Granato expects Caggiula to add speed, versatility at forward

Don Granato coached Drake Caggiula for 26 games at the end of the 2018-19 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The stint was enough for Caggiula to leave an impression.
The Sabres claimed Caggiula, 26, off waivers from the Arizona Coyotes on Friday, adding a player who Granato expects to be a versatile piece to the forward group.
"He's got a deep passion and love for the game," Granato said. "He plays hard, plays a quick game. He can play up and down the lineup, he can penalty kill, he can keep up speed-wise and push the pace with your top players. He just fits anywhere up and down the lineup.

"Teammates love him, I can tell you that. Coaches love him because he gives you everything he has. And his skill level is a very good skill level, quickness and speed are key attributes."

Sabres fans might recognize Caggiula from his stint as an invite to the team's development camp in 2014. He completed his NCAA career with the University of North Dakota, winning a national championship as a senior before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Edmonton Oilers.
Caggiula spent the first two and a half seasons of his career with Edmonton prior to being acquired by Chicago, where he tallied 12 points in 26 games with Granato as an assistant coach. He spent 2019-20 with Chicago before joining Arizona this season, where he has seven points in 27 contests.
Granato said he expects Caggiula to start off playing the wing, with Casey Mittelstadt and Sam Reinhart currently producing at center and Dylan Cozens slated to play the middle once he returns from injury.
"The nice thing with Drake … when I say he's a hockey player, he plays anywhere in any situation," Granato said. "He's ready to jump. He's competitively ready to go."
The Sabres host the Washington Capitals on Friday and then open a three-game road trip Sunday in Philadelphia. Granato said there is no set timetable on Caggiula's integration, though commercial travel would force the forward to quarantine prior to joining the team.
"If that's the case, it could be longer than shorter for him to be eligible to go through quarantine protocols," Granato said.