'The team did not extend qualifying offers to forward Dawson DiPietro and goaltender Stefanos Lekkas, making them eligible for unrestricted free agency.' … [Read more...] about Sabres qualify 5 restricted free agents
Archives for 2021
Defense is the NHL's position of emphasis and it impacted Sabres' trade returns
'The Flyers have been getting savaged in most quarters around the league for the Ristolainen deal because they gave up a first-round pick for a player with no history of winning. But Ristolainen has long been miscast in Buffalo as a player who could take up 25-28 minutes a night. Adjusted to a second pair player and cut to 20-22 minutes, most regular Sabre watchers think he has … [Read more...] about Defense is the NHL’s position of emphasis and it impacted Sabres’ trade returns
Swedish winger Isak Rosen leads Sabres' haul of forwards at NHL draft
'Rosen, an 18-year-old Swedish right winger, was selected by the Sabres in the first round with pick No. 14, which was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers for Rasmus Ristolainen. Unlike some of the draft’s top players, Rosen has not been given the opportunity to truly show he can produce when competing against men, but he has all the skills of a dynamic NHL forward.' … [Read more...] about Swedish winger Isak Rosen leads Sabres’ haul of forwards at NHL draft
Why did Sabres suddenly focus on Russians during NHL Draft?
'“We had a very strong comfort level with a lot of the Russian players on our list,” Forton said. “They’ve all played a great amount of hockey the last two seasons – regular season, playoffs. A lot of international competition over there.”' … [Read more...] about Why did Sabres suddenly focus on Russians during NHL Draft?
Linus Ullmark, Jake McCabe could leave Sabres in free agency
'They don’t have another netminder in the pipeline ready to assume the starting job.' … [Read more...] about Linus Ullmark, Jake McCabe could leave Sabres in free agency
Big week for potential Jack Eichel trade, free agency predictions
'They wouldn’t comment further about Eichel’s status. He’s skating, but it’s believed he will still need surgery — although the Sabres haven’t approved his preferred choice, a disc replacement.' … [Read more...] about Big week for potential Jack Eichel trade, free agency predictions
Power selected #1, Ristolainen and Reinhart trades headline busy draft for Buffalo Sabres
'The Buffalo Sabres had a busy weekend at the 2021 NHL Draft which included two first round picks, nine picks on day two, and two significant trades.' … [Read more...] about Power selected #1, Ristolainen and Reinhart trades headline busy draft for Buffalo Sabres
'We took huge steps' | 8 takeaways from the NHL Draft
'"We need to create a culture here and a foundation that is strong and that is almost one of those situations where they get up in the morning, they just can't wait to get to the rink," Adams said. "… It's so easy to say, but it's hard to do."' … [Read more...] about ‘We took huge steps’ | 8 takeaways from the NHL Draft
Sabres spent weekend looking to future while breaking up their current core
'Adams insisted he felt no "pressure point" to make moves on any player, although the contract status of Reinhart and Ristolainen made it more imperative to get the job done this weekend. And he didn't move Eichel to get another Top 10 pick in this draft like he clearly hoped.' … [Read more...] about Sabres spent weekend looking to future while breaking up their current core
From Russia with skill: Unusual draft year caused Sabres to plot different course
'In a surprising development, General Manager Kevyn Adams’ scouting staff chose four prospects from Russia after the organization drafted zero the previous four drafts.' … [Read more...] about From Russia with skill: Unusual draft year caused Sabres to plot different course
Sabres pushing to sign goalie Linus Ullmark; Jake McCabe expected to reach UFA
'McCabe is strong on the penalty kill and provides a physical presence on the blue line. A return to Buffalo could come with the responsibility of team captain, as Jack Eichel is expected to be traded this offseason and the club has few candidates experienced enough to hold the title.' … [Read more...] about Sabres pushing to sign goalie Linus Ullmark; Jake McCabe expected to reach UFA
Sabres select Russian winger Prokhor Poltapov with first pick of second round
'Listed at 6-foot, 176 pounds, Poltapov was ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the No. 18 European skater in this draft class. It's likely he used a strong performance at the IIHF World Championship in Texas to improve his draft stock in the eyes of Sabres scouts.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select Russian winger Prokhor Poltapov with first pick of second round
With second pick of Round 2, Sabres take Russian winger Aleksandr Kisakov
'With those two picks and the selection of Isak Rosen at No. 14 on Friday night, it's clear the Sabres are bent on increasing their organizational skill level at forward without concern about size.' … [Read more...] about With second pick of Round 2, Sabres take Russian winger Aleksandr Kisakov
Stiven Sardarian becomes latest Russian forward selected by Sabres in NHL draft
'Sardarian, 18, was teammates with Sabres second-round draft choice Prokhor Poltapov on Krasnaya Armiya Moskva of Russia's top junior league. Listed at 6-foot-1, 156 pounds, was ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the No. 73 European skater in this draft.' … [Read more...] about Stiven Sardarian becomes latest Russian forward selected by Sabres in NHL draft
Sabres make Saginaw winger Josh Bloom their second pick of Round 3
'The 6-foot-2, 188-pound Bloom did not play in the 2020-21 season because the Ontario Hockey League campaign was shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He had six goals and eight assists in 54 games in 2019-20.' … [Read more...] about Sabres make Saginaw winger Josh Bloom their second pick of Round 3