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Giving Thomas more time Sabres' Vanek to return to Gophers for sophomore yearPosted: Wednesday August 06, 2003 6:03 PMUpdated: Wednesday August 06, 2003 11:51 PM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- Thomas Vanek will spend at least another season with the University of Minnesota, allowing the Buffalo Sabres' top draft pick more time to develop. "Our view is another year at the University of Minnesota is probably the best thing for him," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said Wednesday. "He's going to be afforded opportunities [at Minnesota] that we couldn't give him ... and from a development standpoint it's pretty tough to argue with right now." Regier's comments end speculation of the Sabres' considerations to sign Vanek and have him forego his final three years of college eligibility. Selected with the No. 5 pick in last June's draft, Vanek is a flashy, Austrian-born, offensive forward, who's coming off an impressive freshman season in which he helped the Golden Gophers win the NCAA championship. The rebuilding Sabres were considered in need of immediate offensive punch when they drafted Vanek, but have since bolstered their lineup by acquiring Chris Drury in a trade with Calgary last month. Regier's comments came following a press conference announcing the Sabres will spend six days of training camp at Rochester, home of Buffalo's AHL affiliate. Minnesota coach Don Lucia welcomed the news regarding Vanek. "I think [Regier's] making a smart decision from the standpoint of what's best long-term and short-term," Lucia said. "[Vanek's] only 19 years old and has a very bright future ahead of him, but I think you can make a mistake to want to rush things as opposed to allow him to naturally develop. "And when he's ready, he'll be there." Vanek's return will also benefit Minnesota's chances of defending its title as the team stands to lose only one senior to graduation. A clutch goal-scorer, Vanek led Minnesota with 31 goals, 17 of them scored in the third period or overtime, and 62 points in 45 games last year. That included scoring game-winners in both the Golden Gophers' NCAA semifinal and final victories. Lucia is also offering to expand Vanek's responsibilities, giving him an opportunity to get more ice-time by playing on the penalty-killing unit. "I think all along Thomas was anticipating coming back next year, that's what he wanted to do," Lucia said. "He needs to continue to improve as a player, and there's not too many 19-year-olds that are complete hockey players." In other Sabres news, Regier said he's close to re-signing gritty two-way forward Curtis Brown, while continuing negotiations with Buffalo's four other restricted free agents: forwards Drury, Miroslav Satan and Ales Kotalik, and defenseman Jay McKee. Regier added the team is also seeking a full-time goaltender coach. Jim Corsi has spent the past five seasons serving as a part-time goalie coach, and is considered the front-runner for the expanded position. The decision to hold a portion of training camp in Rochester, a 90-minute drive east of Buffalo, is part of the Sabres' plan to expand their marketing reach. The Sabres had previously announced they will play both a regular-season -- Nov. 12 against New Jersey -- and preseason game -- Oct. 2 against Chicago -- at Rochester. The training camp sessions in Rochester will be held at the ESL Sports Center from Sept 15-20. "We hope this is the first step of expanding our fan base and making the Buffalo Sabres a community and regional National Hockey League team," Regier said. |
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