Enroth done with SSK, expects to be in Portland

News site Lanstidningen i Soldertalje is reporting that Jhonas Enroth will not be returning to SSK of the SEL, and instead is focusing on getting a deal done with the Sabres before the June 1st deadline. After that date, Buffalo will no longer own the rights to the Swedish netminder.

Enroth mentions the Portland Pirates by name as his expected 2008-09 club. He’s not against playing with the farm club “as long as the Sabres offer does not pay him poorly”. He isn’t ruling out a return to the SEL, but admits that he hasn’t spoken to his agent regarding that option.

For those who haven’t been following, Portland is the long rumored destination of Buffalo’s AHL partner next season. The Sabres have confirmed that they were ending the league’s longest running affiliation agreement with Rochester, but no official announcement has been made regarding Portland. The Pirates, who have been stocked with Anaheim Ducks prospects the past three seasons, are currently playing the AHL Eastern Conference Finals. Expect a Larry Quinn press conference shortly after the Pirates season concludes.