'The connection with Granato wasn’t the reason why Clifton was the Sabres’ preferred target in free agency. His self-described “two-way, abrasive” style on the ice complements the gifts that made Dahlin and Power the first overall pick in their respective drafts. At 28 years old, Clifton is someone who Granato and his staff believe can reach another level with more opportunity … [Read more...] about Why Connor Clifton emerged as Sabres’ choice after long pursuit for defenseman
Archives for July 3, 2023
Erik Johnson after leaving Avalanche for Buffalo: 'People know the Sabres are coming'
'“Whether it’s this year, next year – I don’t know how soon it’s going to be – I just feel it’s a team that’s going to contend for a long time. I think I can help that process, hopefully this year. You’ve just got to get into the playoffs. Anything can happen. ... It’s a contending team. Guys around the league know that, and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to sign here. I … [Read more...] about Erik Johnson after leaving Avalanche for Buffalo: ‘People know the Sabres are coming’
Mike Harrington: Opting for the Sabres is now an actual choice in free agency
'Now, you can take the draft with a grain of salt because 18-year-olds are generally “super stoked” to get taken by any NHL team. But those were the words used by first-round pick Zach Benson on Wednesday in Nashville about being picked by the Sabres and they were no exaggeration. Benson spent all year in Winnipeg playing with 2022 first-rounder Matt Savoie, and has been … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Opting for the Sabres is now an actual choice in free agency
In Connor Clifton, Sabres hope they’ve added missing piece on defense
'“I challenge him on a lot of things and ask questions and try to help my own mind understand what he sees,” Adams said Sunday prior to the start of development camp in LECOM Harborcenter. “It certainly didn’t take much. I’ve been watching Clifton for years and he’s a player I’ve always liked a lot.”' … [Read more...] about In Connor Clifton, Sabres hope they’ve added missing piece on defense
Veteran Erik Johnson believes Sabres will ‘contend for a long time’
'“All of them really said Buffalo’s a team on the rise,” said Johnson, who signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Sabres shortly after the market opened Saturday. “That’s not a secret anymore. People know that the Sabres are coming. Whether it’s this year, next year – I don’t know how soon it’s going to be – I just feel it’s a team that’s going to contend for a long … [Read more...] about Veteran Erik Johnson believes Sabres will ‘contend for a long time’
Johnson, Clifton had different reasons for signing with Sabres
'"That group, as a whole, reminded me a lot of the 'Avs' group," said Johnson on Sunday. "Dahlin seems super dynamic, and I think he’s one of the best in the league. With Power and Samuelsson, it’s a really great trio. So it just felt like a really good fit, and I think I can lend some experience and just help any way I can."' … [Read more...] about Johnson, Clifton had different reasons for signing with Sabres
Adams said things are so much easier when players they target want to come to Buffalo
'“What’s starting to happen here within our own locker-room is the players themselves talk about building something special and that gets around to other players in the league and now different agents call and talk about what they hear is going on here in Buffalo and to have Erik Johnson, a Stanley Cup champion with a great career and to have us at the top of his list is pretty … [Read more...] about Adams said things are so much easier when players they target want to come to Buffalo
4 check: Sabres free agent scores, development camp insights
'“The Donny connection was huge,” said Clifton, who had “a couple teams in the mix,” but made “a pretty easy decision” to sign with Buffalo. The 28-year-old defenseman joins a number of Sabres with prior experience playing under Granato with the U.S. National Development Team.' … [Read more...] about 4 check: Sabres free agent scores, development camp insights
Hamilton Take 2: Sabres start development camp and free agency
'It looks like the Sabres are through for the time being in free agency. I was very surprised that for the first time in my career, teams were able to sign some good free agents to reasonable term and reasonable dollars. That allowed Kevyn Adams to ink two defensemen, Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton to contracts that make sense and Buffalo didn’t have to give up any of their … [Read more...] about Hamilton Take 2: Sabres start development camp and free agency
Clifton, Johnson believe Sabres are ready to take next step
'"There's nothing like winning and winning the Cup was the best experience, the most fun I've ever had," Johnson said. "Once you get a taste of it, you want it again. Buffalo's a spot that is knocking on the door and we're going to be really close. It's a team that's on the rise for years to come."' … [Read more...] about Clifton, Johnson believe Sabres are ready to take next step
Sabres prospect Johnson excited for opportunity with organization
'"It's really nice. Honestly, it's been a gift to be around this team and the other prospects," he said after the Sabres' first on-ice session. "… It's special being a part of the organization officially."' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Johnson excited for opportunity with organization
Sabres 2023 Development Camp: Day One Notebook
'For many, Sunday’s hour-long practice session served as an unofficial introduction to the organization. The players were divided up into two groups and were put through a series of drills that emphasized skill development and further exposed them to NHL rules. Most importantly, though, it was an opportunity to acclimatize themselves with the Sabres specific style of play and … [Read more...] about Sabres 2023 Development Camp: Day One Notebook