'Quinn played very well at the center on Friday so, in my mind, you begin training camp on Thursday with the kid at the center. It’s just the next step in the progression and if it keeps going well, you wind up putting him at the center when the Amerks start their season. There’s no harm in any of this and what if it works? What do the Sabres have to lose?' … [Read more...] about Hamilton: Sabres training camp starts Wednesday; which prospects are worth watching?
Archives for September 2021
Sabres season preview: Mittelstadt, young players must step up
'The Sabres are counting on young forwards Dylan Cozens, 20, Casey Mittelstadt, 22, and Tage Thompson, 23, and defensemen Rasmus Dahlin, 21, and Henri Jokiharju, 22, to take the next step in their development, especially if 24-year-old captain Jack Eichel is either traded or not ready to start the season because of a herniated disk in his neck.' … [Read more...] about Sabres season preview: Mittelstadt, young players must step up
Sabres Camp Preview: Examining the competition in net
'Anderson and Dell will compete for playing time with 22-year-old Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who returns for his third pro season in North America after playing four games with the Sabres in 2020-21. Dustin Tokarski also returns after appearing in 13 games with Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Camp Preview: Examining the competition in net
Sabres observations: Brett Murray emerging as an effective power forward
'With fans and media gawking at Peterka’s elite skating stride and Quinn’s switch to center, it was Murray who was the standout of the Buffalo Sabres’ two Prospects Challenge games. He scored a goal in both exhibitions, capped by his power-play redirect in the first period of a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres observations: Brett Murray emerging as an effective power forward
Mike Harrington: The pest-to-pro transition continues for Sabres prospect Matej Pekar
'The Sabres don't want Pekar to tone down his game. They need him to refine it, to become a mature pro. They need a lot more players who are tough to play against.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The pest-to-pro transition continues for Sabres prospect Matej Pekar
The Editorial Board: Vaccination requirements at football stadium, hockey arena serve the public
'Later in the fall, the same rules will apply at KeyBank Center, home of the Sabres and, as with Highmark Stadium, not just for hockey or football games. The rule applies to all events in those facilities. And, on Friday, Shea’s Performing Arts Center adopted a similar rule for all its theaters.' … [Read more...] about The Editorial Board: Vaccination requirements at football stadium, hockey arena serve the public
Sabres prospect Brett Murray develops into intriguing talent
'“I came in 6-5, lanky, not a whole lot muscle on me,” said Murray, who played his first two NHL games late last season. “But over the years, I think I’ve been able to improve every aspect of my game – speed, skill, hockey IQ. I think a lot of that just comes with experience and confidence.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Brett Murray develops into intriguing talent
Sunday's Boston Coverage
Bruins prospects open with win over Sabres hopefuls in Buffalo (Boston Globe) These Bruins Skaters Helped Beat Sabres In Prospects Challenge Opener (NESN) Froden Scores Two in Bruins Win Over Buffalo at Prospects Challenge (BostonBruins.com) Photo gallery (Buffalo News) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Boston Coverage
AP Source: Eichel to report for Sabres’ pre-camp physical
'Sabres captain Jack Eichel will travel to Buffalo for his pre-training camp physical this week amid questions of whether he’ll be cleared to play, and his future with the team in limbo, a person with direct knowledge of the player’s plans told The Associated Press on Saturday.' … [Read more...] about AP Source: Eichel to report for Sabres’ pre-camp physical
Sabres fade away in loss to Bruins at Prospects Challenge
'Despite a gritty effort, the Bruins ended up being more fresh and healthy than the Sabres, as they outlast Buffalo to earn a 5-2 win at Harborcenter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fade away in loss to Bruins at Prospects Challenge
Opinion: Luukkonen was one of many that played well in Sabres Prospects Challenge
'Luukkonen didn’t play on Saturday, but he didn’t have to. He gave general manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Don Granato an eyeful on Friday.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Luukkonen was one of many that played well in Sabres Prospects Challenge
Peterka impresses with 2 goals at Prospects Challenge
'"J-J is one of those rare guys that has the speed and the skill and explosiveness of elite, dynamic offensive players, but also has the lurking goal-scoring ability that more of the intelligent offensive players have," Appert said. "He's shown at the younger age groups to have that really good combination of speed mixed with the cerebral goal-scoring ability that all special … [Read more...] about Peterka impresses with 2 goals at Prospects Challenge
Sabres observations: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Brett Murray spark shutout of Devils
'All eyes were on the Sabres' net as Luukkonen, their top goaltending prospect, looked crisp in his first action since his 2021 season ended prematurely with a high ankle sprain May 1 in Boston.' … [Read more...] about Sabres observations: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Brett Murray spark shutout of Devils
How the Bills and Sabres vaccine mandate came to be and the question of fairness
'Under the new requirements, anyone planning to attend Buffalo Bills games at Highmark Stadium must have at least one vaccine dose to attend the team's next home game Sept. 26. For those entering KeyBank Center, the mandate will apply starting Sept. 25 for those going to the Eric Church concert.' … [Read more...] about How the Bills and Sabres vaccine mandate came to be and the question of fairness
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen developed ‘swagger’ on way up to Sabres
'“It’s just like something you feel during the games,” Luukkonen said of his swagger. “But I think it’s more you build up that confidence. And once you feel like you can play a certain level of game, you get that swagger and you feel like the game slows down in front of you.”' … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen developed ‘swagger’ on way up to Sabres