News:Luke Adam has been returned to AHL Rochester by the Sabres.
Analysis:Luke Adam, who has a goal in four games with the big club to date, returns to Rochester, where he has logged 32 points and 50 PIMs in 64 games.
News:Luke Adam will return to the lineup Thursday after being a healthy scratch Tuesday. He has one goal in three games played this season.
Analysis:Luke Adam will take the place of enforcer John Scott, whose role diminishes against a speedy Habs lineup.
News:Luke Adam, who had played the last three games due to Thomas Vanek's injury, was a healthy scratch for Tuesday's loss at Winnipeg when Vanek was able to return to the lineup.
Analysis:Luke Adam was only seeing between nine and 12 minutes of ice time even when he was in the lineup, and almost no power play time, so his best bet for a more extensive audition would seem to be if the Sabres fall completely out of the playoff chase.
News:Luke Adam was recalled from AHL Rochester on Monday.
Analysis: With Thomas Vanek (upper body) unlikely to play Tuesday, the Sabres went ahead and gave Luke Adam the call to help out in the short term.
News: The battle for the Sabres' last center positions will be between Luke Adam, Matt Ellis, Cody McCormick, and 18-year-old Mikhail Grigorenko, the Sabres' first-round draft pick many believe could be NHL-ready, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: That's assuming Tyler Ennis and Cody Hodgson are the team's top two centers and the Sabres don't make a major trade before training camp. But Luke Adam can also play wing, so that gives him a second shot at making the team. He put up 20 points in 52 games last season, but a closer look shows that was almost all due to a hot start, one that had him looking like a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. But he hit a major slump and didn't register a point for 20 straight games, and his disappointing play even carried over after being sent back to the AHL. He's only 22 and holds much promise, but also has something to prove this summer.
News:Luke Adam has just two goals in 15 games since being assigned to the Sabres' AHL affiliate in Rochester on Feb. 11.
Analysis:Luke Adam started the season in the NHL and was getting early Calder Trophy consideration after posting 11 points in his first 11 games. A massive slump earned him a ticket to Rochester, and he hasn't been able to regain his offensive touch against AHL competition. He remains one of Buffalo's top offensive prospects, but his value in keeper leagues has certainly taken a tumble.
News: Buffalo assigned Luke Adam to the AHL on Saturday, Buffalo News writer Mike Harrington reports.
Analysis:Luke Adam got into a slump recently for Buffalo, failing to post a point since Dec. 17. He'll beat up on the AHL for a bit and return to the NHL level eventually.
News: With Thomas Vanek returning to the lineup Friday night, Luke Adam will be a healthy scratch again for the Sabres, according to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
Analysis:Luke Adam, who has ten goals and ten assists this season, only has nine points (6 G, 3 A) since Nov. 2, and staggeringly has not popped up on the scoresheet since Dec. 17. It feels like Adam is more likely to see his next ice in the AHL and not with Buffalo, so long as the Sabre forwards stay healthy.
News: Coach Lindy Ruff scratched Luke Adam on Tuesday hours after saying Adam's journey to Ottawa for the All-Star festivities probably wasn't worth it for his forward. "Luke has had a tough run," Ruff told The Buffalo News. "Like any young player, he's going to have his ups and downs. He had a couple tough games on the road. I actually though that [Matt] Ellis and [Cody] McCormick had been playing better and the puck possession was good. It's not earth-shattering that a young player sits out a game. I think it's the trials and tribulations a lot of time, but he's got to stay around the puck more."
Analysis: Although Luke Adam isn't worth starting right now -- he's gone 17 games without a goal and has just one point in the last 22 outings -- the young forward will almost certainly find his way back into the lineup Wednesday against the Rangers after star winger Thomas Vanek suffered an injury against the Habs.
