Archives for November 1, 2014

'“I can’t keep him here and say, ‘Hey, hey, look what we did here. Our first-round pick played 82 games in his first year eligible.’ That’s craziness to me. It’s about doing what’s right for him and what’s right for the organization.”' … [Read more...] about Reinhart sent down for seasoning in juniors

'“I’ve made a career out of being ready when given the opportunity,” Strachan said. “It’s obviously difficult. We’re competitive people. You wouldn’t be at this level if you weren’t. You want to play every night, but I’m also comfortable in that role. I know I can do it. I’ve been there before.”' … [Read more...] about Strachan finally receives his chance to play

'The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Reinhart just isn’t strong enough to play in the NHL yet. “It’s not hockey sense, it’s not skill,” Murray said. “It’s none of that. For me, it’s strength.” … [Read more...] about Sabres confident top prospect Sam Reinhart will keep developing in junior

'Since Zadorov doesn’t have a release from his Russian team, the Sabres lose control of him for the rest of the season if they send him back to the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.' … [Read more...] about GM Tim Murray undecided on Nikita Zadorov’s future

Sabres-Penguins Preview (AP) Buffalo Sabres (2-8-1) at Pittsburgh Penguins (6-2-1) (The Sports Network) High-scoring Penguins host struggling Sabres (NHL.com) Penguins Report: Game Day vs. Buffalo (PittsburghPenguins.com) Digital Preview vs. Buffalo Sabres 11/1/14 (PittsburghPenguins.com) Fan Guide: Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres 11/1/14 (PittsburghPenguins.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Pittsburgh Coverage

'Even though the optics suggest the Sabres are tanking in order to be in position to pick McDavid first overall next summer, the atmosphere around the team is toxic right now. Reinhart certainly doesn't need to be around that, especially since the Sabres are not going to win anything this year -- except for, perhaps, the McDavid sweepstakes.' … [Read more...] about Sabres did the right thing with Sam Reinhart

'NHL rules stipulate that a drafted rookie can play in up to nine games on a trial basis. Once Reinhart played his 10th, he would've been committed to the NHL for the full season and started the clock on his rookie contract.' … [Read more...] about Sabres assign No. 2 pick Reinhart to junior team

'"It's pretty weird to think about," McDavid said. "Whenever the Sabres lose, my Twitter just kind of blows up. I really can't explain it. It's pretty cool."' … [Read more...] about McDavid creating a hockey buzz in Buffalo

'Buffalo's decision to send Reinhart back to Kootenay of the Western Hockey League was not unexpected, as the 18-year-old had averaged just 10:21 of ice time while managing only one assist over his trial period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres send Reinhart back to junior

'The Sabres could play Reinhart, the second pick of the 2014 draft, in nine games before deciding on whether to keep him beyond his 10th game and start the clock on his three-year, entry-level contract, or return him to junior hockey. He played his ninth game Thursday night against the Boston Bruins.' … [Read more...] about Sabres F Reinhart returns to juniors

'The 18 year old was overwhelmed at times and was at a physical disadvantage. Once Ted Nolan reduced his ice time, you could see he relaxed a little and improved some.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres send Reinhart back to junior

'It seemed like it was a pretty obvious decision. One of the most obvious things in watching Reinhart play was how overmatched he was physically. Murray said, “He’s not going to learn a whole lot there on the ice, I told him I know he can go back there and be a 120 point guy in a full season playing three quarters speed, but that’s not what we want him to go back there and … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Murray knew Reinhart had to be sent down

'Buffalo’s first selection (second overall) in the 2014 Entry Draft, Reinhart had one assist in nine games played for the Sabres this season. Reinhart recorded his first career NHL point on October 25 in San Jose when he assisted on Nicolas Deslauriers’ game-winning goal.' … [Read more...] about Reinhart returned to junior

'“[He’s] not strong or heavy enough yet. Just by getting stronger, he’s going to get quicker and faster but strength was an issue for me,” Murray said. “Watching him play, watching how important he was here, the minutes he got here, the situations he played in here told me it was time to get back.”' … [Read more...] about Murray: Assigning Reinhart to junior ‘the right thing’ for his development

'Defenseman Tyson Strachan, who played in his second game of the season Thursday night, looks like he’ll be staying in the lineup for the foreseeable future. He skated with Mike Weber while Andrej Meszaros – a healthy scratch against the Bruins on Thursday – worked alongside Nikita Zadorov.' … [Read more...] about Friday practice report