'“It’s exciting,” said Adams leading up to the start of the Sabres’ development camp. “As we went through (the offseason), we identified an upgrade to our defense core would be critical for us to take the next step.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign two defensemen, re-sign F Jost, lose Quinn to injury
Archives for July 2023
Ryan Johnson glad to get Sabres career going after four years of college hockey
'"It’s been a gift to be around this team and the other prospects, and it was cool going to Rochester for one week too (the final week of the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final). It’s special being a part of the organization officially."' … [Read more...] about Ryan Johnson glad to get Sabres career going after four years of college hockey
Introducing the Sabres way of hockey remains focal point at midway point of development camp
'This camp is supposed to bring out the best in every skater. But it’s not meant to be an “evaluation” in its entirety. More so, what this opportunity presents is a chance for the entire organization to get to know these guys on a personal level.' … [Read more...] about Introducing the Sabres way of hockey remains focal point at midway point of development camp
Zach Benson, Gavin McCarthy garner attention at Sabres development camp
'“For me personally, I want to get better every day,” Benson said Monday. “It depends on the drill. If it's a technique shooting drill, obviously you got to slow down a bit, but for two-on-two battles or one-on-ones, you're obviously going full out. You're trying to make yourself a better hockey player, but you also want to make your teammates better hockey players.”' … [Read more...] about Zach Benson, Gavin McCarthy garner attention at Sabres development camp
Off-ice relationships a priority for Sabres at development camp
'"We're not really making judgements in terms of their playing ability at this point," Sabres associate general manager Jason Karmanos said. "It's more of an introduction to the organization for most of them. Getting to know staff better, getting to know the city. Making them feel more comfortable when they come to training camp, that's the primary purpose."' … [Read more...] about Off-ice relationships a priority for Sabres at development camp
Why Connor Clifton emerged as Sabres' choice after long pursuit for defenseman
'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
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