News:Luke Adam has no goals in his last 10 games and just one in his last 16, while also seeing a drop in ice time, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis:Luke Adam started out on fire while seeing top line time earlier in the season, and was a hot pickup after he had 11 points in the season's first 11 games. But his ice time is way down now and he hardly ever eclipses the 15-minute mark any more, plus his confidence seems to be waning. He's also seeing more time at wing and less at center where he appears more comfortable, while spending more time lately with the third and fourth lines than the top two. Like all talented young players, he'll have his ups and downs and is too good of a scorer not to bounce back, but in one-year leagues he may have reached the point of being drop-worthy.
News:Luke Adam scored twice in Saturday's win over the Capitals.
Analysis:Luke Adam continues to impress. He's now tied for second in rookie scoring (16 points) with Nashville's Craig Smith; both are behind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Like any rookie, he's going to be a bit streaky -- he has just three points in his last seven games. But he's a solid activation in deep formats. And a great keeper.
News:Luke Adam, who originally started on the second line for Buffalo on Wednesday night, found himself back on the top line not long into the game.
Analysis: A short scare that Luke Adam's production would go down since he was not paired with Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek any longer. Looks like he can still be counted on to continue his prolific production.
News:Luke Adam had a goal and an assist Wednesday night as Buffalo fell to Philadelphia, 3-2.
Analysis: He's currently a point-per-game player with four goals and seven assists in 11 games.
News:Luke Adam was bumped down to the second line to play left wing alongside Derek Roy and Drew Stafford in Monday's workout, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: The move is hardly a reflection on Luke Adam, who has been terrific out of the gate for Buffalo. The Sabres and coach Lindy Ruff are trying to get Villie Leino going, and it may end up costing Adam some playing time. Monitor the situation closely to see if the move is more than just a little practice tweak.
News:Luke Adam netted his third goal of the young season and logged an assist in Saturday night's 3-2 win over Pittsburgh.
Analysis: The Sabres' top line of Luke Adam, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville continues to produce through the first four games. If for some reason the rest of your league has not caught on yet, grab Adam if he's available.
News:Luke Adam scored twice in the Sabres' victory over the Kings on Saturday.
Analysis:Luke Adam totaled multiple points for the second consecutive game. He is off to a fast start this season with two goals, two assists, and a plus-3 rating in only two games.
News:Luke Adam had two assists in Friday's season-opening win over Anaheim. Adam centered Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville, as he had been doing through the end of the preseason.
Analysis: The line was dynamic against a tough Anaheim defense, and if Luke Adam hangs out with Vanek and Pominville all season he could post some giant numbers.
News:Luke Adam has been centering Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville in practice, and that was his role again on Tuesday for the Sabres, who played an exhibition game against a German club, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Coach Lindy Ruff certainly does not look as though he'll be burying Luke Adam on the third or fourth line to start the season. If the kid from St. John's, Newfoundland centers Vanek and Pominville, he's going to have a gigantic first full season in Buffalo.
News:Luke Adam traveled with the Sabres to Europe, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis:Luke Adam's stellar preseason earned him a spot on the team, but the forward lines will get congested when Derek Roy and Brad Boyes return. Adam will have to continue to prove himself to stay with the team long-term. "They say the easy part is getting here and the hard part is staying," Adam said. "I know I've got a lot of work to prove I can play in this lineup every night."
News:Luke Adam scored the game-winning goal and added an assist, both of which came on the power play, in Saturday's preseason win over Toronto.
Analysis: Last year's AHL rookie-of-the-year played with Thomas Vanek and had chance after chance on the night. He's got a bright fantasy future and should break camp with the team.
News: Adam was named rookie of the year by the AHL on Thursday, marking the third straight year that a Sabres player received the award, according to the official website of the AHL.
Analysis: Buffalo's second round pick in 2008, Adam has 28 goals and 32 assists in 54 games, posting a plus-22 for the Pirates as well. Nathane Gerbe won the award in 2009 and Tyler Ennis won it last year.
