Hudson Fasching showed his potential a year ago with Sabres brass, earning a spot outright with the Sabres in the Fall of 2016.
But, gone are Tim Murray and Dan Byslma, and now the 21-year-old has to prove himself all over again to new GM Jason Botterill and head coach Phil Housley.
Last year, Fasching started the season in Buffalo and played six games before a nagging groin injury. He ultimately spent most of last year in the AHL before a late March call-up by the Sabres.
Heading into his second development and finally feeling "100-percent" Fasching is focused on grabbing hold of a potential winger spot with the Sabres again.
"I'm just trying to keep learning and obviously keep getting better and staying healthy is obviously going to be a big thing for me moving forward," Fasching told reporters after the first skating session. "Obviously being hurt was not fun. I don't want to do that again. Otherwise just have fun with it and keep moving forward."
Nick Baptiste, who is kind of the elder statesman of the group, is also battling for one of the few roster spots open with the Blue & Gold.
He scored 25 goals with the Amerks a year ago, was called up and saw action in 14 games with the Big Club.
Entering a contract year Baptiste knows what's at stake.
"We've talked about the opportunity here and who seizes it and who is willing to work to get those spots. I think, like I said, youth is going to be a big part of both teams and there is a lot of great players and I'm happy to be one of them. I'm just excited to put my best foot forward and like I said look to make the Buffalo Sabres."
Justin Bailey, who is a Buffalo native and drafted by the hometown club in the 2013 draft, also has a prime opportunity to lock down a starting position as well.
He skated in the second session at Development Camp on Saturday.
