Buffalo News

'Payne has been an assistant for the Los Angeles Kings for the past five seasons.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire ex-Blues bench boss Davis Payne as associate coach

'Lehner is among those in line for a significant pay raise. He went 23-26-8 last season with a .920 save percentage, which ranked 12th in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Lehner, Larsson, Beaulieu among 30 players to file for arbitration

'Buffalo fans don't want to hear as much, but the Sabres aren't just few players away from becoming a playoff contender. Botterill is in the process of revamping two teams, Buffalo and Rochester, salvaging whatever he can from assets he inherited and practically starting from scratch under a rookie coach.' … [Read more...] about Bucky Gleason: Sabres are best examined through wide lens

'“I had a good relationship with him,” Johnson said. “He understands my game, and he really took my game to the next level the season I was there. It was a really good fit for me.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie coach Andrew Allen to return for third season

'“We just want to bring excitement back into the city with our team, play exciting hockey and show that the players are willing to put the work in,” Taylor said by phone. “The fans are so passionate here. They love hockey.' … [Read more...] about Chris Taylor plans to instill winning attitude in return to Amerks

'You would think bewilderment over the Sabres losing their co-captains a few hours apart would dissipate over time, experience and perspective. Actually, it's the opposite. It's more troubling now than it was July 1, 2007, when a terrific team lost its heart, soul and credibility through sheer stupidity.' … [Read more...] about Bucky Gleason: Ten years later, Sabres still feeling cause and effect of Drury, Briere

'Here’s an updated look at the Sabres’ depth chart, taking note of any contract situations that could hurt or help a player’s chance of being in Buffalo. A waiver exemption, based on age and experience, allows the player to be sent to Rochester without the risk of being claimed by another team. A two-way deal pays a higher salary in Buffalo and a lower one in Rochester.' … [Read more...] about Projecting the Sabres’ roster as competition for spots heats up

'The players will feel the heat when they arrive this fall. There will be at least 21 forwards fighting for 12 starting jobs. There will be 12 defensemen who want a spot in the top six. The crease will be crowded, too, after Saturday’s return of goalie Chad Johnson.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have something to prove as Botterill creates competition everywhere

'“I think the fans really embraced me by the end of the season. They got to see what kind of goalie I was. I won a lot of games and had good numbers. To be able to come back and be a part of the organization again and have that drive to win and get back in playoffs is special for me.' … [Read more...] about Chad Johnson ready to finish the job with Sabres; Wilcox added for depth

'“I fit right into the system that he wants to play,” Pouliot said. “It’s mostly about speed and forecheck and putting pressure on the D, turning pucks over. Last year, I had my fair share of penalty killing, which I never had before, which was very good personally and as a team.' … [Read more...] about Pouliot sees Sabres as right team for him to re-establish scoring touch

'You can easily make the case the Sabres and Colorado, which had 28th-place San Antonio in the AHL, were the two most pathetic organizations in hockey last season. Blame injuries all you want. The numbers are the numbers. There was no excuse for them.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The organization means more than just the NHL

'The most intriguing signings are Seth Griffith and Kyle Criscuolo.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Amerks get help; no seven for Shattenkirk; Petersen to Kings

'The 27-year-old Scandella is the centerpiece of the deal for Buffalo. The left-handed shot had 11 goals and 23 points in 64 games in 2014-15. He has been up and down the past two seasons. Scandella had four goals and 13 points in 71 games last year.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Scandella, Pominville from Wild for Ennis, Foligno

'“I’m excited about this year, and I think we can make strides,” said Pominville, who spent his first 11 seasons in the organization. “Every team is competitive. Every team wants to be in the playoffs. It’s not easy to do. If you look at the squad and the team and the depth that is on paper, I think we can get in. That’s the goal.”' … [Read more...] about Pominville eager to raise excitement level in Buffalo after trade to Sabres

'The primary goal of the captain, who is an unrestricted free agent, is to re-sign with the Sabres. He’s been contacted by other teams during this week’s interview process, but he was waiting to see if a fit could be found with Buffalo. At the moment, it’s hard to find one.' … [Read more...] about All signs point to new captain for Sabres, exit for Gionta