Connor McDavid and Erie Otters To Play Game in Buffalo

The Buffalo Sabres are taking the first step in bringing projected 2015 first overall pick to Buffalo, by doing just that. The Sabres have partnered with the Erie Otters to have them play a game in Buffalo at the First Niagara Centre and barring any unforeseen circumstances, Connor McDavid will be skating on the First Niagara ice.

McDavid will be hitting the Buffalo ice a lot sooner than expected, although he won’t be wearing the blue and gold quite yet. Instead he will suit up for his OHL Erie Otters to play a regular season game against Niagara Ice Dogs on Wednesday October 22.

"““The Sabres organization has made a real commitment to develop and grow hockey at every level. This will be a great chance to give the OHL a bigger platform to showcase their exciting brand of hockey. We are looking forward to a great game between the Otters and IceDogs and expect a great crowd to be on hand here in Buffalo.”  ~ Ted Black"

No matter what way you slice the move, it’s a good one for the Buffalo Sabres. For at least one night, Connor McDavid will call Buffalo home and fans will get to see the talent of the 2015 projected first overall pick right at home. Who know’s if he’ll end up wearing blue or gold, but for at least one night, the fans will get to see him up close and personal and call him theirs.

This will also give Connor McDavid a slight peek at what playing in Buffalo might prevail. He’ll get to skate on the ice and play in front of the die-hard crowd the Sabres will assemble for the night. Having McDavid skating on the ice should help bring out a lot of fans, more than would be expected at most OHL games.

Lastly bringing in a team as successful as the Erie Otters have been since last season is a great move. Who wouldn’t want to catch one of the hottest OHL teams that happens to boast a player who may go first overall? It’s a win-win, PR move for the Buffalo Sabres.

So on October 22nd, Connor McDavid will skate in Buffalo and call it home for a game. Only time will tell if Buffalo becomes his full-time home.