Buffalo News

'“It’s an exciting time for the organization looking at the prospects,” Leone said. “Obviously, being in hockey, you watch the draft and the players, and knowing some of the players just from my time at the national program and seeing them at international events. But going back to the relationship with the players, I think it’s really important now, especially all the young … [Read more...] about Amerks coach Michael Leone eager to begin working with Sabres’ prospects

'“This was the favorite place to play for my dad,” Max Plante said of Buffalo. “Unfortunately, he got traded and then beat them in the Stanley Cup Final with Dallas, but he loved it here. It was kind of his starting ground in the NHL.”' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Max Plante hopes to follow the NHL road his father traveled

'Luukkonen’s agent, Markus Lehto, likely will use Thatcher Demko’s most recent contract with the Vancouver Canucks as a comparable. Demko signed a five-year, $25 million contract in March 2021. The Sabres may not want to give Luukkonen a longer-term deal though since they still have Devon Levi, who will be a restricted free agent next summer. To compromise, we’ll give Luukkonen … [Read more...] about Sabres GM for a Day: Patrick Kane headlines series of bold offseason moves

'The approximately 10-minute survey, with an option to stay on to provide even more information, is intended to provide the team with a better understanding of the fan experience at the downtown arena on many levels. It covers subjects such as concessions and retail offerings, the importance of theme nights, promotions and giveaways, energy in the building, the identity of the … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres have plenty to ask fans in post-season survey

'We all know the Sabres have the longest postseason drought in NHL history at 13 years and counting. But on the league’s all-time list, do you know which franchises are tied for No. 2? The Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. Seriously. If you want some small sliver of hope for the Sabres, here it is:' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Once former drought masters, Panthers and Oilers now meet for Stanley Cup

'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?