Sabres prospect Johnson excited for opportunity with organization

Ryan Johnson took the ice at LECOM Harborcenter on Sunday afternoon for his third development camp and first since signing his entry-level contract with the Sabres on May 27.

Confident in his decision to sign with the organization, Johnson has felt a weight lifted off his shoulders and is looking forward to taking on more of a leadership role at this year's camp.

"It's really nice. Honestly, it's been a gift to be around this team and the other prospects," he said after the Sabres' first on-ice session. "… It's special being a part of the organization officially."

Following his senior season at the University of Minnesota, which ended with an overtime loss to Quinnipiac in the national championship game, the 21-year-old took time and feedback from others before moving forward with his entry-level deal.

Johnson wanted to be certain of his choice and feelings before making a commitment.

"I think the biggest thing, for me, was that it was a big life decision for me," he said. "Obviously, playing four years in college, I had options to do other things. At the end of the day, I had a lot of input and a lot of people voicing their opinion and suggesting things."

The left-shot defenseman took into account his experience with the Sabres' organization at his two prior development camps in 2019 and 2022, as well as the direction the team is heading in.

"I definitely noticed that upward progression. The culture is changing," Johnson said. "…Also really enjoy what's going on with this team and how the culture is built, and how it's going to change as well."

After signing his contract, Johnson had the opportunity to report to the Rochester Americans during their Calder Cup run. The Irvine, California native saw how close the group was and how loud and exciting the atmosphere at Blue Cross Arena could be.

Amerks coach Seth Appert said he has noticed a lightness to Johnson's attitude and game now that he doesn't need to worry about where he will be next season. Appert is excited to have him and watch the next stages in his development.

"Ryan, first of all, is just a really, really high-quality human being. Strong character," Appert said. "Comes from a great family, a hockey family. Now he has four years of college experience under his belt.

"…There was a reason he was picked in the first round. He has first round athleticism and explosiveness, and you don't find a lot of defensemen that can skate and defend the way that he can."

Here are more notes from day one of development camp.

Injury updates

During his media availability, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams shared an injury update ahead of the group's first on-ice session at camp.

Noah Ostlund, Topias Leinonen, Sean Keohane, William Von Barnekow and Riley Fiddler-Schultz will all be at camp this week but will not be participating in any on-ice activities.

Adams felt it was better for each of them to sit out rather than attempt to push through an injury, especially since he feels the on-ice portion is the least important part of the camp experience.

"It's really about making sure they understand, at the end of these few days, what this organization is all about and what the City of Buffalo is all about," Adams said.

A well-deserved rest

Adams also addressed the absence of many notable Sabres prospects, including Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen, who are enjoying rest and time back home after long seasons. Kulich and Rosen were part of Rochester's playoff run; Savoie joined them after finishing his own run to the WHL championship.

"In a perfect world, there would have been some of those guys here," Adams said. "But to me, they'd all been here before."

Draft picks on ice

Seven of Buffalo's eight 2023 draft picks skated Sunday, including first-round selection Zach Benson. Benson - along with fellow forwards Ethan Miedema, Anton Wahlberg, defensemen Gavin McCarthy, Norwin Panocha and Max Strbak, and goaltender Scott Ratzlaff - all took the ice for the first time as part of the Sabres' organization.

Guest coaches

Three guest coaches joined the Sabres at camp as part of the NHL Coaches' Association's initiative to increase diversity in the NHL.

Dartmouth assistant coach Troy Thibodeau, Colgate assistant coach Chelsea Walkland, and Long Island University assistant coach Shelly Picard will be working with the team for the remainder of the week.

"They've been a blast to hangout with the last couple days, talk hockey with, and they'll be a great addition to our staff this week," Appert said.

Amerks coaching update

After Rochester assistant coaches Michael Peca and Mike Weber left the Amerks to pursue assistant coaching opportunities in the NHL, the organization has focused on finding good fits for the group.

Appert expressed his excitement for them while also sharing what it means to be a coach for this organization.

"I love working for the Buffalo Sabres and I love coaching in Rochester," Appert said. "…My sole focus is on helping the Buffalo Sabres chase the Stanley Cup and helping us in Rochester develop prospects for the Buffalo Sabres, while also trying to win in Rochester."

The week ahead

The Sabres will have two more on-ice sessions at LECOM Harborcenter before their intra-squad 3-on-3 competition Thursday.

All on-ice sessions are free and open to the public. Admittance will be on a first-come, first served basis and is not guaranteed.

Here is the remaining schedule of on-ice sessions:

Monday, July 3: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, July 5: 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 6: 3v3 competition at 9:15 a.m.