Mark Pysyk

Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today that defenseman Mark Pysyk has signed a three-year entry level contract. Pysyk (pronounced Pess-ick) was selected 23rd overall by Buffalo in the 2010 Entry Draft.

“Mark is a very intelligent hockey player who has played in all situations in junior,” said Regier. “He is a very strong skater with good puck moving abilities, and is developing into a very solid two-way defenseman.” 

Pysyk (6’2”, 182 lbs., 1/11/1992) rebounded from a foot injury in his draft year to post career highs in games played (63), points (40), assists (34) and plus/minus (+29) this season with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. The right-handed shooting Pysyk was named team captain last season, and led all Edmonton defensemen in scoring. Entering the 2010 Entry Draft, Pysyk was ranked seventh among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.  

The 19-year old native of Edmonton, Alberta, has 87 points (19+68) in 187 career games with the Oil Kings, and also attended the 2011 Selection Camp for Canada’s World Junior Team. Pysyk won gold with Canada’s Under-18 Team at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Tournament.