Luke Adam Sticking With Buffalo Sabres Organization
Luke Adam has certainly not had an easy time in the Buffalo Sabres organization. At one point he was thought of a top prospect, he played on the top line with NHL veterans, but he has quickly become an afterthought in Buffalo with all their top prospects waiting in the wings. However, Luke Adam is sticking with the Buffalo Sabres for one more ride next season.
Adam and the Sabres agreed on a one-year, two-way deal that will keep nifty forward with the Sabres or more specifically the Rochester Americans next season. While Adam hasn’t been able to crack the Sabres roster and hold down a job with any consistency, he has been a key member for their AHL club the Amerks and led the team in scoring at various points last season.
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The Buffalo Sabres drafted Luke Adam in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL draft, yet he has played in just 87 games with the Sabres recording 26 goals.
He seemed to be the answer for a while in Buffalo before the wheels fell off of his bus. He centred the first line for Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek but something went wrong. Whether he was over his head or got ripped by former head coach Lindy Ruff, something went wrong and Adam has never been the same.
The Sabres saw glimpses of the old Luke Adam during last season and his strong season with the Amerks boded well for a call-up to the Sabres. The call-up finally came, but he recorded just 1 point in 12 games. He looked better, wasn’t always lost, but he couldn’t produce.
Where he has excelled is with the Amerks. Last seaon he led the team in socring and finished second in points recording 49 points in 59 games and playing a pivotal role for the squad down the stretch through injuries.
When his contract came up this past season many wondered if the Sabres would re-sign him, let him walk or attempt to trade him. The tricky thing is that no one knows where he fits in.
He’s not likely to ever be the first line centre he once was but can he be effective enough on the third line with his small stature? Is he a character guy you tag along for 15 goals and 25 points or is he a chip you use to make your team better?
He led the Amerks in scoring last season with 29 goals but hasn’t been able to crack the NHL full-time. He appears to be a player too good for the AHL but just not good enough for big time NHL minutes. However, the Buffalo Sabres are willing to give him another shot to prove his worth next season.
The odds are stacked against him to make it in Buffalo with all the talent they have coming up, but if he can really turn heads in training camp he could become a Sabres player next season and showcase to other teams heading back into free agency next season. Either way, Luke Adam is still in the Buffalo Sabres organization.