'Because the lottery will be held prior to the qualifying round, the league will designate placeholders for the eight clubs that are resuming play. If any of the top three picks are won by one of those clubs that is resuming play, a "second phase" of the lottery will take place between the resuming teams at a later date.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ odds revealed for 2020 NHL Draft Lottery
Archives for May 2020
Buffalo’s all-time draft team: long live ‘The French Connection’
'A year after drafting Perreault, the Sabres selected Rick Martin at No. 5 overall and they joined Rene Robert to form ‘The French Connection’ line, which still reigns as the definitive scoring unit in team history. Robert couldn’t be included on the Sabres’ all-time all-drafted team – as he wasn’t drafted – so we’ve slotted Danny Gare as the first-line right winger. He played … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s all-time draft team: long live ‘The French Connection’
Strange But True: Weird tales from the Sabres' 50 seasons
'There's been weirdness aplenty at times over the course of this club's five decades. So, in honor of franchise icon Gilbert Perreault, we present our list of 11 Strange But Trues from Sabres history...'. … [Read more...] about Strange But True: Weird tales from the Sabres’ 50 seasons
NHL player reps approve 24-team playoff, leaving Sabres out
'If the league and PA move forward with this plan, the playoffs would shift to a conference format with the top 12 teams in each conference qualifying. The Sabres would be one of seven teams not participating and would be the first team shy of the cutoff in the East, nosed out of the final spot by Montreal on the basis of points percentage (.500 to .493). It would be their … [Read more...] about NHL player reps approve 24-team playoff, leaving Sabres out
Maiorana's Memories: For the first time in their history, the Sabres win a Game 7
'Hasek happened to cross paths with Kelley in the hallway outside the locker room, he yelled repeated obscenities, and then he grabbed Kelley by the shirt and got him into a headlock before Sabres winger Jason Dawe and others intervened.' … [Read more...] about Maiorana’s Memories: For the first time in their history, the Sabres win a Game 7
Former Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk passionate about helping veterans
'“Clint’s relationship to people in uniform, and especially the wounded, disabled veterans, makes him understand, and he’s been through that with his PTSD,” Ryan said. “And so you’re coming from speaking the same language. There’s an understanding and appreciation of what and where you have been, and that makes the conversation that much more enriching and fulfilling.”' … [Read more...] about Former Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk passionate about helping veterans
Prospect Rewind: Ruotsalainen had career year in Finland
'"I think he's versatile in the sense that he can play wing or center, which we like," Greeley said. "He's very good at faceoffs. I think he's capable of playing all types of special teams. He's not just a power-play guy or just a PK guy. To us, he's a guy who can play in multiple areas, multiple roles, and the versatility is a nice thing to have."' … [Read more...] about Prospect Rewind: Ruotsalainen had career year in Finland
NHL's return-to-play plan focused on 24-team playoff, which would leave Sabres out
'It's widely acknowledged that all games would be played with no fans in arenas and that teams would require a training camp of around three weeks to get ready. The games are likely to be played in "hub" cities, with multiple teams playing all their games in either two or four sites selected by the league.' … [Read more...] about NHL’s return-to-play plan focused on 24-team playoff, which would leave Sabres out
Sabres file suit on behalf of strength coach for immigration status
'The 34-page complaint says the agency acted made an "unlawful, arbitrary" decision to deny the team's petition for permanent residency on behalf of Gannon, who is from Great Britain and has worked for the team since 2015. The team based its petition by classifying Gannon "as an individual of extraordinary ability."' … [Read more...] about Sabres file suit on behalf of strength coach for immigration status
Sabres could be faced with decision on Casey Mittelstadt. What the numbers say
'At any rate, there is enough to be concerned about whether Mittelstadt will live up to his draft pedigree. This puts Buffalo in an interesting position this summer – one where they might have their last shot at dangling that draft pedigree for real value to upgrade elsewhere. The other option, of course, is to continue pressing his development through his second contract and … [Read more...] about Sabres could be faced with decision on Casey Mittelstadt. What the numbers say
Sabres sue US over denial of strength coach’s green card
'Gannon was hired by the Sabres in 2015 while the team was beefing up its player development staff. He previously spent 10 years as the lead strength and conditioning coach of a professional rugby club, the Leicester Tigers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sue US over denial of strength coach’s green card
Sabres sue on behalf of strength and conditioning coach
'The Sabres say the denial means that Gannon could have to leave the country and that if that happens, "it impairs their ability to conduct operations in the USA and it could subject them to serious financial harm. Gannon's leaving would also disrupt their ability to develop athletes."' … [Read more...] about Sabres sue on behalf of strength and conditioning coach
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks sign Victor Olofsson's brother to one-year AHL deal (Buffalo News) Amerks sign Jesper Olofsson, Victor’s brother, to one-year AHL contract (Olean Times Herald) Olofsson to the AHL club - hope for reunion: "Be a dream" (Varmland's People's Paper) Swedish free agent Jesper Olofsson signs one-year deal with the Amerks (WGR-AM) Rochester Americans sign Jesper Olofsson … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Sabres prospect Tage Thompson 'feeling good' while rehabbing from surgery
'Thompson said he now weighs 225 pounds, an increase of 20 pounds since the end of last season, and he expressed hope that he can put on more weight once he's able to resume upper-body workouts. He gained approximately 15 pounds last summer through a 3,000 to 5,000 calorie-a-day diet and strength training.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Tage Thompson ‘feeling good’ while rehabbing from surgery
Buffalo Sabres sue immigration officials over denial to grant green card for trainer
'"The Buffalo Sabres are sponsoring Dr. Gannon for permanent residency to utilize his services to ensure that their athletes operate at consistently high levels in order to compete against other world-class athletes," the lawsuit states.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres sue immigration officials over denial to grant green card for trainer