The paths they've taken to get to this point are quite different -- just look at where the three of them were a year ago. Falk had already played parts of six NHL seasons. Guhle was a second-round draft pick entering his first camp. Then there was Nelson, who wasn't thinking about NHL roster battles at all.
"It's a dream come true, that's for sure," Nelson said after the morning skate on Friday. "It's definitely something I never thought would happen, even a year ago. But, you know, it's been a dream. I'm just going to keep overcoming stuff and I've just got to keep working every day and do the best I can."
Nelson's path to the NHLwas nothing ordinary. He played three seasons in the North American Hockey League before earning a walk-on role at Minnesota State University. He struggled in his freshman year there, but by the end of his junior season he had become one of the most sought-after college free agents.. The Sabres signed him to a deal in March of last season, and he rewarded them with four assists in seven games.
So far in this camp, he's picked up exactly where he left off. Sabres coach Dan Bylsma has called Nelson's presence on the ice "commanding," and went so far as to say he could see him earning a top-six role to open the season. The team's current situation on defense - with Zach Bogosian and Dmitry Kulikov both rehabbing injuries and Rasmus Ristolainen negotiating a new deal - certainly can't hurt his odds.
Nelson's own approach has been simple. He knows firsthand that the opportunities in this game don't always come often.
"If you do [get one] you've got to take it and try to work with it and do the best you can," he said.
He's earned his share of the opportunities so far. The game on Friday will be his fourth straight and his fifth of the preseason. Another good performance against Ottawa, and he might just have another game to prepare for next Thursday against Montreal.
"It's definitely been a long road to get here," he said. "But I'm glad I'm here."
