Buffalo News

'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’

'“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

'“You’re just there chilling on the couch and I saw my name pop up (on the television screen) and you’re obviously super excited and very grateful,” said Geary, a 6-foot-1 defenseman for Michigan State. “I saw Buffalo only had one pick in the sixth round and I was kind of hoping for it. So. I kind of looked down before the name went up so I wasn’t looking at it directly, and … [Read more...] about His draft moment over in a flash, St. Francis’ Patrick Geary revels in Sabres’ camp role

'The signing gives the Sabres insurance in the event of an injury or if they elect to send Levi to Rochester to give the 23-year-old more starts and experience as Luukkonen operates as the starter in Buffalo. Levi has 61 games of professional experience between the NHL and American Hockey League since signing his entry-level contract in March 2022.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign veteran goalie James Reimer as depth behind UPL, Devon Levi

'The Sabres decided to pay two-thirds of the $22 million remaining on Skinner's contract to create salary-cap space as they attempt to snap a 13-year playoff drought that's among the longest in professional sports. General Manager Kevyn Adams told reporters that he chose that route because Skinner was no longer going to be on their top line, first power play or receive top-six … [Read more...] about Former Sabres winger Jeff Skinner joins Connor McDavid in Edmonton

'Olofsson, 28, produced only seven goals and 15 points in 51 games during his final season in Buffalo under former coach Don Granato. However, Olofsson is only one year removed from totaling a career-best 28 goals to help the Sabres nearly qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs with 91 standings points.' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabre Victor Olofsson reunites with Jack Eichel on Vegas Golden Knights

'Girgensons got a longer term from the Lightning than he was expected to get from any team, but only at $850,000 per season. He made $2.5 million last year with the Sabres and had a cap hit of $2.2 million over his previous three seasons in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Zemgus Girgensons ends 10-year run with Sabres, signs with Tampa Bay

'There are several home matinees on the schedule, beginning Saturday, Oct. 26, against the Detroit Red Wings at 1 p.m. A few others are Saturday, Nov. 9 vs. the Calgary Flames; Monday, Nov. 11 vs. Montreal and Dec. 7 vs. Utah. The Sabres also host the Minnesota Wild the night before Thanksgiving, and they are at home two days after Christmas.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner’s return among notable home games during Sabres’ schedule next season

'Jason Zucker, a six-time 20-goal scorer coming off a disappointing season, inked a one-year, $5 million contract to give the Sabres another capable veteran forward that will skate on their first, second or third line after the club parted ways with Jeff Skinner.' … [Read more...] about Jason Zucker headlines free-agent haul as Sabres try to become ‘harder to play against’

'There are several teams that will have to reassess their cap numbers in the wake of Monday’s frenzy and will likely circle back around the league needing some cap relief. Adams has to be ready to act.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A new fourth line helps, but Sabres’ roster still needs other touches

'The decision with Bryson is related to the salary he could have been awarded if he filed for arbitration. His qualifying offer alone would have been worth $1.9 million, which is pricy for a possible seventh defenseman. The Sabres are trying to protect their cap space as General Manager Kevyn Adams attempts to improve his roster for next season. They completed the buyout of … [Read more...] about Jacob Bryson to become a free agent after Sabres pass on qualifying offer

'“We initiated the process today,” Adams told reporters before he returned to Buffalo to prepare for the start of unrestricted free agency Monday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres begin process to walk away from Jeff Skinner’s contract with three years left

'Malenstyn might be taking the place of Zemgus Girgensons but that’s not a marquee move. Adams insisted he was aggressive and involved but didn’t pull off anything else.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Kevyn Adams maintains offseason is ‘incomplete.’ So what happens after Skinner buyout?

'It's a steep price to pay, especially for a 26-year-old restricted free agent with only eight goals in 108 games in the NHL; however, the Sabres added an additional second-round selection Thursday by trading back in the first round from pick 11 to 14. Once General Manager Kevyn Adams had extra draft capital, he moved aggressively to fill one of the holes on his roster.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire fourth-line winger Beck Malenstyn for second-round draft pick

'The 6-foot-5, 207-pounder had five goals and 21 assists in 56 games for his United States Hockey League team. The Minnesota native was the 34th rated North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select defenseman Adam Kleber with their second-round choice