The Hockey News

'And it’s that kind of thinking that is going to ultimately get the Sabres out of this rut in which they find themselves. This is not a case of Jason Botterill making like he’s smarter than everybody else. This is a young man who is clearly comfortable making unconventional choices, one who has enough confidence in himself that he’s prepared to make a move that he knows will be … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Jason Botterill puts his job on the line with out-of-the-box hiring of Ralph Krueger…and that’s a good thing

'The Toronto Maple Leafs intend on keeping Mike Babcock around. Thus, after a couple fantastic seasons with the Marlies, with whom he won the AHL’s Calder Cup in 2018, it’s time for Keefe to get a serious look at an NHL job. Keefe, the winner of the 2015 CHL top coach award, has done wonders for the Marlies in his short time in the AHL and any team looking for a fresh face with … [Read more...] about With Gronborg gone, which coaches should the Oilers, Senators, Ducks and Sabres chase?

'The Sabres’ willingness to give Dahlin important minutes while allowing him to make mistakes is what has given him the opportunity to make such an impact as an 18-year-old.' … [Read more...] about Dahlin passes Orr, marking major milestone in 18-year-old Sabres rookie’s superb season

'But the reality is that Housley, for whatever faults he may have, has done some good this season. The Sabres are a middle of the road team when it comes to most possession metrics. Buffalo has shown continued improvement in those areas under Housley, and that’s one of the few positives the Sabres have seen this season. So, while he may not be the answer, it would seem he’s not … [Read more...] about Unbelievable scoring drought highlights Sabres’ shortcomings in yet another lost season

'Buffalo’s challenge now is to grow organically without getting discouraged, or pressured into making panic moves – because that’s how you become a constant rebuilder like Edmonton.' … [Read more...] about The Buffalo Sabres have a daunting road ahead of them in the Atlantic

'That’s a great addition for Buffalo, too. Barring a subsequent deal that sends recently rumored trade chip Rasmus Ristolainen packing, the Sabres will now trot out a top-four that includes Ristolainen, Mountour, Jake McCabe and rookie standout Rasmus Dahlin. Already with a defense that was 16th-ranked in the NHL in terms of goals against and had mid-range underlying metrics, … [Read more...] about Wild-card contending Sabres don’t stand pat, acquire Montour from Ducks for Guhle, first-round pick

'Some may call that foolish or cry asset mismanagement. Some will inevitably compare it to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ situation with Panarin, another star winger set to become a free agent this summer, and list myriad reasons why it makes sense to trade Skinner, not keep him when the assets have potential to help the cause down the road. The difference, however, is that there’s … [Read more...] about Keeping Skinner through deadline will be a gamble for the Sabres — but it’s a risk worth taking

'Do the Sabres make the post-season? It’s no guarantee. But the real Buffalo lies somewhere between the 10-game winning streak and the league bottom feeder that has struggled ever since, and if they can find that middle before it’s too late, the Sabres may very well be able to sneak in and snap their seven-year drought.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres are sliding in aftermath of their early season winning streak, but don’t count Buffalo out

'Having the additional spending room gives the Sabres the ability and flexibility, should they so choose, to go dollar-for-dollar with any other suitor for Skinner’s services. Sure, engaging in a bidding war could lead to potential overpayment, but having additional cap space lessens the immediate and likely the long-term cause for concern.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can make best of bad situation with Berglund contract termination

'“It’s different, for sure,” said right winger Kyle Okposo. “We have a belief in ourselves and everyone in this room trusts each other and knows they’re going to do the right thing. If a guy makes a mistake, he’s the first one to do the right thing next time; everyone is holding each other accountable and holding themselves accountable. It’s a lot better.”' … [Read more...] about After some lean years, it’s fun to be the Buffalo Sabres again

'Carter Hutton played over his head last year. He wasn’t going to post a .931 save percentage again. But he was a sensible, short-term veteran signing by GM Jason Botterill to pair with riser Linus Ullmark. They’ve combined for a .919 SP as a tandem so far this season. Last season, Sabres goalies posted an aggregate SP of .904. Hutton and Ullmark haven’t been … [Read more...] about Five reasons the 2018-19 Buffalo Sabres are for real

'Skinner has done more than score, too. His underlying numbers have all been positive, which indicates he’s had a positive impact even in the games he’s not scoring. His possession numbers at five-a-side are all positive when compared to those of his teammates, and he’s driving scoring chances and high-danger attempts as well as any other Sabre. The added bonus in all of this … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner is making the most of his contract year in Buffalo

'It’d be foolish to assert Eichel isn’t ready. Battling through a second straight injury-shortened campaign, Eichel fell three points shy of posting point-per-game scoring numbers in 2017-18 and his 25 goals and 64 points were both career-best marks. He was an unstoppable force for the Sabres in the second half of the season despite missing more than a handful of games, too, … [Read more...] about The Sabres picked the perfect time to name Jack Eichel captain

'6th in the Atlantic Division. Buffalo is on its way to a brighter future, but the Sabres aren’t quite there yet. Look for great seasons out of Eichel and some real promise from Mittelstadt. And don’t count out the possibility that Buffalo battles for a wild-card berth.' … [Read more...] about The Hockey News’ 2018-19 season preview: Buffalo Sabres

'As it pertains to Reinhart, though, the bridge contract gives him every opportunity to prove that he was and is every bit the player he portrayed himself as over the back half of last season. To be sure, Reinhart was excellent, too. In fact, on offense alone, he was among the best in the league. From Jan. 7 onward, a span of 41 games for the Sabres, Reinhart was not only the … [Read more...] about RFA roundup: Sabres re-sign Reinhart, so who’s left?