The Portland Pirates are preparing to open training camp this week, the last team in the American Hockey League to do so, and there is still a number of questions that remain with the roster, or lack thereof.

The Pirates will have some talented players this season with the likes of rookies Luke Adam and Corey Tropp, but on paper, the Pirates roster as constructed still has a numerous number of holes, making one question if they can even compete for a playoff spot.

Only in goal is the team solidified with Jhonas Enroth labeled as the number one goaltender with Buffalo native David Leggio serving as backup.

But, that’s why they play the games, right?

Still it doesn’t answer the questions heading into the start of training camp as the Pirates could be left looking to replace four of their top five forwards from last season.

Mark Mancari, Nathan Gerbe and Tyler Ennis are all fighting for roster spots with the Sabres and the potential is two of the three could find themselves sticking in Buffalo.

Kyle Wanvig signed with Augsburger of the German Elite League, along with Philip Gogulla, whose failed attempt in North America sent him back to his former team in Cologne.

On Monday, Sabres GM Darcy Regier attempted to answer some of those questions, going as far as saying that Buffalo still isn’t done signing players for the Pirates.

“We’re still looking at more players for Portland,” he said. “I’d be more top down than bottom up. Maybe look to; I wouldn’t say the waiver wire, because you’re not going to get those players down anyway.”

“We’ll look around and see whatever can help them in the best way possible.”

One player that might provide some scoring is NHL veteran Mark Parrish, who the Sabres brought in on a tryout. He’s yet to take part in a preseason game for Buffalo due to injury, but Regier is still interest what Parrish can bring to the organization.

“He’s a quality guy,” said Regier. “He’s proven that he can score both in the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League. He’s a good character person.”

Brain Roloff and Maxime Legault are also on tryouts with the Sabres right now and could find themselves with Portland once training camp opens.

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Regier addressed a story yesterday regarding Zack Kassian’s agent, Paul Krepelka, indicating that the Sabres have restarted contract talks.

“It’s not correct,” he said. “We’ve have talked about entering into talks. The conversation I’ve had is we talked about resuming negotiations, but we haven’t yet.”

Contract negotiations were put on hold last May when Kassian was charged with assault for allegedly punching a man in a Windsor, Ont bar.

Krepelka has said Kassian has learned a lot since the incident took place and the Sabres have taken notice of the progress made by 19-year old since training camp has opened.

“He’s been a big difference, both on and off the ice,” Regier said. “I think it’s not unlike other young players. It’s a maturation process. It’s your ability to stay focused. It’s your ability to keep your feet on the ground, know even more than an even-keel attitude, and really just to do the work.”

“You can’t get caught up in other things. You just have to stay focused on your job and your task at hand, and that’s really it.”