'"We'll certainly miss Ryan's productivity because he is a top-end player for us," Botterill said on a conference call Sunday night. "But that's why it was key to get NHL players back. ... We felt as a management group at the end of the season we had to change the dynamic. The bottom line was there's a lot of great people in that locker room but when you finish 31st, you have … [Read more...] about Sabres shake up their culture: O’Reilly off to St. Louis for two picks, three players
Archives for July 2, 2018
Five things to know about new Sabres center Patrik Berglund
'Berglund was fourth on the Blues in goals last season but 10th on the team in points due to another poor assist performance. He only had nine helpers in 2017-18, the second time in three seasons his assist total was in the single digits. His best year of the last three came in 2016-17, when he had 11 assists.' … [Read more...] about Five things to know about new Sabres center Patrik Berglund
Five things to know about new Sabres winger Vladimir Sobotka
'He agreed to a three-year extension valued at $10.5 million before last season and then played 81 games, by far the most he has played in any NHL season in his career. He had 11 goals, including a stretch of nearly two months between tallies, and 20 assists and was minus-6.' … [Read more...] about Five things to know about new Sabres winger Vladimir Sobotka
Five things to know about new Sabres winger Tage Thompson
'Thompson signed an entry-level deal with St. Louis last month after two seasons of college hockey at the University of Connecticut. The former first-round pick in 2016 spent a majority of the season with the Blues, totaling three goals and nine assists in 41 games. He also spent time in the American Hockey League, scoring eight goals and 10 assists in 30 games with the San … [Read more...] about Five things to know about new Sabres winger Tage Thompson
Social media reacts to Sabres' trade of Ryan O'Reilly to Blues
'Thanks Tim Murray....your legacy is near wiped out.' … [Read more...] about Social media reacts to Sabres’ trade of Ryan O’Reilly to Blues
As team stays mostly quiet on free agency day, Sabres plug hole in net
'Hutton is 32 and led NHL goalies who played at least 30 games in goals-against average (2.09) and save percentage (.931) while playing 40 games for St. Louis. He was also second in the NHL in 5-on-5 save percentage at .940.' … [Read more...] about As team stays mostly quiet on free agency day, Sabres plug hole in net
Sabres get strong deal on Carter Hutton contract, Wedgewood in goal for Amerks
'Buffalo has signed Hutton at a value price of $8.25 million — a cap hit of $2.75 million per season. Outgoing starter Robin Lehner made $4 million, and there were numerous reports Friday that Hutton's deal would be in the $3 million to $3.5 million range.' … [Read more...] about Sabres get strong deal on Carter Hutton contract, Wedgewood in goal for Amerks
Carter Hutton on Sabres deal: 'They knew I was their guy'
'"He's a heck of a player and the excitement in Buffalo is just huge," Hutton said. "I'm so excited to go to this market. The last few years, they've just been dying for a team to win some games here. I'm excited to come and be a part of that. I think this young kid is going to be a big difference maker, and it's going to be nice having him in front of me."' … [Read more...] about Carter Hutton on Sabres deal: ‘They knew I was their guy’
Five things to know about new Sabres goalie Carter Hutton
'No one who played 30 or more games had a better goals against average (2.09) and save percentage (.931) than Hutton last season. Arizona Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta was second in both categories, posting a 2.24 goals against average and .930 save percentage.' … [Read more...] about Five things to know about new Sabres goalie Carter Hutton
Sabres re-sign winger Scott Wilson to two-year deal
'The Sabres did not give Wilson a qualifying offer because they wanted to avoid arbitration with him and instead work out a multi-year deal. They were able to quickly get the job done less than two hours after the free-agent period opened.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign winger Scott Wilson to two-year deal
Sabres GM Jason Botterill: Ryan O’Reilly didn’t need change of scenery
'Any deal involving O’Reilly, 27, figured to be a blockbuster, and the Sabres received five assets in return: forwards Tage Thompson, Patrik Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka and a first-round pick in 2019 and a second-round selection in 2021.' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Jason Botterill: Ryan O’Reilly didn’t need change of scenery
Sabres present special opportunity to goalie Carter Hutton
'In his first five full NHL seasons, Hutton had always been labeled the No. 2 goalie. After averaging only 21 appearances over the previous three years, he played 32 games in 2017-18, stealing playing time from Jake Allen and finding a rhythm.' … [Read more...] about Sabres present special opportunity to goalie Carter Hutton
Sabres notes: Ryan O’Reilly’s price likely going up
'While the Sabres traded for Conor Sheary on Wednesday, they still look thin on the wing. Some speed and scoring to flank their centers would help.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Ryan O’Reilly’s price likely going up
Sabres need to do more after first day of free agency
'The Sabres can only improve from what they did last season in the standings. The process to improving continues throughout the summer, but after the first day, it’s fair to wonder what else is in store.' … [Read more...] about Sabres need to do more after first day of free agency
Monday's Saint Louis Coverage
Blues cap wild Sunday by trading for Ryan O'Reilly (Saint Louis Post Dispatch) Blues get O'Reilly to cap whirlwind day of moves (Saint Louis Post Dispatch) Gordo: Instead of pining for Tavares, Blues take solid steps (Saint Louis Post Dispatch) Blues acquire O'Reilly from Sabres (StLouisBlues.com) … [Read more...] about Monday’s Saint Louis Coverage