Sabres development camp ends with a bang, scrimmage shows hopeful future

But while the Sabres need to win now, and that’s certainly the reason free agency was paramount, the team’s future was barreling across the LECOM Harborcenter ice throughout the week. At Sabres development camp, 25 prospects, nine of whom were drafted only a week ago, went through a four-day summer camp of sorts, learning the ways of an NHL player. Along the way, they practiced in front of sizable crowds at the Sabres' training facility.

That culminated on Thursday in a 3-on-3 scrimmage, presenting Buffalo’s future.

Mrtka still settling in

When the Sabres didn’t trade their No. 9 overall selection in the 2025 NHL draft, much to the chagrin of their fan base, Radim Mrtka was always going to struggle to live up to expectations. But he’s 18 as of less than a month ago, and has only been in the U.S. for eight months. Growing pains were going to come, and camp showed the Bambi-like 6-foot-6 defenseman still has some adjusting to do.

During the scrimmage, Mrtka was frequently outmaneuvered by more experienced players. A notable instance came when Tyler Kopff, one of the oldest in the bunch at 22, sent the puck around him, then regathered it, scoring the second goal of the contest.

"We’re here to improve," Mrtka said on Monday, keeping things brief during his first moments in Buffalo. "I just want to learn from these coaches."

It’s easy to see the vision the Sabres have for him. His frame allows him to block passing lanes easily, almost consuming forwards as they approach him. Buffalo didn't bet on immediate production, though, so as he continues, he’ll surely develop a little more control and spacing understanding. Coupled with his physicality and defensive prowess, which Sabres fans saw consistently throughout development camp, he could easily be a centerpiece for the future in Buffalo.

"You see all the tools. His skating ability for the big guy. ... His ability to skate and defend with his stick is really good," said Michael Leone, who coaches development camp and the Rochester Americans. "(But) he’s extremely raw."

Ratzlaff holds up

Away from Mrtka, Sabres development camp was about the goaltenders. Five of them practiced throughout the week, but Scott Ratzlaff is the name that jumps off the roster.

After a season with the Rochester Americans, it’s easy to envision him making the hourlong venture west sometime soon. His performance on Thursday was another representation of why.

Fellow goalie Topias Leinonen appeared more impressive to start the scrimmage, as Ratzlaff allowed two nearly immediate goals, but from there it was a defensive showcase. The keeper didn’t let in another shot before Leone pulled him at halftime (they played two 30-minute halves), despite being peppered with 17 shots on goal.

Multiple times, Kopff fed a pass to another streaking youth. But with Ratzlaff in sight, there was little hope. He was a wall, swallowing up and batting the puck away in a manner that surely caught the attention of onlooking GM Adams. At least Ratzlaff grabbed someone else's.

"I have an appreciation for watching players like this guy," Leone said. "I pay close attention to the prospects, how they're developing."

Some shining moments

While Kopff was a clear presence throughout the scrimmage, no pairing was more effective than Gavin McCarthy and Melvin Novotny. The duo exchanged the puck fluidly, easily convincing the filled practice arena stands that this couldn’t possibly be the first time they had played together.

Novotny, drafted by the Sabres in the seventh round this year, had two goals. The first was easily the most impressive. The forward passed the puck to McCarthy on the wing and the Boston University rising junior pushed it right back to the sprinting Swede.

"It was a really good week of practice for them," Leone said. "It's really good to see the progression of these kids."

McCarthy, who is from Clarence and was a member of the Sabres youth program for nearly a decade, added a goal later, but the defenseman was most effective when distributing.

The star was Jake Richard, who added three goals, including two in less than 13 seconds that gave his team an 8-6 lead that it wouldn’t lose. He’s been in the Sabres program for three years after getting drafted in 2022 as a project entering his first year at UConn. Four years of development camp and college later, he’s showing clear signs of improvement.

"It's just the competitive spirit in me," Richard said. "Coming back for the fourth development camp. ... It's been big."

Once the scrimmage concluded, each player got a penalty shot attempt. Richard, developing into a crowd-pleaser, jumped the puck into the air and around Ratzlaff to a roar. He was the only Sabres prospect to score in the practice period, cementing his slot as Thursday’s strongest performer.

With Richard's scrimmage-ending shot, development camp comes to a close. The players will depart for a mixture of college, overseas and semi-professional leagues. What unites them is what they provide to the dejected Sabres fan base: hope.