The Buffalo Sabres announced that they have signed forward Dawson DiPietro to a one-year entry-level deal. The deal will commence at the start of the 2020-21 season. The Sabres announced the news Monday afternoon.
We have agreed to terms with forward Dawson DiPietro on a one-year, entry-level contract.
Details: https://t.co/a8A1UbQDvs pic.twitter.com/yY4L8TiS4f
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 23, 2020
Buffalo Sabres Ink Dawson DiPietro
Before the NCAA season was postponed, DiPietro had scored 12 goals and added 17 assists for 29 points in 35 games played. Over the course of his four-year collegiate career with Western Michigan University, DiPietro finished with 88 points in 105 career games played.
DiPietro brings a ton of skill to the Sabres organization. DiPietro has great hands in tight and can finish from pretty much anywhere on the ice. Pair that with his superb skating and the Sabres are licking their chops right now.
Although small in nature, standing at 5’11”, DiPietro is not afraid to go to the rough areas of the rink. When called upon, DiPietro uses his physicality to gain position in front of the net and in the corners when retrieving the puck.
One thing that DiPietro could work on is his release. If DiPietro can work on getting more power in his shot, he has the chance to make a smooth transition from the college level to the pros.
What This Means for the Future
LWOH’s Ben Kerr looked at DiPietro in his Top NCAA free agents series. He said, “One of the older players on this list, DiPietro is already 24. DiPietro is an excellent skater. He has excellent speed and gets there in just a few strides with his very strong acceleration. He has the hands to make plays with the puck while moving at this top speed. DiPietro could work on improving his shot and release though. If it was just a bit quicker, he could go far in the pro game.”
Before the postponement of the NHL season, the Sabres were once again on the outside looking in. For the past two seasons, the Sabres have found themselves in the mix of the playoff race one week and out of the race the next. The Sabres need to find a level of consistency. They need to keep it there if they have any hopes of making the playoffs at all.
With DiPietro coming in, the Sabres hope he can develop into someone who can slide into their top six pretty soon. Ever since the Sabres drafted Jack Eichel back in 2015, they have not found a concrete linemate for him to develop chemistry with. Come next season, everyone in the Sabres organization is hoping that someone can step up and help Eichel out. Whether or not that is DiPietro, only time will tell.
Main Photo
