Seven players assigned to Sabres’ AHL affiliate

Buffalo Sabres' Matt Ellis (37). (Gerry Broome/AP)

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Forward Matt Ellis is among seven players the Buffalo Sabres have assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester.

Ellis has eight seasons of NHL experience, including the past six in Buffalo. He had four goals and two assists in 50 games with Buffalo last season, and also played 25 games in Rochester.

Ellis and defenceman Drew Bagnall, who was also demoted, must first clear waivers.

Also assigned to the minors were forwards Joel Armia, Buffalo’s 2011 first-round draft pick, and Tim Schaller, defenceman Nick Petrecki and goalies Nathan Lieuwen and Andrey Makarov.

The moves made Tuesday leave the Sabres with 31 players on their roster. Buffalo has two preseason games left before opening the season hosting Columbus on Oct. 9.

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