The Buffalo Sabres called up a forward for the first time this season on Monday morning by calling on CJ Smith, the most consistent player on the Amerks roster this season.

CJ Smith is tied for the team lead in points at 29 (13G+16A) and of all the forwards on the roster has the most goals. The 13 goals includes three power play goals and two short handed goals. Five of his 16 assists are from the power play. CJ Smith is also tied for third in the American League with 108 shots on net.

Shoot first mentality is something that the organization has been stressing for two seasons now and CJ Smith has listened.

Phil Housley told the Buffalo media this morning that they’re just trying to give the Sabres offense a spark as they’ve been struggling with secondary scoring.

Earlier this month CJ Smith finished getting his degree at UMass Lowell and at the end of the month he earns his first call up to the NHL.

He did play two games with the Sabres at the end of the 2016/2017 season immediately after signing as a free agent.

The Amerks are now down to only one healthy player leading up to their game on Wednesday when they host Bridgeport. That extra player is Nathan Paetsch, someone that can play any position. Alex Nylander, Kevin Porter, Matt Tennyson, and Andrew Oglevie are all on the injured list.