Former Bear Erik Burgdoerfer Gets First NHL Call-Up to Buffalo

On Monday morning, the Buffalo Sabres announced they had recalled former Hershey Bear Erik Burgdoerfer. Burgdoerfer played 132 games for the Bears over two seasons before signing his first NHL contract with Buffalo this off-season.

After playing five of seven preseason games for the Sabres, the 27-year-old defenseman was assigned to Rochester to start the season. Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma said he was “stunned Burgdoerfer played as long in the ECHL as he did,” according to Joe Yerdon. “Said he’s a good player people fell asleep on.”

This is Burgdoerfer’s first NHL recall and has a chance to make his NHL debut in Washington Monday night as the Sabres face off against the Capitals.