The Hockey News

'“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?

'“Just figuring out everything off the ice,” he said. “Like getting to the plane, how guys get ready for games, when the meetings are – that was the biggest part for me.”' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt sees a strong group in Buffalo

'One aspect of the deal that could be holding up matters is that Reinhart, a player who may have once been perceived as a safe bet for a bridge contract, now seems a better bet on a long-term pact. While a short-term deal would have made sense prior, the benefits of a long-term deal, particularly with Reinhart seemingly unlocking his offense, are much greater. In saying that, … [Read more...] about Sabres’ best bet with Reinhart would be to lock him up long term

'The only real caveat in the deal from Buffalo’s perspective is that Skinner is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2018-19 season, meaning the Sabres could hypothetically lose him after just one year of service. But it is worth noting that Skinner’s contract with Carolina contained a no-move clause, so obviously he approved the move to Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres acquire Jeff Skinner from Carolina

'But for those lamenting Eichel’s new number, be it for jersey-accuracy reasons or otherwise, rest assured that you’re not alone. Eichel is far from the first young gun to switch up his number after a few successful seasons wearing a different digit. Here are six notable skaters from the post-lockout era who spent at least two campaigns wearing one number before switching … [Read more...] about Eichel switches to no. 9, but he’s not first young star to make early change

'This is not a complete team, but it is a team that is being assembled nicely. Botterill is on the right track and this summer should be deemed a success already – and we haven’t even seen what Dahlin and Mittelstadt can do over an 82-game schedule.' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill has Buffalo on the right track

'Let’s flip this analysis on its head a bit, too, and tackle Buffalo first. This isn’t sunk money for the Sabres. Sure, it’s a big spend, but after the transaction, the Sabres are spending that money on two players — and quite possibly three — who are sure to make their roster better as early as next season. Losing O’Reilly is difficult, but with Jack Eichel and Casey … [Read more...] about Blues acquire O’Reilly, upgrade down the middle in blockbuster deal with Sabres

'To give up that kind of talent for a conditional fourth-round pick clearly indicates the Pittsburgh Penguins are clearing the decks for a big acquisition, either during the free agent frenzy or in an off-season trade. The Sabres, meanwhile, get two legitimate NHL players, a commodity that has been in short supply for this organization in the past couple of seasons. And maybe, … [Read more...] about Help on the way: Sabres add depth, experience with acquisition of Sheary, Hunwick

'“He’s a little like a Peter Forsberg character. He gets really mean. He has a high temper. That gives him a competitive edge at practices and especially in games. He doesn’t lose his head, but he competes. He’s going to have more dirty tricks than people think. He’s not going to take anything for granted, and he’s going to battle for everything."' … [Read more...] about Sabres savior: Meet do-it-all defender Rasmus Dahlin

'I know Buffalo has been burned by the stove of history often, but Dahlin could really help turn around this franchise in a meaningful way. With Eichel and Mittelstadt already there, the Sabres have an excellent young core. Sure, there are still pieces missing (a proven starting netminder, for one), but at least the most important elements of a champion are within the … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres win the Rasmus Dahlin draft lottery