Buffalo News

'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

'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

'“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’

'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

'There were times over the past nine months when the Buffalo Sabres prospect didn’t even bother to unpack some of his belongings. He hauled his hockey sticks and an equipment bag across the globe, from Buffalo to Sweden, until January when he arrived in the small southern Saskatchewan city of Moose Jaw.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Matt Savoie used season of ‘planes, trains and automobiles’ to prep for NHL

'Dan Bylsma did not do a good job coaching the Sabres in his second season here. Bottom line. But it’s always been my view he and General Manager Tim Murray got a raw deal when they were fired on April 20, 2017. The revolving door of Sabres coaches and GMs dates to their dismissals, when Terry and Kim Pegula seemingly caved to Jack Eichel and other players and fired the coach … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: What has new Seattle coach Dan Bylsma learned in his long wait after firing by Sabres?

'Komarov decided as a teenager to leave home for Quebec because its major junior league had the coaching, smaller ice surfaces and physical play to prepare him for an NHL future. He learned English in a province, and while on a team, where most speak French. Komarov worked tirelessly to evolve from a lanky, raw defenseman into a formidable presence on the ice. His dedication … [Read more...] about How the Sabres scouted, drafted QMJHL top defenseman Vsevelod Komarov

'The 2019 first-round draft pick has 16 goals and 24 points in 20 games at two world championships. He also owns a pair of medals from the IIHF World Junior Championship, the second of which he earned with Canada after tallying 16 points in just seven games.' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin captured bronze, but Dylan Cozens was Sabres’ biggest winner at Worlds

'Third-line center. The Sabres are set in their top six with Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens, but they need to find a replacement for Casey Mittelstadt. Peyton Krebs has 20 goals and 66 points in 215 NHL games. The 23-year-old had one goal in his last 40 games of the season. It’s too soon to give up on Krebs. He has the skill, competitiveness and intensity that the club needs in … [Read more...] about Sabres roundtable: Charting a course for another eventful offseason

'Year 2 will bring different challenges for Benson. He’ll have a new coach, Lindy Ruff, who will enjoy Benson’s relentless approach on the forecheck and around the opponent’s net. The Sabres have given Benson a comprehensive plan to follow on and off the ice to improve in specific areas that will help him next season. He’ll stay with a relative near Vancouver so he’s in close … [Read more...] about Can Sabres count on Zach Benson to take leap in second NHL season?

'“I think this is the most motivated I’ve ever been,” Cozens told reporters in April. “I think all of us feel that way. We all know we can be better. We all know we need to be better. And I think every guy in here will be better. And there’s a lot of guys I think that didn’t quite have the season they wanted to, so you know, we all just got to be hungry, hungry for more, and … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Dylan Cozens among Canada’s top players at world championships

'The Sabres have $23.218 million to spend, according to CapFriendly.com, and one of Adams’ priorities is to use some of that money to change the bottom half of his depth chart at wing and center. Ruff will have a voice in the meetings to decide how Buffalo can improve its lineup.' … [Read more...] about Which proven players should the Sabres add to bolster their bottom six?

'“We tried a lot things,” defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said after Granato was fired last month. “I mean, we tried everything, I would say. So, we need a fresh start. We need to start over. We need a new mentality on the power play, for sure.”' … [Read more...] about How can Lindy Ruff and Seth Appert fix the Sabres’ struggling power play?

'The time in Rochester helped Levi improve and showed that he’s already an outstanding goalie against American Hockey League competition. He went 16-6-4 during the regular season with the Amerks, posting a .927 save percentage and 2.42 goals-against average in 26 appearances.' … [Read more...] about Devon Levi among the Sabres prospects to thrive in Rochester this season

'Colorado has big cap issues in play because of the uncertain status of winger Val Nichuskin (re-entered into the NHL Player Assistance program) and captain Gabriel Landeskog (out since 2022 final with a knee injury). It will be interesting to see what kind of multiyear deal the Avs settle on with Mittelstadt.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Avalanche move into contract mode with Casey Mittelstadt after his first career playoff run