The Hockey News

'What’s clear about the Sabres’ off-season makeover is that GM Kevyn Adams wants more grit and determination out of his bottom-six group of forwards, and more experience overall. Adams brought in forwards Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Ryan McLeod to fill out his third and fourth lines, and while they did take a small hit in terms of their overall talent – moving from … [Read more...] about It’s “Here We Go Again” Time for the Sabres Amidst 13-Year Playoff Drought

'That said, the newcomers are secondary parts, and it’s really Buffalo’s young talents that will determine if the Sabres shake off their 13-straight seasons without a playoff appearance. Ruff knows the market and its angst, and his experience will leave no excuses as to the Sabres being underwhelming once again. It’s playoffs-or-bust for this group, and Ruff has to steer them … [Read more...] about NHL’s Top Issues Facing the Buffalo Sabres: Ruff’s Return, Thompson’s Resurgence and Goaltending Tandem

'Some would tell you Pegula’s purchase of the franchise kept the Sabres from relocating, and there is some truth to that. However, when you’re closing in on a decade-and-a-half of failure, and the only thing you have to show for it is a participant badge, there’s clearly something deeply wrong with the organization.' … [Read more...] about NHL Hot Seat Radar: While Sabres Owner Pegula May Be at the End of His Losing Line, Young Star Dahlin’s Spot is Cemented

'The first name on the call-up list might be Jiri Kulich, who has shown off his goal-scoring touch at the AHL level for each of the last two seasons. The Czech forward has an absolute bomb for a shot, particularly his one-timer on the powerplay. He made his NHL debut last year but his one-game call-up didn’t really give him much opportunity to show off his scoring touch. An … [Read more...] about NHL Prospect Pool Overview 2024-25: Buffalo Sabres’ Pipeline Stays Strong Despite Trading Savoie

'Savoie was selected ninth overall by the Sabres in the 2022 NHL draft. In February, he ranked 38th on The Hockey News' top 100 prospects list in Future Watch 2024, based on votes by a scout or director of player personnel on each NHL team. The Oilers' highest-ranked player at the time was Xavier Bourgault in 97th place.' … [Read more...] about Edmonton Oilers Acquire Matt Savoie from Buffalo Sabres for Ryan McLeod, Tyler Tullio

'The buyout cost will last six seasons, with the Sabres saving $7,555,556 next season, $4,555,556 in 2025-26 and $2,555,556 in 2026-27, according to PuckPedia. After that, it will cost them $2,444,444 for each of the following three seasons, coming off the books in 2030.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres ‘Initiated the Process’ of Buying Out Jeff Skinner, GM Says

'This move would result in the Sabres being on the hook for $1.44 million in the first season, followed by cap hits of $4.44 million in 2025-26, $6.44 million in 2026-27 and $2.44 million in each of the following three seasons.' … [Read more...] about Three Potential Destinations for Jeff Skinner If Buffalo Sabres Buy Him Out

'While Adams may say otherwise, it’s hard to reconcile Ruff’s experience with Buffalo not being a factor in the hiring. At the very least, given that Buffalo fired Granato less than a week ago, it’s fair to wonder how wide of a net was cast in Adams’ search.' … [Read more...] about Did the Sabres Make the Right Move Bringing Back Lindy Ruff?

'Berube, Evason and Gerard Gallant are three names that make a lot of sense with their similar styles.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres Fire Coach Don Granato: Three Potential Replacements

'Two veterans who might make sense for the Sabres in net are current Los Angeles Kings goalie Cam Talbot and Bruins counterpart Linus Ullmark.' … [Read more...] about Why the Buffalo Sabres Should Pursue a Stop-Gap Goaltender

'Coach Don Granato hasn't shied away from throwing Byram into the deep end. His ice time is up by more than four minutes a game as he plays the power play, the penalty kill and on the team's top defense pairing with Rasmus Dahlin, who has seamlessly shifted over to the right side.' … [Read more...] about Bowen Byram ‘Going To Be a Big, Big Part’ of Buffalo Sabres’ Future

'“We’ve talked so much about being on the same team," Cozens said after Wednesday's game. “I went on All-Star break with him and he just told me how much he’d love to be here and play with us.”' … [Read more...] about The Morning Take: A Trip To Cancun May Have Led Byram to Buffalo

'Buffalo takes a bit of a hit on offense, while Colorado takes a bit of a hit on defense, but this had to be a talent-in, talent-out deal rather than a trade for draft picks and prospects.' … [Read more...] about Reaction: Sabres Trade Casey Mittelstadt to Avalanche for Bowen Byram

'The 25-year-old Mittelstadt leads all Sabres players in points right now, with 43 in 53 games, while averaging 18:24 in ice time. His salary cap hit of $2.5 million makes him an attractive trade chip. Although Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams has denied speculation he’s looking to move Mittelstadt, some part of the Sabres’ core needs to change. This team needs a different mix, and with … [Read more...] about Should the Rangers Trade for Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt? Plus Two Other Destinations

'Given Mittelstadt's RFA status, the Sabres aren't under pressure to move him by March 8. However, the ongoing uncertainty over his contract situation should ensure he keeps getting mentioned as a trade candidate.' … [Read more...] about Are the Buffalo Sabres Willing to Trade Casey Mittelstadt?