The veteran forward is re-assigned by the Buffalo Sabres to Rochester.
By Erica Whyte
The Rochester Americans’ lineup just got one player deeper. After starting the season with the Buffalo Sabres, forward Seth Griffith was re-assigned to the Amerks from the Sabres on Monday, and he’s certainly no stranger to the American Hockey League. With 202 points in 203 career AHL games under his belt, and 76 at the NHL level, he is by far a welcome addition.
The 5-foot-9 Wallaceburg, Ontario, native was drafted in the fifth round by the Boston Bruins in 2011, and began his pro career with Providence in the AHL. Since then, the 24-year-old journeyman has been part of six others teams and three different organizations: Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies, Buffalo Sabres, and now the Amerks.
After a strong showing in Buffalo’s training camp this fall, the former AHL All-Star earned himself a roster spot. But after the goal-scorer began the season with just three points (2+1) in 18 games, the Sabres opted to move him to Rochester to rediscover his game.
Griffith said that he will be using his time here to further his development.
“Down here, I’m going to try to really focus on working on both ends of the ice, and be responsible in my own end, but make the plays that are in front of me,” he said after his first practice with the team on Wednesday.
Griffith’s arrival only provides a boost to an already well-balanced offense that ranks fourth in the AHL with 3.53 goals per game. The Amerks are also tied for second in North Division with 67 goals scored on the season, trailing only Laval.
His best season as a pro came during the 2015-16 campaign with the Bruins when he set career-highs in goals (24), assists (53) and points (77) and was named an AHL First Team All Star.
“He adds a lot of offense, and his creativity is unbelievable,” said Amerks head coach Chris Taylor of Griffith’s skill set. “We just want to get him into our dressing room, and used to our guys, and used to our systems here. And I think he’s going to be beneficial to a lot of players here, especially on our power play.”