News: Adam was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team on Wednesday, The Winnipeg Free Press reports.
Analysis: Adam sputtered in the limited chance that he did get with the Sabres this season, but has been stellar in Portland, putting up 25 goals and 29 assists in just 49 games with the Pirates.
News: The Sabres have sent Adam to AHL Portland, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Mark Mancari and Mark Parrish were also returned to Portland, an indication that Mike Grier and Jochen Hecht could be ready for Thursday's' game against Boston.
News: The Sabres have called up Adam from Portland of the AHL, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: The youngster has had a few stints with the Sabres this season, and he'll probably see action in Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh with so many regular forwards hurting. Adam has a nice 21/21/42 line in 40 AHL games, but his responsibility for the Sabres for now will be small.
News: Adam played in the AHL All-Star Game Monday, going minus-2.
Analysis: He's had a good year for Portland of the AHL, collecting 26 points in 27 games. The NHL hasn't gone as well (four points in 18 games), but Adam is a promising young player nonetheless.
News: The Sabres sent Adam back to AHL Portland on Tuesday, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Adam has played 18 games in four stints with Buffalo, but with Patrick Kaleta back from a broken hand, Adam was no longer needed. "It's just not good for him to be here when we're healthy and only play eight to nine minutes," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He needs to go play, to go play 20 minutes a game."
News: Adam will be able to return to action Thursday after missing one game with the flu, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Adam is seeing a decent amount of ice time and power play time (2:34 per game over the last five), but he's still not scoring at a strong enough clip -- four points in 16 games this season -- to be a factor in most leagues. His career is just getting started, however.
News: Adam's stay on the top line was a shot one, as coach Lindy Ruff moved him back to center at Friday's practice, where he was pivoting Tyler Ennis and Cody McCormick, The Buffalo News reports. "Luke's going to stay at center," Ruff said. "I think he needs to concentrate on playing and growing at his position, which is center ice."
Analysis: While we like Adam as a long-term keeper, he'd really have to have top-line time with someone like Thomas Vanek for us to be more excited about his prospects for the current stretch. Still, keep an eye on his development with fellow promising youngster Ennis while this line works together.
News: Adam will skate on Buffalo's top line with Thomas Vanek and a returning Tim Connolly, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: While the youngster still has a ways to come, he's proved he can score at the junior and AHL levels, so perhaps he can ride some production with two talented linemates. Adam may still fall short of pickup material, but he should definitely be on most keeper radars.
News: Adam netted his second goal of the season in Tuesday night's win over the Oilers.
Analysis: Adam is not a fantasy factor, but, he will be around for the rest of the season, and if he does start to consistently get on the scoresheet, that could change.
News: With the season-ending injury to Derek Roy, Adam moves up from healthy scratch to the lineup, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Adam may play some center for now, at least until Tim Connolly returns from a broken nose. Adam only has two points in 10 games this season, but there's an opportunity for him to get a spot on a decent line if he shows any sign of scoring, as the Sabres will be look for some without their top point-getter in Roy.
News: Adam was assigned to the minors Tuesday, with his presumed landing spot being Portland, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Adam has gotten a decent amount of work in Buffalo so far, appearing in 10 games to this point. He's totaled two points and eight PIMs in that span while working with about 10 minutes of ice time per contest. He's showing a bit of promise in keeper scenarios for the time being.
News: Adam notched the first goal of his NHL career Tuesday in the loss to Boston.
Analysis: Adam waited eight games to open his professional scoring account after lighting it up in the AHL. If he sticks with Buffalo rather than being sent to Rochester, he could make some noise and be relevant in keeper leagues.
News: Adam will be on a newly assembled scoring line Friday when the Sabres take on the Blue Jackets, centering Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: He's struggling to score his first NHL goal, so we wouldn't be counting on him for too much yet. But the 20-year-old is a proven scorer in juniors and the AHL -- he has 11 goals in 17 games this year in Portland -- and is definitely worthy of a spot on keeper radars.
