NHL update news

Inside the NHL : Kennedy geared up for next season
The boxes, crates and end tables are still stashed in his parents' home in South Buffalo, packed up and ready for relocation to Portland. Tim Kennedy gathered his belongings during training camp because he didn't know if he would stick with the Sabres and wanted to be prepared, just in case.
Kennedy left his possessions scattered while staying in a hotel to start the season. He rented a furnished apartment when the Sabres told him to find a place. He proved he belonged in the NHL during a solid rookie year. Now, while playing in the World Championships, he's ready for the next step in his career.
Kennedy, 24, is playing for the United States along with goalie David Leggio, the former St. Joe's and Clarkson University star from Williamsville. They have known each other through Buffalo hockey circles since they were teenagers and played on the same team once in the Empire State Games.
Team USA has had a miserable showing in Germany, losing the first two games in overtime before falling to Finland. The Yanks have to win three games in the relegation round to avoid demotion from international hockey's elite division.
It has been an interesting year for Kennedy, who opened the season trying to make a strong impression in Buffalo and ended up making a strong impression in Toronto. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thought enough of the rookie forward to select him for Team USA for the world tournament in Germany.
Kennedy played about 13 minutes a game while fighting through a sore shin, but he now has one skate in USA Hockey's door for the first time in his career. He never made it past the local select camps when he was a teenager, was overlooked for the World Junior Championships and was a surprise choice to play in the world championships.
It says something when you consider who led the selection process and how many other players were available before the Americans settled on Kennedy. Burke is one of the best talent evaluators in the business. Tim Connolly, Drew Stafford, Paul Gaustad and Jason Pominville were among the Buffalo players overlooked. Pominville's mother is from Wisconsin so he played for Team USA last year.
Burke has an affinity for players who are long on effort and competitive bite, which is what Kennedy had over the others. Kennedy didn't record a point in the opening round but gained invaluable experience.
Kennedy will take a few weeks off to allow his body to heal from a long season before getting back to work. He had 10 goals and 26 points this season, and is capable of doubling his production. He started out strong, fought through a slump and became one of the Sabres' best forwards down the stretch and in the playoffs.
It's about time he unpacks.
"This is my first time playing overseas," he said. "It has helped me see how far the game has come over here but also what I need to work on. I'm pretty excited to get back and start training for next year."
More update news about NHL Kennedy .
sports.