Buffalo News

'Another stellar performance by Luukkonen allowed the Sabres to mount the improbable comeback.' … [Read more...] about Observations: ‘Craziest’ overturned goal forces Sabres to use shootout to beat Oilers

'"It’s probably no secret that I’ve been working for a couple years to find a defenseman and it’s really, really tough in this league to find a top-pair kind of talent that Bo Byram is at that age," Adams said of the 22-year-old. "You generally have to draft them. So, these are really, really difficult trades to make. It was something that I’d say I worked on for a while."' … [Read more...] about Sabres takeaways: Search for ‘top-pair’ defenseman led to blockbuster trade

'I get all of this but now they can't score enough and the center depth is suspect with Casey Mittelstadt traded, both Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens having step-back seasons and the readiness of prospects Jiri Kulich, Matt Savoie and Noah Ostlund uncertain. And exactly what kind of player is Peyton Krebs anyway? X insists he's a scorer but three goals in 63 games says those on … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: The Sabres sold at the deadline as they keep evolving a style that needs to get figured out

'Sjalin, 24, has a left-handed shot and has spent the past two seasons with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. He hasn't played a game since late January. For Johnson, the Sabres added a fourth-round draft pick in 2024. They have seven selections in the draft, including two in the fourth round.' … [Read more...] about ‘An unbelievable person’: Sabres bid emotional farewell to Kyle Okposo in trade

'Sabres/Ottawa: Lump the Sabres and Senators into the same category because they fully expected entering the season to be adding talent at this deadline, not skating in circles (again). What a disappointing season locally.' … [Read more...] about NHL Trade Deadline: Winners, losers (and in between) as teams complete business

'Without Thompson and the departed Casey Mittelstadt, coach Don Granato was suddenly without two of his top three centers for most of the season. And it showed how much Mittelstadt is missed. There's nobody on this roster ready to take up his minutes.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres are off key in 4-2 loss to Predators in Music City

'Cozens decided to head to Mittelstadt’s hotel room, which was a beehive of activity as his friend quickly packed while his phone was crackling with calls and texts. “A lot of guys didn’t have a chance to say goodbye,” Cozens said. “They were sleeping. It’s crazy how quick change like that is.”' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A big move on defense has big impact in Sabres’ dressing room

'This was one of the most boring chapters of the Sabres-Maple Leafs rivalry in recent years.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Unusual Sabres game day includes blockbuster deal, loss in OT

'Byram’s eventual price tag could impact the team’s negotiations with Henri Jokiharju, who is currently on the top pair next to Dahlin and reaches restricted free agency this summer. If the Sabres are able to retain Jokiharju – likely on a short-term, bridge contract – their blue line next season could include him, Byram, Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, Connor Clifton and Ryan … [Read more...] about Sabres’ addition of Bowen Byram raises questions about future of defense

'Moving Mittelstadt is a tough thing both on the ice and in the dressing room. The Sabres’ No. 1 pick in 2017 had developed into a bull down low and along the wall, even if he should have been shooting to score more and not had such a preference for passing. It was going to cost at least $6 million to keep him on a long-term deal, maybe north of $7 million. You simply can’t pay … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Casey Mittelstadt trade is Kevyn Adams’ first move for next season

'“It’s different. It’s a position that I’ve never been in my entire career basically,” Okposo said. “It’s part of the business and I’m going to go about my day and be professional and be who I am. I’m not going to change who I am just because of the situation that I’m in. I’m here today and just trying to do the best I can to lead the group.”' … [Read more...] about The schedule forges on as Sabres captain Kyle Okposo waits to find out if he’s staying or going

'Only a few players on the Sabres are performing better than last season, when the club won seven of its last nine games to finish with 91 points, Buffalo’s highest total since it had 96 in 2010-11. Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner have a combined 55 goals after the trio produced 118 last season. Dylan Cozens dropped from 31 to 14, Victor Olofsson plummeted from 28 to … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams plans to retool ‘.500 team’ with long-term plan in mind

'The Sabres had a 2-1 lead through two periods on goals by JJ Peterka and Eric Robinson but couldn't hold it and suffered their first regulation loss when leading after two periods this season. They had been 46-0-5 in those spots since a 5-3 loss at Carolina on April 7, 2022.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen goes back to back but Sabres can’t hold lead in loss to Jets

'“Even the last 48 hours, I’ve received more phone calls about Erik than I did leading up to this point,” Adams shared with The Buffalo News before the Sabres’ game Saturday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.' … [Read more...] about As defense market thins, Sabres receiving more trade calls on Erik Johnson

'This is a team that has swept the defending Stanley Cup champions in the same season it got swept by the woeful Anaheim Ducks and lost a 9-4 game to the even more pathetic Columbus Blue Jackets.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Give Sabres props for the way they’re rolling now, but what does it really mean?