This Buffalo Sabres prospect is already starting to impress.
The Buffalo Sabres are currently participating in the Prospects Challenge. This is always a fun time of the year, as fans get the opportunity to see their favorite teams' prospects play in game action.
One specific prospect who Sabres fans are naturally keeping an eye on during the Prospects Challenge is offseason addition Tyler Tullio. The 22-year-old winger was acquired by the Sabres from the Edmonton Oilers this offseason as a part of the Matthew Savoie trade. So far, he has left a strong first impression with his new team.
Early on in the Prospects Challenge, Tullio has been one of the Sabres' top players. On Saturday (Sept. 14) against the New Jersey Devils, he notably scored a goal after teammate Riley Fidller-Schultz won an offensive zone faceoff. However, besides showing off his shot, he also displayed promise with his forechecking ability and speed.
While Ryan McLeod is viewed as the more significant piece of the return in the Savoie trade, it is hard not to feel some excitement about Tullio. He has the potential to become an NHL player later down the road, and his start with the club at the Prospects Challenge has been quite solid.
Tullio is expected to be a key part of the Rochester Americans' roster this season. During this past season with the Bakersfield Condors, he had nine goals and 21 points in 54 games. Overall, it was a decent year for the 5-foot-11 winger, but there is no question that he has the tools to hit new offensive numbers in the AHL this campaign. If he does, he would significantly improve his value as a prospect in the Sabres' system.