ice, amassing nine points in eleven games playing alongside talented players such as Clarke MacArthur and Janis Sprukts.

When Maxim Afinogenov went down with a shoulder injury in Buffalo, Stafford was the first choice call-up and certainly didn't disappoint in his NHL debut. He played close to 13 minutes and also became just the second player in league history to register an overtime point in his his first NHL game. Dishing a nice pass to a streaking Briere who fired the overtime winner, Stafford showcased the vision and puck skills he is coveted for.

In his second game, he found himself taking a regular shift between Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek, the same spot he had been brought up to replace.

"When playing with world-class players such as Thomas and Derek, it is very easy to make plays", remarked Stafford. "We got split up a bit with some penalty trouble tonight, but once we got going we established a good cycle game and were able to generate good pressure in the offensive zone."

So far, Stafford has played in four NHL contests and has a goal and an assist to his credit. However, he does not travel with the team in an effort to maintain salary cap space. This is one of the anomalies of the new NHL landscape and a cold reality for younger players looking to break into the league sooner than expected. The Sabres increased their salary by nearly ten million from last year in order to keep the team relatively intact, and were only slightly under the cap to start the season.

Placing Tim Connolly on long-term disability has helped, however the Sabres have slightly less than $90,000 to play with and every day either Stafford or another Rochester Amerk is up with the team, their salaries count against the cap.

With management expecting Connolly's return at some point, other players will have to be demoted.

"These are factors that are out of my control and I try not to think about it," says Stafford about the new economics of the game." All I can do when I am up here is to concentrate on my game and take advantage of my opportunities and play well."

Stafford has established himself at every step in his career. While playing at Shattuck-St. Mary's, he amassed 116 points including 49 goals in his final year with the renowned prep school and was also named the team's best All-Around Athlete/Citizen. Stafford has represented the United States four times in international competition, and was a member of Team USA's first-ever World Junior gold medal in 2004.

He also enjoyed a three-year career at the University of North Dakota where he led the school in scoring last year with 48 points on a team loaded with first-round picks including Jonathan Toews, T.J. Oshie and Travis Zajac.

"I have been very fortunate to play with many great players and be associated with many well run teams," Stafford adds. "The highlight up to this point has been the World Junior gold, I just can't explain what a feeling it was to win at that level, my scoring exploits in Shattuck was also very special for me. I look forward to scoring my first NHL goal as it will be something I never forget."

The environment at North Dakota is an exciting one as they boast one of the nicest rinks in all of college hockey. Stafford speaks proudly of the Fighting Sioux program, but felt it was time to move on when he signed a three-year entry level contract with the Sabres thus forgoing his senior year. So far the transition has been a smooth one as his game has translated well. A mature and responsible two-way forward, Stafford is physically strong and shows outstanding creativity with the puck. He skates well and possesses top-flight acceleration, yet he is grounded in his approach to the pro game and understands the importance of playing away from the puck.

"My best quality is creating not only in the offensive zone but making a difference in the defensive zone as well," according to Stafford. "I try to concentrate on being an all-around player and applying myself every shift."

While Stafford may be a rookie on the ice, he is something of a pro in NHL dressing rooms. The Milwaukee-raised youth has fond memories of Chicago Stadium when the Oilers would come to town, as his uncle is the long-time equipment manager for the Edmonton Oilers. Drew was also immersed in hockey at a young age by his father, Gord, who skated seven seasons for the Milwaukee Admirals of the old International Hockey League and played an instrumental role in his son's early development.

"My dad stopped playing when I was about three. He was very passionate about the game and I credit him for getting me into it. He helped me tremendously and coached me up until pee-wee," recalls Stafford.

The advice given to young Drew in those early pee-wee games seems to be paying off as Stafford is finally starting to carve out his own hockey identity.