The Swedish defenseman is looking to make Buffalo’s roster his first year in North America.
By Ryan J. Harr
First time in Buffalo: Complete.
First time being interviewed in North America: Complete
First Buffalo Sabres Development Camp: Thriving
Lawrence Pilut, who signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Sabres in May, has been impressive two days into the four-day long camp in Downtown Buffalo at HarborCenter. While the 5-foot-11, 179-pound defenseman went undrafted, his skill set and maturity level far exceed anyone’s expectations despite being a young prospect.
“One of the first things about him that I noticed was his skill-set and how hard he works,” said Amerks head coach Chris Taylor, who along with assistants Gord Dineen and Toby Petersen, is spearheading this year’s camp. “He is very elite and makes some quick decisions once he gets the puck. He is one of the shorter defenseman here, but I think he is very mature and someone who can change a game with his shot.”
Last season, Pilut, 22, led all Swedish Hockey League defensemen with 38 points (8+30) in 52 games for HV71 and was named the 2017-18 SHL Defenseman of the Year. He also ranked fifth in the league in assists and 13th in points.
“My goal has always been to play in the National Hockey League,” said Pilut, who will begin his development in Rochester this coming season. “When I turned pro, I felt it was good to start in the Swedish Hockey League, but my dream has always been to play in the NHL. I had a good run in Sweden to begin my career, but now I felt I am ready to take the next step as I continue to chase my dream.”
As native of Tingsryd, Sweden, Pilut recorded 71 points (15+56) in 191 career SHL games, all for HV71. He also represented Sweden at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he scored two goals and added two assists in eight games.
During the 2016-17 season, while recording then career-highs in both assists (9) and points (12) in 48 regular-season outings, the 22-year-old blueliner also helped HV71 capture the SHL Championship.
“It was a good year for both myself and the team,” Pilut explained. “I was able to take some strides as a player and as a person. I had more responsibilities with the team and I think it helped then and will continue to help me as my game continues to evolve.”
Of the 42 players who are attending the Sabres Development Camp, 11 are from Sweden, including Buffalo’s first overall selection in the 2018 NHL Draft, Rasmus Dahlin. While it helps having fellow countrymen, the time difference, plus the ice size was something that they all needed to get adjusted to, which is why Pilut came to Buffalo a week early before the start of camp.
“It has been a good experience so far,” Pilut said. “Everything has gone much better than I originally thought it was going to be. Having the other players from Sweden has helped make the transition easier as we all talk, but all the other prospects have made it easy for myself, too.”
Pilut will look to continue to build off a strong start through the first two days as Day Three begins at 9:15 am Friday morning before the 2018 Sabres Development Camp closes with the highly-anticipated French Connection main event, an intra-squad 3-on-3 tournament, on Saturday, June 30 beginning at 10:45 am.