(Note: This article is part of a top-ten countdown of the Buffalo Sabres‘ top prospects. In order to be considered a prospect, the player has be eligible for the Calder Trophy this season, which means they cannot have played more than 25 games in the NHL in any season prior. This removes Corey Tropp, Luke Adam, Jhonas Enroth and Cody Hodgson from contention.)

Buffalo Sabres fans should be familiar with TJ Brennan, as he was the beneficiary of over half of the team’s defensive starters going down to injury at some point during the season.

It is also safe to say that Brennan did not disappoint in his stint with the big club.

Drafted in 2007 with the first pick of the second round, Brennan played two more seasons in the QMJHL before joining the Sabres organization in the AHL with Portland. Over that time Brennan has shown a proclivity to the offensive aspect of the game, recording 30 points in only 52 games in Rochester last season.  

While he only tallied one goal in his time with the Sabres, he showed an understanding of the defensive zone as well, garnering some trust from Lindy Ruff in the process. He is a great skater and that has helped him adjust to the speed of the NHL better than other prospects. 

He also has a rocket of a shot, which will make him a great option on the power play moving forward.

This season, the line in front of Brennan to get to the NHL has certainly shrunk. Both him and Brayden McNabb have moved to the top of the call-up list from Rochester this season.

If the Sabres were to catch the injury bug again, he could see significant playing time, especially with the departure of Marc-Andre Gragnani. 

Prediction: 45 NHL games, three goals, eight assists and 11 points. (35 AHL games with 25 points)

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