Olean Times Herald

'These days, on the ice or even talking to the media, Mittelstadt exudes confidence. He recently signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract. With Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen all gone, he has become one of the most recognizable faces on the rebuilding Sabres.' … [Read more...] about ‘Deep dive’ into game helped Casey Mittelstadt become Sabres’ top center

'“So when you look at that, you say if some of the last-place teams in the league have a winning percentage .500 to .600 when they score the first goal of the game, why would you spend so much time on defense?” Granato said after the Sabres prepared for Thursday’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. “Because you’re going to be down goals, and you can’t concede those … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Don Granato plans to play fast-paced, exciting hockey

'The Sabres will use two alternates this season instead of having a captain. Jack Eichel, who refuses to undergo a neck surgery team doctors recommend, was stripped of the captaincy last month.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Don Granato excited to name new alternate captains

'“I was a seven or eight on a pain scale out of 10 before, now it’s like a two, three,” he said. “But it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to stay there. It’s just a trial-type thing. And if it stays that way, boy, I’ll tell ya, it’ll make a difference.”' … [Read more...] about After decades of pain, ex-Sabres analyst Mike Robitaille feels hope

'In a downright awful season, Bryson emerged as one of the Sabres’ biggest surprises, compiling one goal and nine points while averaging 19 minutes, 3 seconds of ice time in 38 games. His minus-1 rating ranked second among the team’s regulars. He also earned enough trust to kill penalties and play on the power play.' … [Read more...] about Jacob Bryson’s rapping, on-ice play endearing him to Sabres

'Peterka, 19, was essentially the Sabres’ final cut. The German winger made a strong impression during his first NHL training camp, scoring three goals and four points in five preseason games. Granato expects he will back this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect JJ Peterka has ‘tremendous opportunity’ with Amerks

'They now have 24 healthy players – 15 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies – on the roster. They must finalize their 23-man roster for Thursday’s season opener by 5 p.m. Monday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trim roster by three players, get closer to regular-season lineup

'“He absorbs what’s in front of him, whether that be the opposition, his linemate, information from the coaches,” Granato said prior to the preseason finale inside KeyBank Center. “He internalizes it and he goes to work at it. He’s very advanced in that regard but he’s still young. I say all this and that is very exciting but you also do see his age in there as well. I’d say … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect JJ Peterka makes strong case to stick in NHL

'“I feel fortunate to be here in Buffalo and help push this in the right direction,” Hayden said following Friday’s practice.' … [Read more...] about John Hayden hoping ‘Swiss Army Knife’ style helps him crack Sabres’ lineup

'“We’re celebrating like we won the (Stanley) Cup or something,” he said following Friday’s practice inside KeyBank Center. “For the guys back home, it means a lot. I’m glad to be a part of something like that."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Zemgus Girgensons thrilled to represent Latvia at Olympics

'“The guys that we have in there, they just love the game,” Sabres winger Kyle Okposo said. “Everybody just wants to play. We just had a practice out there and guys are saying, ‘No, let’s keep going, we want to keep going,’ and then everybody’s staying on the ice after. Guys just want to play hockey."' … [Read more...] about Kyle Okposo vows youthful Sabres will be enthusiastic, full of belief

'In Rochester, Quinn, 20, and Murray, 23, will likely play on the first or second line.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trim training camp roster again, send two players to Amerks

'“After a long summer, I think I want to come in and dominate right away,” Cozens said on a Zoom call following Tuesday’s 5-4 preseason shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. “I want to step up and be a guy who can help lead this team.”' … [Read more...] about After slow start to preseason, Sabres’ Dylan Cozens bounces back

'If Dell clears waivers, he could be assigned to the Rochester Americans. The Amerks, who opened training camp Tuesday, also have top goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, veteran Michael Houser and newcomer Mat Robson.' … [Read more...] about Sabres waive Aaron Dell, likely have goaltending set for opening night

'“I’m trying to bring speed to the game,” he said. “I don’t see myself as a half-wall power-play guy. I’m just trying to bring the speed and good defense, good penalty kill.”' … [Read more...] about Axel Jonsson-Fjallby thrilled to join Sabres, sees opportunities