(left) DU Alum Kevin DineenFrom: LetsGoSabres.com
by Alan Sheldon
Two DU alums figure to play a prominent role with the AHL Portland Pirates this season. Head coach Kevin Dineen and rookie defenseman Chris Butler will be working together in the Buffalo Sabres organization.
This Sabres have a minor league system that in the past helped build the core of today’s team featuring the likes of Derek Roy, Jason Pominville and Paul Gaustad. By becoming the sole-sponsoring NHL franchise for the Portland Pirates, Buffalo now has complete control over their minor league affiliate's roster.
The Sabres have stocked the Pirates with solid veterans, a decent group of former Amerks and possibly the strongest group of NHL prospects that the organization has seen in recent years. The key figure in the molding of these prospects into NHL players will be Portland coach Kevin Dineen.
Dineen possesses a proven track record as an NHL player and as an AHL coach. He should provide the young Portland roster with similar strong guidance that Randy Cunneyworth provided in Rochester. In addition, the hiring of NHL veteran defenseman Eric Weinrich as Dineen's top assistant should help the development of Portland's fresh-faced defense corps.
A key addition on the blueline is University of Denver alum Chris Butler. Butler, the Sabres fourth-round pick in 2005, is an excellent all around defenseman who can quarterback the power play while shutting down the opponent's top forwards. Butler should anchor the Pirates defense, and like Weber last season, he may quickly push for an opportunity in Buffalo.
This Sabres have a minor league system that in the past helped build the core of today’s team featuring the likes of Derek Roy, Jason Pominville and Paul Gaustad. By becoming the sole-sponsoring NHL franchise for the Portland Pirates, Buffalo now has complete control over their minor league affiliate's roster.
The Sabres have stocked the Pirates with solid veterans, a decent group of former Amerks and possibly the strongest group of NHL prospects that the organization has seen in recent years. The key figure in the molding of these prospects into NHL players will be Portland coach Kevin Dineen.
Dineen possesses a proven track record as an NHL player and as an AHL coach. He should provide the young Portland roster with similar strong guidance that Randy Cunneyworth provided in Rochester. In addition, the hiring of NHL veteran defenseman Eric Weinrich as Dineen's top assistant should help the development of Portland's fresh-faced defense corps.
A key addition on the blueline is University of Denver alum Chris Butler. Butler, the Sabres fourth-round pick in 2005, is an excellent all around defenseman who can quarterback the power play while shutting down the opponent's top forwards. Butler should anchor the Pirates defense, and like Weber last season, he may quickly push for an opportunity in Buffalo.
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