Buffalo News

'Each time Eichel scores in a game, C.J. grabs a puck from the family stash and places it atop the tower. An updated picture is then tweeted from the Eichel Tower account. There are currently 48 numbered pucks in the tower, one for each goal in Eichel's two NHL seasons.' … [Read more...] about ‘Eichel Tower’ family recalls magical day in Nashville with Sabres star

'The Sabres’ interview contingent ranged from four to eight people, according to the top prospects. Jason Botterill has replaced Tim Murray as general manager and sat in the meetings. Scouting heads Rob Murphy and Greg Royce are gone, so others took the reins. Kevin Devine, the director of player personnel, was at the table along with head amateur scout Jeff Crisp, amateur … [Read more...] about New leader means new approach for Sabres’ draft interviews

'Estephan was one of the highest-scoring prospects in the organization, though his skating has been questioned throughout his career. The center had 35 goals and 89 points in 68 games with Lethbridge of the Western Hockey League, then added 11 goals and 24 points in 18 playoff games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres don’t sign Estephan by deadline, relinquish rights

'Meanwhile, the Sabres have until 5 p.m. Thursday to sign forward prospects Giorgio Estephan and Gustav Possler. If they don’t, they lose their rights to the players.' … [Read more...] about Eichel boosts Buffalo to Petersen; Estephan, Sabres on clock

'The Sabres signed Johansson to a three-year, entry-level deal Wednesday. Buffalo selected the 21-year-old in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Swedish goalie Jonas Johansson

'Petersen leaves school having made 90 straight starts. He led the Fighting Irish to the Frozen Four this season while going 23-12-5 with a .926 save percentage and six shutouts.' … [Read more...] about Cal Petersen leaves Notre Dame, giving Sabres 30 days to sign him

'New General Manager Jason Botterill wants a coach in place by the draft June 23 in Chicago, and TSN reported Wednesday that Botterill interviewed San Jose assistant and former Sabres defenseman/pugilist Bob Boughner on Tuesday. There will be other interviews but many observers feel it could be a two-horse race -- and both horses are in this series.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s Cup first for Housley, Tocchet as Sabres’ coaching decision looms

'Boughner, 46, is currently an assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks. He won two Memorial Cup championships as the head coach of the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires in 2009 and 2010. He played for six NHL teams -- including both the Predators and Penguins -- and was a popular defender on the Buffalo blueline from 1995-98.' … [Read more...] about Report: Sabres interview Boughner for head coach

'“He’s going to try and bring in the winning culture that obviously Pittsburgh has had and instill that on us,” Eichel said, “just having an open relationship and trying to keep everyone informed, let everyone know where they are in different situations.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel likes direction Sabres are heading under Botterill

'When Sabres owner Terry Pegula fired General Manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma in April, he said he wanted improved communication in the organization. Botterill, a longtime Pittsburgh executive, says talks were common between coaches and players with the Penguins, and he wants to bring that to Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel talks arrival of Botterill, departure of Murray, Bylsma

'“I think they were just surprised more than anything,” Eichel said in the Tim Hortons on Big Tree Road in Orchard Park. “Friendly, as Buffalo people always are. It was kind of cool. I had done this before, but I had done it behind the register at the one in the HarborCenter. Just to be in the drive-through was a little bit different, a little more hectic. Things happen … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel’s latest assist is to Tim Hortons on ‘Camp Day’

'"He spent a lot of time in Wilkes-Barre keeping an eye on guys and making sure they were taken care of. It's something this organization is so good at, giving you every resource possible and getting anything you needed to be successful. 'Botts' is a huge part of that. Tough to see him go, but very happy he got a head job."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Jason Botterill’s impact a big factor in Penguins’ run

'"He spent lot of time in Wilkes-Barre keeping an eye on guys and making sure they were taken care of. It's something this organization is so good at, giving you every resource possible and getting anything you needed to be successful. 'Botts' is a huge part of that. Tough to see him go but very happy he got a head job.' … [Read more...] about Pens’ Matt Murray on Jason Botterill: ‘Buffalo made a pretty good decision’

'“We’ve obviously got really good goaltending or we probably would have been in the Colorado area in terms of points,” said left wing Evander Kane, referring to the dismal showing by the Avalanche, who at 48 points had 30 fewer than Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Net results from Lehner, Ullmark have Sabres solid in goal

'The 5-foot-11, 179-pounder is expected to compete for a top-four role on the blue line. Antipin joins Jake McCabe, Josh Gorges, Justin Falk and prospect Brendan Guhle as the Sabres' left-handed shots.' … [Read more...] about Sabres agree to one-year deal with Victor Antipin