Buffalo News

'There can be no longer be any sneering from fans (or media) at images of empty buildings in places like Florida, Carolina or Ottawa. It will be pretty easy for similarly ugly shots to come out of Buffalo. Longtime observers figure no more than 4,000 fans were in the house for any of the three preseason games, and the Oct. 6 game against Columbus had to be the smallest … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres’ box office might take the biggest hit from another non-playoff year

'"We feel they're great leaders, two of our veteran guys that have a passion and love for not only the Sabres but Buffalo," Granato said. "They have homes here, they enjoy their time here, they spend a lot of their offseason here. They do a great job in the locker room as well as on the ice, so we're excited to have those guys. I'm excited to have those guys in the locker room, … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Veterans Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons named alternate captains

'“I love potential,” beamed Granato, who was hired as full-time coach on June 29. “Potential is exciting for the player and, to me, it's extremely exciting as a coach, because you're trying to be as creative as the player in getting the player to (reach that potential) as fast as you can get them there. ... And that's fun for me. That's the drive for me.”' … [Read more...] about Driven to build a winner, Don Granato applying past lessons to improve young Sabres

'The Sabres are not tanking. It's reasonable to expect them to be terrible but they're not trying to lose. They're going to be overmatched most nights but you're going to see effort. Based on what we saw at the end of last season, you stand a chance to see some entertainment through patches of games, too, because coach Don Granato believes bad and boring is just death. Props to … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Stop with the tank talk. This time, Sabres might actually be rebuilding

'Sam Reinhart is gone. Jack Eichel’s disagreement with the team regarding his preferred treatment for a herniated disk has led to a stalemate and a trade is inevitable. There’s a young, unproven roster with two question marks in goal and a significant void at center. So much is riding on the progress of Mittelstadt, Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens, among others.' … [Read more...] about With questions abound, Sabres determined to show they’re ready to succeed

'Drafted eighth overall in 2020, Quinn’s development was negatively impacted by the Ontario Hockey League not holding a season. Overmatched in the American Hockey League, Quinn had only two goals and nine points with Rochester before undergoing season-ending hernia surgery. The 20-year-old had a difficult training camp but should play on the Amerks’ top line.' … [Read more...] about From Owen Power to the young Amerks: 15 Sabres prospects to watch in 2021-22

'The prominent role wasn’t a gift, either. Only nine months ago, at the start of the 56-game regular season, Mittelstadt was on the Sabres’ taxi squad. Kevyn Adams wasn’t the general manager who selected Mittelstadt eighth overall in 2017.' … [Read more...] about Hardened by early NHL struggles, Casey Mittelstadt in line to lead Sabres

'While Peterka showed he's close to NHL ready, the Sabres view a prominent role with heavy minutes in Rochester over less ice time in Buffalo. Coach Don Granato made it clear that he expects Peterka to help the Sabres this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ roster takes shape with decision to send JJ Peterka to Rochester

'Moscati’s work is a familiar sight to Buffalo sports fans of all ages, as his iconic heads-on image of Sabres greats Gilbert Perrault, Rick Martin and Renè Robert skating side-by-side in transition served as the basis for the French Connection statue in Alumni Plaza outside KeyBank Center. The photo, captured during Game 1 of the 1975 Prince of Wales Final against Montreal, … [Read more...] about Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame: Ron Moscati photo inspired Sabres’ French Connection statue

'Additionally, the Sabres loaned defenseman Casey Fitzgerald and winger Brandon Biro to Rochester. Fitzgerald is expected to be among the first recalls in the event of an injury and the roster move leaves Buffalo with seven defensemen: Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Jokiharju, Robert Hagg, Colin Miller, Will Butcher, Mark Pysyk and Jacob Bryson.' … [Read more...] about Sabres place winger Axel Jonsson-Fjallby on waivers; Casey Fitzgerald joins Amerks

'In five preseason games, Peterka had three goals and four points. He was a bright spot during a training camp in which it became clear the Sabres need more top-six options on the wing, especially with Thompson shifting to center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ preseason reveals JJ Peterka’s readiness, ‘impactful’ move for Tage Thompson

'Adams has to do a difficult dance here because now that Eichel aligned with Brisson, Adams has to be sure to keep a long-term focus about his relationship with the agent. And not just for any potential free-agent deals with Brisson clients. The big reason? Brisson serves as the "adviser" for Michigan defenseman Owen Power, the Sabres' No. 1 overall draft pick from July (NCAA … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Little by little, agent Pat Brisson making inroads in Eichel talks

'Hayden is on a two-way deal and could be in line to go to Rochester (assuming he clears waivers). But he's had some good moments in camp. He's strong along the boards, dependable in his own zone and can do things with the puck, like when he turned a Columbus defenseman inside-out and fed Arttu Ruotsalainen in front for a goal in Buffalo's preseason opener. And he can give the … [Read more...] about For Sabres like John Hayden, preseason finale is last chance to crack opening roster

'"It's an unbelievable experience to have as a player and I'm just happy to be a part of it again," Girgensons said after practice Friday in KeyBank Center. "Just being in an (Olympic) Village with all the other athletes, I think that was the coolest part about it. Just being surrounded by other world-class athletes and having a chat with other countries' and your own country's … [Read more...] about Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons named one of Latvia’s first three Olympians

'Certainly, working with Jason Karmanos again was a big part of it. You know, he and I have established a really good working relationship over the last six years. I was excited to work with him, and with Kevin as well, who I had heard nothing but really good things about. In addition to all of that, you know, I saw it as a really unique opportunity to try to help be part of … [Read more...] about Q&A: Sam Ventura, the man in charge of the Sabres’ analytics department