News:Drew Schiestel has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Sabres, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Over three seasons in the AHL, the former second-rounder (2007) has tallied 52 points in 156 games played.
News: The Sabres have loaned Drew Schiestel to the Texas Stars for the rest of the season, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: An AHL All-Star last season, he'd fallen to seventh on the depth chart with AHL Rochester and the Sabres want him to get time somewhere. The hopes are still there for the former second-rounder, but the 22-year-old has certainly taken a step back this season. Reports are the Sabres tried to deal him near the trade deadline to no avail.
News: Schiestel has been selected to represent the Portland Pirates in the AHL All-Star Game, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: The former second-rounder (2007) is playing very well for Buffalo's affiliate with 18 points and plus-10 rating. The Sabres have a crowded blue line right now, but they also have a few veterans with limited upside (like Craig Rivet), so Schiestel's time with the big club could be in the works as soon as next season.
News: The Sabres have signed their top two picks from the 2007 draft. Sabres general manager Darcy Regier says 20-year-old lefty defensemen T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel (SHIS'-tuhl) agreed to three-year, entry level contracts that will begin in the 2009-10 season. Brennan was the 31st overall selection. Schiestel was 59th.
Analysis: Brennan played three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the St. John's/Montreal franchise. He finished with 116 points in 192 games and was the defensive rookie of the year in 2006-07. Schiestel is coming off a career season in which he had 48 points in 63 games with the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs. In four seasons he had 111 points in 237 games. Both players obviously have potential but will have to prove themselves at the NHL level.
