Two years ago, Stevie Moses thought he had earned his ticket to the NHL. He was coming off a season in which he led the KHL with 36 goals, and had been rewarded with a one-way deal with the Nashville Predators.
Looking back, Moses admits the thought was naïve. He was unhappy after beginning the season in AHL Milwaukee, where he played only 16 games before returning to the KHL to play with SKA St. Petersburg.
Then, last June, he watched the Predators compete for the Stanley Cup.
"I was expecting to be in the NHL and was unhappy," Moses said. "Two, three years later half the guys who were playing in Milwaukee are playing in the Final. It was hard to watch, obviously, and definitely played a role in my decision to try and make a run."
After winning a championship with SKA St. Petersburg last season, Moses decided to give the NHL one more shot. He signed an AHL contract with the Amerks, in hopes of eventually impressing enough to earn a shot with the Sabres.
He's gotten a good opportunity out of the gate. Moses has been skating on a line with Benoit Pouliot and Sam Reinhart, which is where he'll play on Monday night.
"Stevie's a tremendous skater and he's got terrific speed and he fits well into our system," Housley said. "I've really liked his attitude the past three days. He's been playing with a chip on his shoulder, and he's got to continue to do that if he's going to get more ice time and more games."
Moses is known for his skating and shooting ability, and that's what he'll look to bring against the Hurricanes and going forward. His only expectations this time around are to give his best, and let the chips fall where they may.
"I want to give myself a real chance and see where it ends up," he said.