News: Adam was recalled from AHL Portland on Monday, the Sabres' official site reports.
Analysis: Adam is making his third recall of the season for the Sabres. He is tied for the team lead in points for AHL Portland and is also second in goals scored in the AHL.
News: The Sabres have sent Adam back to Portland of the AHL, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: This was the expected move with veteran Jason Pominville ready to return to action from a concussion. The 2008 second-rounder will be back again when injuries strike, where he'll still be looking for his first NHL point after seeing action in two games.
News: The Sabres have recalled Adam from Portland of the AHL, the team's Official Twitter Page reports.
Analysis: This may be a short stay for the promising youngster, as Jason Pominville is thought to be getting close to a return from a concussion, but is still unlikely to play Saturday in Dallas. Adam could see some time on the third or fourth line for this one, though he could also be a healthy scratch and brought up as insurance. That may depend on what the Sabres decide to do with a struggling Nathan Gerbe, who also suffered an injury in Friday's contest.
News: Adam was returned to Portland (AHL) on Wednesday, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Rob Niedermayer has rejoined the team after being away for the birth of his daughter, so Adam will return to the minors for regular ice time until injuries open up the need for his services in Buffalo again. The long-term future here is bright, it's just going to take some time for him to see significant minutes at the NHL level.
News: Adam made his NHL debut in Tuesday's loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: Adam played 13:29 in the contest and took a minor penalty for interference. He has quickly developed into one of Buffalo's top prospects, but it will still likely be a couple seasons before he's a legitimate fantasy option.
News: Adam has been recalled by the Sabres for Tuesday's game against the Flyers, the Sabres' official site reports.
Analysis: He's been producing at Portland (AHL) with 10 points (5 G, 5 A) through eight games there, so it will be interesting to see how the Sabres deploy him with the big club. For those in keeper leagues, there's plenty of long-term upside after Adam lit the lamp 49 times in 56 games with Cape Breton of the QMJHL last season.
News: Adam was named the AHL Player of the Week for his efforts in notching two assists and scoring twice in Portland's season-opening win over Manchester on Saturday, Sabres.com reports.
Analysis: The award is based on one game, since the season opened on the weekend, but it is an encouraging sign for Adam, who also had a very strong camp for the Sabres. Four points and a plus-2 in his professional debut is nothing to ignore.
News: Adam was one of seven players assigned to Portland on Saturday, according to the team's website.
Analysis: Adam had a nice preseason for the Sabres, but there is just no room for him as the roster is currently constituted. Adam played in three playoff games for the Pirates last season, and this will be his first taste of the regular season in the AHL. Nathan Gerbe and Tyler Ennis are proof that if Adam does well in Portland, he could see ice with the Sabres before this season is over.
News: The Sabres have signed 2008 second-round draft pick Luke Adam to a three-year contract and assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine.
Analysis: Adam has 90 points this season in 56 junior hockey games. He's probably at least a couple of years from making an NHL impact, so his value remains in just deeper Fantasy keeper leagues.
News: First-round pick Zack Kassian is one of six Buffalo Sabres prospects returned to their respective Canadian junior clubs. A gritty forward who was selected 13th overall in the NHL draft in June, Kassian was returned to Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League. The moves leave Buffalo with 50 players on its training camp roster and were made Thursday, before the Sabres hosted Washington to open their preseason schedule. Also returned to the juniors were forwards Luke Adam (Cape Breton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), Marcus Foligno (Sudbury, OHL), Jacob Lagace (Chicoutimi, QMJHL) and defensemen Nick Crawford (Saginaw, OHL) and Brayden McNabb (Kootenay, Western Hockey League.
Analysis: Kassian is the biggest name in the group, but Adam, Lagace and McNabb are also considered top 20 prospects in the Sabres' system. None of these guys are anything more than long-term Fantash keepers.
