'The 27-year-old Scandella is the centerpiece of the deal for Buffalo. The left-handed shot had 11 goals and 23 points in 64 games in 2014-15. He has been up and down the past two seasons. Scandella had four goals and 13 points in 71 games last year.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Scandella, Pominville from Wild for Ennis, Foligno
Archives for July 1, 2017
Pominville eager to raise excitement level in Buffalo after trade to Sabres
'“I’m excited about this year, and I think we can make strides,” said Pominville, who spent his first 11 seasons in the organization. “Every team is competitive. Every team wants to be in the playoffs. It’s not easy to do. If you look at the squad and the team and the depth that is on paper, I think we can get in. That’s the goal.”' … [Read more...] about Pominville eager to raise excitement level in Buffalo after trade to Sabres
All signs point to new captain for Sabres, exit for Gionta
'The primary goal of the captain, who is an unrestricted free agent, is to re-sign with the Sabres. He’s been contacted by other teams during this week’s interview process, but he was waiting to see if a fit could be found with Buffalo. At the moment, it’s hard to find one.' … [Read more...] about All signs point to new captain for Sabres, exit for Gionta
Ennis, Foligno ready to get Wild after making memories with Sabres
'“I'm excited to get a fresh start,” Ennis said Friday after being traded to the Wild with Foligno in exchange for Jason Pominville and defenseman Marco Scandella. “Obviously, I just want to thank Buffalo for giving me a chance to play in the NHL. I've had so many good memories there, right from being drafted in 2008. I want to thank the Pegulas for what they've done for me and … [Read more...] about Ennis, Foligno ready to get Wild after making memories with Sabres
Sabres Notebook: Talking contracts with Eichel, Lehner; Taylor hired for Amerks
'"Obviously, it still continues to be a feeling-out process for myself and Robin trying to get to know each other, but we’ve had a good couple conversations, and Craig Oster and I have a very good relationship. We’ve worked on many a deal together, and I certainly have a firm belief that we’ll get something done here over the next month or so."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Talking contracts with Eichel, Lehner; Taylor hired for Amerks
Mike Harrington: Good vibes continue around Botterill after first big deal
'And Scandella was the big acquisition in Friday's blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Wild that also marked the return of former Buffalo captain Jason Pominville. Scandella is a 27-year-old with a $4 million cap hit poised to perhaps be Rasmus Ristolainen's sidekick on the top pair. He can help with the transition game, make the first pass out of the defensive zone, move the … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Good vibes continue around Botterill after first big deal
Mike Harrington's Hot Read: Botterill getting the job done rebuilding the defense
'Scandella could slide right to the top pair alongside Rasmus Ristolainen. He can take lots of pressure off others, notably Antipin's adjustment to the NHL or the overuse of Zach Bogosian. It also allows Botterill to start Brendan Guhle in the AHL without the pressure of pushing the 19-year-old immediately to the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington’s Hot Read: Botterill getting the job done rebuilding the defense
Buffalo says welcome (back) to Pominville
'It's an understatement to say that Buffalo Sabres fans were excited at the news that Jason Pominville is returning to the team. So much so that fans recreated a 2007 stunt, changing the "Welcome to Buffalo" sign on the Kensington Expressway to say "Welcome to Pominville."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo says welcome (back) to Pominville
Sabres turn to Hall of Famer Chris Taylor to end Amerks' prolonged funk
'Taylor helped Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to the AHL’s best record at 51-20-3-2, good for 107 points. The Baby Penguins made their 14th consecutive playoff appearance with Taylor running the defense, which allowed a league-low 170 goals over 76 games. Fifteen players earned NHL call-ups as Pittsburgh won its second consecutive Stanley Cup.' … [Read more...] about Sabres turn to Hall of Famer Chris Taylor to end Amerks’ prolonged funk
Sabres acquire Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville from Wild for Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno
'Pominville has two years and $10 million left on his contact and a $5.6 million cap hit.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville from Wild for Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno
Sabres add missing defense piece in Marco Scandella
'In the 6-foot-3, 207-pound Scandella, the Sabres possess a defenseman they believe has growth potential. Botterill wants the mobile Scandella, who will “start our transition game,” to assume a role in the top four, play against the opponent’s first or second line and kill penalties.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add missing defense piece in Marco Scandella
Jason Pominville thrilled to return to Sabres, Buffalo
'“I still think I can be a good player and help the team out, whether it’s in an offensive role or a checking role,” he said.' … [Read more...] about Jason Pominville thrilled to return to Sabres, Buffalo
Sabres grab former captain Pominville, Scandella from Wild
'Scandella was the second-longest tenured player for the Wild. The 26-year-old played the past seven seasons in Minnesota.' … [Read more...] about Sabres grab former captain Pominville, Scandella from Wild
Additions of Pominville, Scandella should boster Sabres' depth
'Scandella isn't a big point producer or minutes eater. He set career highs in points (23) and average time on ice (21:43) in 2014-15. Those numbers slot Scandella more as a second-pairing guy, but the Sabres could slide him with Rasmus Ristolainen to solidify their top unit. With him and the recently-acquired Nathan Beaulieu, the Sabres can string together a manageable … [Read more...] about Additions of Pominville, Scandella should boster Sabres’ depth
Saturday's Minnesota Coverage
Wild trades Jason Pominville and Marco Scandella to Buffalo (Minneapolis Star Tribune) Wild flip Marco Scandella and Jason Pominville to Sabres (Saint Paul Pioneer Press) Wild deal Pominville, Scandella to Buffalo for forwards Foligno and Ennis (KSTP-AM) Instant analysis: Success of Scandella deal depends on bounce-back from Ennis (KSTP-AM) Zulgad: Jason Pominville might be … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Minnesota Coverage