LEWISTON, N.Y. – The numbers scream it. After two dazzling seasons in Portland, goalie Jhonas Enroth has outgrown the AHL. The apprenticeship should end. The 22-year-old appears ready to graduate to the Buffalo Sabres.

In 106 minor-league games, the Sabres’ top netminding prospect is 54-41-7 with a 2.58 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. Last season, before an ankle injury cost him the final month, Enroth lowered his goals-against (2.75 to 2.37) and raised his save percentage (.914 to .919).

At the very least, Enroth will see occasional NHL action during the upcoming season, Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said last week. But the Sabres haven’t re-signed backup Patrick Lalime or inked another experienced veteran.

Right now, the No. 2 spot behind Ryan Miller belongs to Enroth.

“It’s a long two months until training camp, so it’s a little early for that now, I think,” Enroth said Monday following the first session of the Sabres’ annual summer development camp at Dwyer Arena.

Forty-two prospects have convened at Niagara University to learn the rigors of the NHL life and showcase their talents. Defense phenom Tyler Myers, the Calder Trophy winner, is participating. So is Brian Roloff, an undrafted forward from nearby West Seneca the Sabres invited.

In the short-term, no one could have more riding on the five days than Enroth. If the Swede impresses, then perhaps the Sabres feel comfortable handing him the backup job. If he falters, they could go shopping.

Enroth, the 46th overall pick in 2006, is aware he could be under the microscope this week.

“You always want to make a good impression on the staff and the coaches,” said Enroth, who acknowledged he’s paid some attention to the Sabres’ signings. “I’m taking it as a test.”

Of course, anointing Enroth the backup has its risks. Unless Miller gets hurt, it’s unlikely he’ll play more than 20 games. Rotting on the bench could hurt the youngster’s development. Enroth said he’s never played fewer than 29 contests in a season. He believes the sporadic action would be the toughest part of transitioning into the NHL.

“I’ve always been a starter when I’ve been playing, so it’s going to be new for me,” he said. “I think every goalie has to do those kind of things in his career, so I’m going to try to handle it.”

The Sabres have used veteran backups – most of them former starters – almost exclusively since the lockout. Lalime, Mikael Tellqvist, Jocelyn Thibault, Ty Conklin and Martin Biron have all played behind Miller. Mika Noronen, who backed up Biron, is the last true prospect to serve as the No. 2.

“The question for us is whether we’re going to put (Enroth) in that backup role or we’re going to find someone else in that backup role and then maybe use, in this case, Jhonas Enroth, for some games over the course of next season,” Regier said last week.

Even if Enroth secures an NHL job, Regier has said the Sabres will sign a veteran to serve as extra insurance in Portland.