McCarthy’s physicality
Defenseman Gavin McCarthy is no stranger to LECOM Harborcenter, but this was his first game on the rink since the 2020-21 season with the 16U Junior Sabres.
“Really cool to put the logo back on and represent the Buffalo Sabres out there,” he said. “It was something super special, for sure.”
The 21-year-old, a third-round pick in 2023, showed some great physicality Sunday. He delivered a huge open-ice hit in the defensive zone, broke up a James Hagens chance in the slot, won some wall battles and, in the third, ran over Bruins goalie Max Lundgren.
McCarthy will join the Amerks full time after a five-game pro debut this spring. The AHL is a much tougher, more physical environment than this weekend’s exhibitions, but the 6-foot-2, 194-pound blueliner looks to have the tools to hold up in Rochester.
“I thought Gav had a great summer, we saw it in practice,” Leone said. “I think he got quicker, I think he got stronger. Played really physical today. I thought he had a solid night.”