'The issue isn’t about losing Pilut for nothing to the KHL. It’s the culmination of misses that led to a once-intriguing asset's falling by the wayside. And that’s simple organizational failure.' … [Read more...] about Losing Pilut for nothing shows Sabres’ poor asset management
Archives for June 2020
As Masterton nominee, Curtis Lazar wants to be part of Sabres' future
'"For myself, I want to be back more than anything," Lazar told told The News by phone Wednesday from his home in Kelowna, B.C. "After the season I had, I want to carry some of that momentum and really grow with this team. I love the foundation that [coach Ralph Krueger) has put into place. It makes me excited for the Sabres' future. I know people are frustrated with the lack … [Read more...] about As Masterton nominee, Curtis Lazar wants to be part of Sabres’ future
Why did Lawrence Pilut bolt from Sabres to Russian team?
'Then Pilut’s camp went silent for a couple of days, an ominous sign. When the agent was finally tracked down, he said Pilut had inked a contract in the KHL. The Sabres were stunned, according to the source.' … [Read more...] about Why did Lawrence Pilut bolt from Sabres to Russian team?
Buffalo Sabres nominate Salmon Arm’s Curtis Lazar for NHL trophy
'“I’ve done it at every level except the NHL. Again, with me, I’ve always established that defensive game, first to build that trust and get that ice time, and then build on the offense. It’s nice to put in there and be relied upon in all situations.”' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres nominate Salmon Arm’s Curtis Lazar for NHL trophy
Pegula focused on efficiency; staying on as Sabres President
'“But that’s what I’m trying to do now, trying to really remold and reshape the organization into what Terry and I envision,” she added, referring to her husband. “One thing I’ve been preaching is sustainability, about how to ensure that we are here in this Buffalo area for a long time.”' … [Read more...] about Pegula focused on efficiency; staying on as Sabres President
Dreger Cafe: Eichel on losing - 'It's been a tough five years'
'We’ve just got to win more hockey games is what it comes down to. As simple as that is, it’s – you know you’re not going to play well every night and you know you’re not going to be at your best. You watch throughout an NHL season the best teams find ways to win games when maybe they’re not at their best. You know, for us we play good hockey, we’ll play a good game, we’ll play … [Read more...] about Dreger Cafe: Eichel on losing – ‘It’s been a tough five years’
Sexton discusses organizational depth, 2020 draft class on Instigators
'"Sometimes, it's an injury. Sometimes, it's just great play that gives them an opportunity. But I really do believe if they stay healthy and have good summers that they are both going to be very difficult to reassign to Rochester at the end of training camp and the preseason."' … [Read more...] about Sexton discusses organizational depth, 2020 draft class on Instigators
How much will a long-term contract for Sam Reinhart cost the Sabres?
'Reinhart has credited his offseason training regimen with helping him miss only six games over the past five years, and he has appeared in every Sabres regular season game since 2016-17. Despite Reinhart's reliability and durability, he has yet to receive a long-term contract from the franchise that drafted him second overall in 2014.' … [Read more...] about How much will a long-term contract for Sam Reinhart cost the Sabres?
Curtis Lazar is Sabres' nominee for Masterton Trophy
'Lazar had five goals, five assists and 10 points in 38 games for the Sabres but his numbers were dwarfed by his multiple roles -- including serving as one of the team's most prominent penalty killers as well as the designated faceoff man to start overtime. In that slot, he won three draws that directly led to immediate possessions and game-winning goals. The organization raved … [Read more...] about Curtis Lazar is Sabres’ nominee for Masterton Trophy
Former Sabre Lawrence Pilut's two-year contract announced by Russian team
'A source told The Buffalo News last month that Pilut signed the contract and that the Sabres intended to retain his rights. However, it's unclear if Pilut would be able to return to Buffalo while under contract in the KHL. After all, the KHL does not typically have an NHL opt-out clause in its standard player contracts.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabre Lawrence Pilut’s two-year contract announced by Russian team
Lawrence Pilut officially leaves Sabres, contract with KHL team announced
'But the scoring prowess the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Pilut showcased in the AHL – 10 goals and 49 points in 67 games – did not translate to the NHL. The Swede compiled only one goal and six points in 46 contests with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Lawrence Pilut officially leaves Sabres, contract with KHL team announced
Pilut skips on Sabres by signing 2-year contract in Russia
'The Sabres can’t block the signing, because their season officially ended two weeks ago when the NHL approved going ahead with a 24-team expanded playoff format, which eliminated Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Pilut skips on Sabres by signing 2-year contract in Russia
Lazar named Sabres' nominee for Masterton Memorial Trophy
'In his final 32 games played this season, Lazar established himself as a very reliable depth player on the Buffalo roster, while also scoring four goals and registering five assists for nine points. He ended up becoming one of their more efficient faceoff guys, and found himself playing in other key roles like on the penalty kill.' … [Read more...] about Lazar named Sabres’ nominee for Masterton Memorial Trophy
Pilut signs two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL
'After a slow start in Rochester this season, Pilut ended up re-gaining his form and putting up six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 37 games. However, Pilut went pointless in 13 games in the NHL with the Sabres and ended up finding himself in-and-out of the lineup just before the shutdown of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.' … [Read more...] about Pilut signs two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL
Pilut agrees to two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in KHL
'Traktor manager Roman Belyaev said Pilut had opportunities to stay in the NHL but decided to head overseas for an increased role and more playing time.' … [Read more...] about Pilut agrees to two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in KHL