Chad Ruhwedel was one of five players assigned to AHL Rochester on Monday to finish the season.

Ruhwedel was one of five players assigned to AHL Rochester on Monday to finish the season.

Analysis:

The steady, two-way defenseman played just four games with the Sabres this season, but looked quite comfortable and finished with an assist and a plus-3 rating. Ruhwedel returns to a depleted Rochester squad that has no hope of making the playoffs, but there's still plenty to build on with 34 points in 69 games with the Amerks so far. Ruhwedel has emerged as a capable top-four defenseman in the AHL, and will make a run for a roster spot with the Sabres next year.