Craig Rivet to be ready in time for Buffalo Sabres’ training camp
The Buffalo Sabres’ captain is ready to resume his role at the front of the ship, and steer his team to victory in the upcoming 2010-11 National Hockey League season.
Craig Rivet had surgery to repair his shoulder in the off-season, and should be ready in time for the start of the Sabres’ training camp. Rivet’s recovery has come ahead of schedule, as he was originally slated to miss six months of action with the injury.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said that Rivet’s early recovery will allow him to be ready for the start of the 2010-11 NHL season in mid-October. Despite the injury, Rivet continued to play last season, and had been wearing a brace.
The 6ft 2in native of North Bay, Ontario scored one goal and 14 assists in 78 games last season, and was a minus-6. He added a single tally in six playoff games before the Sabres were eliminated in the first round.
Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1992 NHL Entry Draft (third round, 68th overall), the 36-year old defenceman played for the Habs until the 2006-07 season, where he was dealt to the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline. The following season, Rivet put up a 35-point (5 goals, 35 assists) campaign with the Sharks, his highest career totals to date.
In 2005-06, Rivet scored 34 points, which featured a career-best seven goals. In 886 NHL games, the 15-year NHL veteran has scored 48 goals and 185 assists for 233 points. He also has 23 points (4G, 19A) in 69 career playoff games.
Rivet was traded from San Jose to Buffalo in 2008. Known for his excellent leadership skills, Lindy Ruff made him the team’s permanent captain shortly after his arrival. Ruff had been rotating the captaincy among the players on a monthly basis prior to the acquisition of Rivet.
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