Ryan O'Reilly making All-Star impact during first year in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Overshadowed for the most part in Colorado, Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly is delivering on his intention to be a franchise-caliber player in his first season in Buffalo.

O'Reilly is credited for being a team leader both on and off the ice, with defenseman Zach Bogosian referring to him as ''a big driving force in the locker room.''

O'Reilly's earned respect for his work ethic by holding half-hour post-practice sessions with teammates. He's leading the team with 17 goals and 40 points.

And a week shy of his 25th birthday, O'Reilly is preparing to travel to Nashville to make his first NHL All-Star game appearance this weekend. This is the type of production and leadership the Sabres were counting on in June when acquiring O'Reilly in a multiplayer trade with Colorado.