Buffalo News

'Cozens, 19, plans to train in Buffalo until NHL camps open or he reports to Hockey Canada’s camp ahead of the IIHF World Junior Championship. He has the speed and awareness to contribute with the puck, but the question is whether he’s ready to shoulder the defensive responsibilities required of a center in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ drafts under Jason Botterill show glaring need for help at forward

'Lazar’s most significant impact, though, was in the faceoff circle. He won a career-high 51.2% of his draws, a quality that earned him more playing time as the season progressed. Coach Ralph Krueger would routinely use Lazar at the start of the 3-on-3 overtime to gain possession.' … [Read more...] about Sabres bolster depth at center by signing Curtis Lazar to two-year contract

'Additionally, Adams saved money by parting with Marcus Johansson’s $4.5 million salary for next season and there’s minimal risk since Staal will play on an expiring contract that will count only $3.25 million against the cap. The Sabres won’t have to rush Dylan Cozens or Casey Mittelstadt into a prominent role, and Adams now has flexibility to address significant holes.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Eric Staal, but what else is on offseason to-do list?

'Olofsson, a 25-year-old who scored 20 goals in 2019-20, was named Monday to the NHL All-Rookie Team, joining Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Chicago Blackhawks winger Dominik Kubalik and Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki.' … [Read more...] about Sabres winger Victor Olofsson named to NHL All-Rookie Team

'Oskari Laaksonen, a defenseman whom the Sabres drafted in the third round in 2017, has been loaned to the Lahden Pelicans of Liiga in Finland, the team announced Monday. Laaksonen signed an entry-level contract with the Sabres in June and is expected to spend this season with the Rochester Americans.' … [Read more...] about Sabres loan prospect Oskari Laaksonen to Finnish team until camp starts

'“Hopefully I can be impactful,” said Staal. “That’s the plan. I don’t honestly know a lot about the team in general. I’ve been in the west the last four years, so it’s tough when you’re in a different conference. … I know obviously Jack (Eichel) is elite. There’s also (Jeff Skinner), who I played with in Carolina. There’s guys there that are competitive and great players. For … [Read more...] about 5 takeaways from Eric Staal, who plans to be ‘impactful’ scorer, mentor for young Sabres

'“You could see it right from the get-go,” said former Sabres winger Matt Moulson. “The first time you get on the ice with him you could see the skill set that not many people in this world possess. You could definitely see the potential of him becoming the player that he is now just from one skate with him.”' … [Read more...] about ‘You could see it right from the get-go’: A look back at Jack Eichel’s first Sabres’ training camp

'The Sabres were not on Staal’s 10-team no-trade list, which was submitted to the Wild on Tuesday. He and Johansson are set to become unrestricted free agents following the 2020-21 season. Staal, 35, is owed a $3 million salary and will count $3.25 million against the salary cap, a bargain price for a player who should immediately step in as the Sabres’ second-line center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire center Eric Staal from Minnesota for Marcus Johansson

'A 16-year veteran, Staal played the last four seasons in Minnesota and the Sabres will be his fourth NHL team. He spent 12 years with Carolina after being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft. He also spent a half-season with the Rangers. In more than 1,200 games, he has 436 goals and 585 assists for 1,021 career points. He is seventh among active players in games and … [Read more...] about Five things about new Sabres center Eric Staal

'“I think there’s a time to teach and a time to coach and to get the most out of the next opportunity within a game,” explained Krueger. “I’m really able to separate those two and I’ve become extremely patient in understanding sometimes you need to pause before you can actually give the lesson or make the correction. Often within a game it does nothing but distract the player … [Read more...] about Can Ralph Krueger’s positive approach ignite change for the Sabres?

'When projecting the Sabres’ possible expenses, it’s wise to focus on the player’s salary, not his average cap hit. According to CapFriendly.com, the team has approximately $49,248,810 in salary commitments to 13 players next season, including Cozens and two former Sabres whose contracts were previously bought out: Christian Ehrhoff and Cody Hodgson. This figure does not … [Read more...] about How Sabres GM Kevyn Adams could navigate a lower budget for next season

'Krueger and his staff – assistants Steve Smith, Don Granato and Mike Bales – accepted a 20% pay reduction from April 1 until July 13 before declining a subsequent request for a 25% cut.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Ralph Krueger, staff declined second voluntary pay reduction

'Among the 14 goalies drafted by the Sabres since Miller joined the organization in 1999, only two other than Miller have played more than 19 games in the NHL: Jhonas Enroth and Linus Ullmark.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ goaltending prospects face challenging development curve

'“I still remember to this day he basically told me, 'Matej, if you want to be a doctor, go to school; if you want to be a hockey player, come here,' ” Pekar recalled. “He was a strong believer that it was a better way for me to develop myself. He was part of the decision that I took that route. I’m very thankful that he was part of it. He was a great guy, a great coach. It hit … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Matej Pekar mourning loss of former coach Dale Hawerchuk

'Steve Greeley, one of the Sabres’ two assistant general managers under Botterill, previously ran the organization’s player development program. Additionally, two of four development coaches who began the season with Buffalo are no longer with the team, including Mike Komisarek, who worked closely with defenseman Ryan Johnson, a first-round draft choice in 2019.' … [Read more...] about Matt Ellis officially joins Sabres as director of player development