Philip Varone

Varone finished as Rochester’s scoring leader for the 2013-14 season with 61 points in 69 games, the second time he’s led the team in scoring over the past three seasons. A diminutive but high-energy forward, Varone also possesses underrated playmaking ability. His strong play last year led to a nine-game call up with the Sabres, where he notched two points. Varone will have a tough time cracking the Sabres roster to open the season, but with another strong showing it would be difficult for the Sabres to ignore him. He is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, which will serve as extra motivation to produce offensively.

Varone posted 35 points in 62 games with AHL Rochester last season, a 17-point drop from the previous season. He is entering the final season of his entry-level deal and needs a solid season in order to earn another contract. Despite several roster spots being up for grabs at training camp, it’s expected Varone will return to the AHL once again.

Varone had a successful professional debut last season, recording 52 points in 76 games with the Sabres' AHL affiliate in Rochester. The Sabres have had an influx of prospects down the middle, so Varone appears unlikely to see NHL time this season. Another strong AHL season could put him on the fantasy radar in the fall of 2013.