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'"My dad's been huge for me," Johnson said. "He introduced me to the game at a young age and taught me everything I know. Obviously, you've got to develop your own passion for the game, but he's been there every step of the way, just kind of guiding me and always offering advice. It's nice to have that."' … [Read more...] about Johnson learned lessons from NHL dad, hopes to make impact with Sabres

'Those moves could help the Sabres (33-39-10) end a Stanley Cup Playoff drought that began in 2012, but underlying numbers suggest the additions of defensemen Colin Miller and Henri Jokiharju, and forwards Jimmy Vesey and Marcus Johansson, will bolster their chances.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add much-needed depth with Jokiharju, Miller, Vesey, Johansson

'"Then there's a lot, a lot, of new faces, which I think will be different, but exciting," Mittelstadt said Wednesday during Da Beauty League, a 3-on-3 summer league in Minnesota that runs through August. "And [as far as coaching], I think everyone's excited for a new voice, a new person behind the bench just to change things up."' … [Read more...] about Mittelstadt pleased with new-look Sabres

'"I'm just like a modern defenseman right now, two-way defenseman," said Jokiharju, who had 12 assists in 38 games with the Blackhawks last season. "I like to be with the puck and make some good plays. When I get the puck, get it to better guys who can make some points and score some goals, and just make some plays and be a good two-way defenseman, take care of both ends."' … [Read more...] about Jokiharju hoping for bigger role with Sabres

'"Last year they showed in the beginning of the year how capable they are of playing good hockey," he said. "You've just got to keep it at a good level throughout most of the season, through all these highs and lows. Try to keep everyone positive and keep everyone moving forward even though you have rough patches and everything.' … [Read more...] about Johansson brings playoff experience, consistency to Sabres

'"Talking to Ralph, what our group is and what we're trying to eventually create here is having more balanced scoring throughout our four lines here," Botterill said, "and that's still something that we'll continue to look at and to see if we can continue to add to that group."' … [Read more...] about Sabres aiming for turnaround under new coach Krueger

'"To get in the playoffs, that should be the goal," the 27-year-old forward said at the NHLPA Golf Classic at Glen Abbey Golf Club on Thursday. "The (Atlantic) division is pretty tough with some pretty good teams in there who all have good players, but that's the NHL. Every night, any team has a chance to win, and you have to try to find that consistency and come out on the … [Read more...] about Skinner sees Sabres ending drought soon with talented young core

'"Just getting a tour of the dressing room and everything, being in the city and just walking around and people recognizing you, it's pretty cool," Cozens said. "It's definitely setting in that I'm starting to live my NHL dream."' … [Read more...] about Cozens overwhelmed from reception of Sabres, fans

'"It's crucial that across the entire draft that we can find players," general manager Jason Botterill said. "You look at free agent lists and everything and there's certainly some very quality players from a free agent standpoint, but there's just not the depth; teams are doing a great job of wrapping up players longer term. The draft is where you bring skill into your … [Read more...] about Sabres plan to cast wide net at 2019 NHL Draft

'"When you look at the overall organization, the position that it's in with the talent it has and the players it has and for me, personally, how I've seen those people work together, there's a lot of positive signs there."' … [Read more...] about Skinner believes future is bright with Sabres

'"We have to continue to improve in a lot of facets," Botterill said. "I think the easiest one, and what we've talked a lot about is, continuing to try to add more scoring to our group, especially up front, and that's why getting Jeff signed was such a big deal for us. We want to focus on adding to that group, not replacing it."' … [Read more...] about Skinner signing first part of Sabres’ plan to end playoff drought

'"I understand people always want a deal as of yesterday," Botterill said. "I think there's just an urgency because we've always wanted the player. We've always wanted to have him back. We want him to be part of our group moving forward here and we've always continued to try to look at our group and try and add to our group versus trying to replace."' … [Read more...] about Skinner contract top priority for Sabres, GM says

'"First and foremost, we want to earn respect and be difficult to play against every night," he said. "I think that Buffalo is a market -- first of all, its passion and the history are clear to me -- but it's a market that respects hard work and the unity that I will be working on putting together, not only off but on the ice."' … [Read more...] about Krueger hired as Sabres coach

'"I was able to tap in," Krueger said on a conference call Wednesday. "I watched two NHL playoff games a few weeks ago and I changed bars every period, so I didn't stay too long. But it was quite interesting. I'd sit beside Sabre fans and have conversations that I won't be able to have with them now, but it was very enlightening."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ new coach tapped into spirit of fans in Buffalo bars

'"I'm really excited. From guys who have played for him and from people around hockey, it seems like he's a really good guy. He gets the most out of his players. I'm just looking forward to getting to know him, meeting him and get things going."' … [Read more...] about Sabres moving in right direction with Krueger hire, Eichel says