'Leinonen has played only 52 games since the Sabres took him 41st overall in the draft because of various minor injuries. The team wanted him to get more experience in pro hockey this past season, but most of his 19 games played were in junior hockey. He didn’t play well, either. Leinonen had an .871 save percentage in four regular-season games with JYP’s Under-20 team. That … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect notes: Topias Leinonen wants to rebound from ‘really hard season’
Archives for July 2024
Sabres sorely need grit, leadership and versatility veteran Jason Zucker offers
'“If pucks end up in the corners, go get them back and let their skill take over,” Zucker said on a Zoom call Wednesday. “I’m not afraid to be at the net, stand at the net and kind of take a beating net-front throughout a game. I think I have a knack around the net, too, to get open and find soft spots.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres sorely need grit, leadership and versatility veteran Jason Zucker offers
Konsta Helenius displays what made him Sabres' 2024 first-round pick
'Helenius was far-and-away the best player in camp, including Thursday's 3-on-3 tournament, where he scored two goals and added a nifty shootout game-winner to lead Team Perreault to the championship.' … [Read more...] about Konsta Helenius displays what made him Sabres’ 2024 first-round pick
Buffalo Sabres first round pick Konsta Helenius makes strong first impression
'Helenius had the highlight of the day in the first game of the tournament, sealing the win with a pretty move in the shootout. Helenius helped his team (Team Perreault) win every game they played on Thursday and earn the French Connection Prospect Tournament Trophy.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres first round pick Konsta Helenius makes strong first impression
Sabres wrap up development camp with annual 3v3 tournament
'"It was a fun week," Sabres first-round draft pick Konsta Helenius said. "A lot of good players, so yeah, it was fun to be on the ice and see the players."' … [Read more...] about Sabres wrap up development camp with annual 3v3 tournament
Sabres development camp: Amerks coach Leone caps busy month
'"I'm excited to go home and just spend some time with my wife and our newborn, but it's been probably the best month I've had in my life," Leone said. "It's been unbelievable. I'm really fortunate to be in this organization and to be given this opportunity."' … [Read more...] about Sabres development camp: Amerks coach Leone caps busy month
Helenius impresses in Sabres’ annual 3v3 tournament
'“His poise with the puck, his deception, he’s got a low center of gravity, makes a lot of plays,” Leone said. “Had a really good day. It was good to be around him, had dinner with him last night with our group. So, really nice kid, really excited that he’s in our organization. But you could see the skill set. … I thought the days that I watched, he was really good.”' … [Read more...] about Helenius impresses in Sabres’ annual 3v3 tournament
Sabres' Dennis Gilbert wants to bring 'snarl' and 'anger' to hometown team
'“Definitely a defensive-first player,” said Gilbert. “I try to be extremely hard to play against. You can look at that in a multitude of ways. Obviously, I’ve been willing to fight in my career and that’s something that’s not going to change. But also, there’s a different – you can do things that are hard to play against that aren’t just fighting. It’s being super physical. … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Dennis Gilbert wants to bring ‘snarl’ and ‘anger’ to hometown team
Seasons with Flames changed Sabres newcomer Dennis Gilbert’s career
'“I took a lot of good steps, making sure that practice days were treated like game days and staying competitive and keep the juices flowing,” Gilbert said Wednesday in KeyBank Center. “Bringing that stuff every day is a big part of consistency. That’s what I thought I was able to kind of figure out in my fifth and sixth year pro.”' … [Read more...] about Seasons with Flames changed Sabres newcomer Dennis Gilbert’s career
Dennis Gilbert can't believe he's set to play for hometown team
'"It’s been something in the back of my mind. You always kind of hope for it at some point to happen, and I think at this point in my career, it’s a good time for it," said Gilbert on Wednesday when formally introduced to the media.' … [Read more...] about Dennis Gilbert can’t believe he’s set to play for hometown team
Sam Lafferty looks to be part of solution in Buffalo when it comes to playing hard
'"It was a number of factors, and the more we thought about Buffalo, the more we really liked it and loved the opportunity here," said Lafferty in his introductory Zoom call. "I’ve always been a big fan of this hockey club and the players they have, so it got me excited to get the opportunity to play with a lot of these guys. I could just tell in the conversations with Kevyn … [Read more...] about Sam Lafferty looks to be part of solution in Buffalo when it comes to playing hard
Jason Zucker can't wait to play for Lindy Ruff
'"For me it’s an opportunity to play with an extremely talented group," said Zucker on Wednesday during his introductory press conference. "Playing against Buffalo the last few years has not been a fun game to play with the amount of talent, the D-core, and I think it’s only getting better. So for me, I’m looking forward to bringing that veteran side of things. My style of play … [Read more...] about Jason Zucker can’t wait to play for Lindy Ruff
Opinion: 25 years later, my 'No Goal' story
'My job for the night was to get reaction from fans as they exited Marine Midland Arena. I figured it would be a very easy assignment. Boy, was I wrong!' … [Read more...] about Opinion: 25 years later, my ‘No Goal’ story
Dennis Gilbert signs with Buffalo Sabres; excited to play for his hometown team
'Playing in his hometown arena is one thing, but Gilbert says playing for the legendary Lindy Ruff is a bonus.' … [Read more...] about Dennis Gilbert signs with Buffalo Sabres; excited to play for his hometown team
Do New York State income taxes hinder the Sabres in signing players?
'It has become difficult to deny the impact of favorable tax situations around the league in recent years. Four of the past five Stanley Cup champions are based in places with no state income tax, and that benefit continues to draw free agents who know they will take home more money there than elsewhere around North America.' … [Read more...] about Do New York State income taxes hinder the Sabres in signing players?