Archives for June 26, 2015

'“Jack does have the benefit of being more physically mature,” said Marr. “He’s competitive, he’s a force when he’s on the ice. He thrives on the pressure, he thrives on being the coach’s guy.”' … [Read more...] about Christmas Comes Early for Two Hockey-Mad Towns

'We all know Murray is burning up the phone lines looking for those players he thinks will help this rebuild. Royce said he likes his GM’s unpredictability, “Working with Tim in the past he makes the draft very exciting. Being on his staff, we’re not sure what he’s going to do, what he’s going to pull out of his pocket, is he going to make some magic happen and it makes for an … [Read more...] about Sabres put the last minute touches on their draft plan

'"I'm really looking forward to just winding down and just spending time with them because it means a lot that all my friends and family would come down here and support me," said Eichel, who has a group of about 30 surrounding him. "Obviously, it's a nice trip to Florida for them and they all jumped on the opportunity to do it, but it's really nice to have them all here … [Read more...] about All eyes are on Eichel

'"Working with Tim in the past, he makes the draft very exciting," said Royce, who previously worked with Murray in Ottawa. "Being on his staff, we're not sure what he's going to do, what he's going to pull out of his pocket, if he's going to make some magic happen. It makes for an exciting time."' … [Read more...] about Sabres scouting director ready to toe the line

'“I’m definitely not a fan of alligators, pythons, snakes, anything like that,” Eichel said. “We didn’t see too many alligators. I think we only saw two and I was in the middle of the boat, so I was all right.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s weakness is revealed – reptiles

'The Sabres have only 15 back-to-backs next year, a manageable number. And Saturday afternoons cut that down because Black noted you can't play on Friday night -- home or away -- if you're playing the next afternoon.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ schedule includes 10 home matinees

'“He just separated himself from the rest of the pack,” Masters said. “In my opinion, his ability, his work ethic and how he just continued to get better, while everyone else, while getting better, just didn’t get better at the accelerated pace he did.”' … [Read more...] about Dedication helped Jack Eichel become elite talent

'The Sabres face the Jets for the first time since the Tyler Myers-Evander Kane blockbuster deal Jan. 10 in Winnipeg. The Jets visit Buffalo on March 26.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 2015-16 schedule features early home games, new strategy

'Eichel attended Chelmsford High School his freshman year but did not play hockey for the Lions, he continued to play for the Boston Jr. Bruins and moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., prior to his sophomore year to compete with the USDP. Eichel completed accelerated high school from Ann Arbor's Pioneer High in three years.' … [Read more...] about Sabres think they know Jack — Do you?

'There are not many players who could excel in such situations. Eichel could be the exception.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel’s next step will be his hardest

'“I think I usually say the same thing: I try not to think about it. I spent the last few days and some time in Chicago with him, and to be honest, I don’t think we talked about hockey once. We didn’t really think about it. You don’t think about things like that when you’re hanging out with your friends, or even when you’re hanging out with the guy you’re compared to all the … [Read more...] about Rated second-best, Eichel doesn’t get the hype

'“Marner and (Noah) Hanifin were throwing the snake around them and I was sitting by myself about 15 yards away. … We didn’t see many alligators, maybe two, but I was in the middle of the boat, so I was OK.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel out of his comfort zone in Florida Everglades

'The top name in my mind is University of Minnesota defenseman Mike Reilly. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 draft by Columbus, but has refused to sign.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres can now talk to unrestricted free agents

'Eichel seems to have an intensity once the puck is dropped. He said he has that different personality on purpose, “When you get to the rink I think some guys are a little bit different that they are off the ice and I’m one of those guys. I think when I’m away from the rink, I’m pretty relaxed and when I get to the rink I think I’m pretty focused, definitely pretty determined … [Read more...] about Eichel is ready to finally be drafted

'The only two games the Bills play in primetime also have Sabres games scheduled for those nights.' … [Read more...] about Bills/Sabres schedules have conflicts, and some fun weekends