Sabres first-rounder recalled with Samuelsson out, sets up Skinner in debut
Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryan Johnson has impressed the management and coaching staff going back to the club’s prospect tournament in September, and after just nine AHL games, the 22-year-old got the call-up with defenseman Mattias Samuelsson injured.
"I was just thankful for the opportunity," Johnson said after his NHL debut in a 6-4 win over Toronto on Saturday. "The (Rochester) coaches brought me in and told me and I was super surprised. I was supposed to go to Syracuse."
Johnson, who had four assists with the Amerks this season, played 8:20 in his debut and registered his first NHL point midway through the second period, sending in a streaking Jeff Skinner on a clear break.
"You could see the entire play....the body language, he knew something was open. He knew he could get the puck there, it was tape to tape." Sabres head coach Don Granato said. "He's followed up a really good camp, very consistent in camp, played a lot of games in the preseason, and he's done very well down there."
The Sabres opted to go with seven defensemen on Saturday with Samuelsson responsible for more than 20 minutes a night and Jacob Bryson not playing much, but whether Johnson remains with the club will depend on how long Samuelsson will be out.
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