'Luukkonen’s agent, Markus Lehto, likely will use Thatcher Demko’s most recent contract with the Vancouver Canucks as a comparable. Demko signed a five-year, $25 million contract in March 2021. The Sabres may not want to give Luukkonen a longer-term deal though since they still have Devon Levi, who will be a restricted free agent next summer. To compromise, we’ll give Luukkonen … [Read more...] about Sabres GM for a Day: Patrick Kane headlines series of bold offseason moves
Archives for June 2024
Buffalo Sabres have plenty to ask fans in post-season survey
'The approximately 10-minute survey, with an option to stay on to provide even more information, is intended to provide the team with a better understanding of the fan experience at the downtown arena on many levels. It covers subjects such as concessions and retail offerings, the importance of theme nights, promotions and giveaways, energy in the building, the identity of the … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres have plenty to ask fans in post-season survey
NHL Draft: Rochester Amerks coach Michael Leone made impact on prospect Artyom Levshunov
'“He helped me a lot, actually, when I came (the) first time to America, yeah,” the prospect said Saturday following fitness testing in LECOM Harborcenter. “I mean, it was everything new to me. I came to a new country and I didn’t speak a lot of English, I didn’t speak very much. But still I think he helped me on the ice. He helped me outside the ice, and we’re still in … [Read more...] about NHL Draft: Rochester Amerks coach Michael Leone made impact on prospect Artyom Levshunov
Combine Notebook | Catton on his growth, Sabres connections, and more
'“You know, you look at their kind of track record with Benson and Savoie – similar to myself, I think, in lots of ways,” he said. “So, talking with them about that and just being here obviously, chatting about the facilities and the people I met with the Sabres and stuff. We had a really good chat.”' … [Read more...] about Combine Notebook | Catton on his growth, Sabres connections, and more
Inside the NHL: Once former drought masters, Panthers and Oilers now meet for Stanley Cup
'We all know the Sabres have the longest postseason drought in NHL history at 13 years and counting. But on the league’s all-time list, do you know which franchises are tied for No. 2? The Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. Seriously. If you want some small sliver of hope for the Sabres, here it is:' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Once former drought masters, Panthers and Oilers now meet for Stanley Cup
Looking back on the Sabres' 1998-99 season 25 years later
'We had started that years before – that mentality that we’re the Buffalo Sabres, we’re gonna have to outwork teams. We had a group of guys that had the ability to work very hard. And the systems that they put in place and taught us were very, very valuable for us. Everybody was accountable to those systems.' … [Read more...] about Looking back on the Sabres’ 1998-99 season 25 years later
Erik Brady: Top reasons for Sabres fans to root for Edmonton to win Stanley Cup
'Don’t be fooled by the Panthers’ statewide name. They play in Sunrise, but they are really a Miami/Fort Lauderdale team. And you know how Buffalo sports fans feel about Miami: We’ve been hating on the Dolphins since they famously beat the Bills 20 consecutive times in the 1970s.' … [Read more...] about Erik Brady: Top reasons for Sabres fans to root for Edmonton to win Stanley Cup
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Sabres hire Michael Leone as head coach of Rochester Americans (Buffalo News) Mike Leone becomes 34th coach in Amerks’ 68-year history: What to know (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Sabres hire Michael Leone as Rochester Amerks’ new coach (Olean Times Herald) Amerks hire Michael Leone as 34th head coach in franchise history (WGR-AM) Michael Leone to replace Seth Appert as … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
Henri Jokiharju's contract negotiation may set stage for Sabres' offseason
'The most glaring question of all is how Henri Jokiharju fits in the Sabres’ plans next season and beyond. He is a restricted free agent after he produced three goals with a career-high 20 points in 74 games. His 18:59 average time on ice per game was lower than each of the previous two seasons, but there were bouts with inconsistency as he gradually improved in the defensive … [Read more...] about Henri Jokiharju’s contract negotiation may set stage for Sabres’ offseason
New Sabres COO Pete Guelli says Terry Pegula's commitment to hockey 'pretty clear'
'“It’s obviously a different model than the NFL,” Guelli said. “(The Sabres) remind me of what I walked into when I went to the NBA. Having gone through that, I know you can mitigate the (financial) losses and move toward profitability, and it’s more than just the hockey team. The arena is an asset that has to be leveraged on as much of a year-round basis as possible. If you … [Read more...] about New Sabres COO Pete Guelli says Terry Pegula’s commitment to hockey ‘pretty clear’
With the NHL Combine in Buffalo this week, the Sabres should have focus on multiple things
'Buffalo has 26 players 25-years-old and younger and only three are 25. They have 21 players 23 years of age or younger. They have 16 players 22 and under, 13 that are 21 and under, eight that are 20 and under and three that are 19 and under. Adams can’t sign them all or play them all in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about With the NHL Combine in Buffalo this week, the Sabres should have focus on multiple things
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Report: Amerks close to hiring Mike Leone as new head coach (WROC-TV) Amerks well represented in Stanley Cup Final (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Stevens driven by people, not awards at this stage of the game (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage
Sabres' possibilities for 11th pick come into focus as Buffalo hosts scouting combine
'The Sabres could use the No. 11 pick as a trade chip to help their roster. There are several prospects to keep an eye on this week, though, as we wait to see how Adams will handle this pivotal offseason.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ possibilities for 11th pick come into focus as Buffalo hosts scouting combine
Savoie, Komarov wrap up 2023-24 seasons at CHL Memorial Cup
'Matt Savoie, one of the Sabres' first-round picks in the 2022 NHL Draft, got to the semifinal round of the tournament with the Moose Jaw Warriors, while 2022 fifth-round defenseman Vsevolod Komarov got there with the Drummondville Voltigeurs.' … [Read more...] about Savoie, Komarov wrap up 2023-24 seasons at CHL Memorial Cup