'Reinhart has wrapped up a two-year, $7.3 million deal he signed during training camp in 2018 that carried a $3.65 million cap hit. It was reasonable to think the Sabres were looking at $6 million and up in an arbitration award. In the wake of the latest deals, you have to wonder now how close that figure might get to $7 million.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: As Sam Reinhart’s arbitration award climbs, how much is too much?
Archives for October 2020
Sabres’ signings show Ralph Krueger’s growing influence under Kevyn Adams
'Three of the five free agents the Sabres have signed this offseason – most notably, Taylor Hall, the 2017-18 Hart Trophy winner – have connections to Krueger.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ signings show Ralph Krueger’s growing influence under Kevyn Adams
Opinion: Why trading Ristolainen should still be a priority
'However, it may be time now to accept the cruel fate of this COVID-19 world and realize that what was once thought to be fair value for Ristolainen is now no longer available.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Why trading Ristolainen should still be a priority
Column: Sabres risk derailing huge Taylor Hall signing without an upgrade in goal
'Everyone is waiting for an upgrade but it sure seems like the Sabres may just put Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton in the crease again and hope for better results.' … [Read more...] about Column: Sabres risk derailing huge Taylor Hall signing without an upgrade in goal
Sabres’ Taylor Hall understands Jack Eichel’s frustrations
'“I’ve been in a similar situation,” Hall said on a Zoom call Monday, a day after signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sabres. “At one point in my career, I was a frustrated, young 22-year-old, 23-year-old. I know what that’s like, but I also know how quickly it can turn, and all of a sudden, you’re on a team that’s winning more games than it’s losing, you’re in a … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Taylor Hall understands Jack Eichel’s frustrations
Can the Sabres afford to sign Taylor Hall to a long-term contract?
'Hall’s salary would appear low for a 28-year-old left wing whose resume includes five NHL All-Star Game selections, six 20-goal seasons and a league MVP, but he acknowledged Monday that he had a subpar year in 2019-20. Rehabbing from a knee injury the previous summer, as well as a midseason trade to the defensive-minded Arizona Coyotes, contributed to his 16 goals and 36 … [Read more...] about Can the Sabres afford to sign Taylor Hall to a long-term contract?
Relationship with Krueger helped lure Hall to Buffalo
'“It’s been a long time since I had seen Ralph like that and we just talked and he told me about Buffalo,” Hall said on a Zoom call Monday. “I could just see it in his face that he really wanted me there. It’s a good feeling to be wanted like that, it really is.”' … [Read more...] about Relationship with Krueger helped lure Hall to Buffalo
Johan Larsson had little dialogue with Sabres before leaving for Coyotes
'Larsson, 28, just enjoyed arguably his best NHL season, becoming one of coach Ralph Krueger’s trusted forwards. The checking line the Swede pivoted between Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo quickly solidified itself as the Sabres’ steadiest combination. Krueger kept the trio intact nearly all season.' … [Read more...] about Johan Larsson had little dialogue with Sabres before leaving for Coyotes
Sabres' Hall 'was ready to jump at' opportunity to play alongside Eichel
'"Obviously he was a great player before this year, but I thought he took a step into the conversation as one of the top five centres in the game and a player that can really move the needle. He's the captain of the team, he's got a long career ahead of him. For me, getting a chance to play with him was something that I was ready to jump at," Hall said. "Last year, for me, I … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Hall ‘was ready to jump at’ opportunity to play alongside Eichel
Arbitration dates are set for three Sabres restricted free agents
'The Buffalo Sabres have three restricted free agents that are scheduled to meet with a league arbiter this fall, which includes forwards Sam Reinhart and Victor Olofsson, as well as goalie Linus Ullmark.' … [Read more...] about Arbitration dates are set for three Sabres restricted free agents
Hall to wear No. 4 with Sabres
'Hall wore 4 during his junior career with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League and kept the number through his first six NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. He switched to No. 9 after joining the New Jersey Devils, where 4 was retired for Hall-of-Fame defenseman Scott Stevens, then wore No. 91 during his stint with the Arizona Coyotes last season.' … [Read more...] about Hall to wear No. 4 with Sabres
Taylor Hall eager to join Sabres' 'elite players' in quest to snap playoff drought
'“I think when you break it down and you have an open mind about things and you’re able to maybe look past the smoke that has surrounded the Sabres the past couple years, I think you see a team that has elite players, ownership that’s really committed to building a winner – I’ve seen what they’ve done with the Bills – and a coach that I feel can get a lot out of his players,” … [Read more...] about Taylor Hall eager to join Sabres’ ‘elite players’ in quest to snap playoff drought
Column: Ralph Krueger's influence isn't limited to the Sabres' bench anymore
'That kind of stuff doesn't faze Krueger in the slightest. He thrives on the fans' passion, on the give and take with the local media, even in times when the questions are pointed. He'd rather be in the middle of the storm than be in a place where no one cares.' … [Read more...] about Column: Ralph Krueger’s influence isn’t limited to the Sabres’ bench anymore
Ralph Krueger has history of getting most out of Sabres’ Taylor Hall
'“It’s been a long time since I had seen Ralph like that and we just talked and he told me about Buffalo,” Hall said on a Zoom call Monday. “I could just see it in his face that he really wanted me there. It’s a good feeling to be wanted like that, it really is.”' … [Read more...] about Ralph Krueger has history of getting most out of Sabres’ Taylor Hall
Sabres’ Taylor Hall ‘very interested’ in making Buffalo long-term home
'“When I sat down with my agent and I talked to my dad and people close to me, it started making more and more sense,” an excited Hall said on a conference call Monday, a day after stunning the hockey world by signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Taylor Hall ‘very interested’ in making Buffalo long-term home