BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Last season was an eye opener for Alexander Nylander.
"It was really good for me, to get that NHL experience,” said Sabres top forward prospect, Alexander Nylander. “It got me pumped up for next year and it was good to see how the NHL is and be more ready next year."
The Sabres draft pick a year ago was in the mix to make the NHL as a rookie, but instead, he saw just four games in the blue and gold, spending the rest of the season with the Amerks. So this season, the six-foot, 180-pound winger is looking to bulk up those numbers in more ways than one.
"I thought I had good games up there and I know that I can play there,” said Nylander. “It's just up to me to get ready and get bigger and stronger for next season."
Nylander isn't the only one looking to add some size to their skills. Sabres top defensive prospect, Brenden Guhle has his sights on the big club too, but says hitting that mark starts in the weight room.
"My goal was definitely to put on some weight and I'm almost 200 pounds now so that's right where I wanted to be by training camp,” said Guhle. “That came a little quicker than I thought it would so if I can stay at this weight and just work on my skills, I'll come in ready and I'm excited for that."
Guhle played three games in Buffalo last season, but with the recent additions on the Sabres’ blueline under GM Jason Botterill, he knows he's going to have to work to stand out.
"It's not supposed to be easy,” Guhle said. “I'm not supposed to just come in and have a spot ready for me, I've got to earn it so I'll have to show them in training camp and the preseason that I'm ready to play and I'm sure if I'm ready they'll do what's best for me."