The Hockey News

'The Sabres had three head coaches in Dahlin’s first three years, finally finding some stability in Don Granato during a time when stability in the world was at its lowest during a global pandemic. This helped Dahlin begin to unlock the potential he had. It just took some deprogramming of bad habits from what the previous coaches had previously instilled.' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin enters the Norris Trophy conversation

'The young core of Dahlin, Thompson and Cozens, youngsters Owen Power and JJ Peterka and veterans Alex Tuch, Skinner and Kyle Okposo give people reason again to believe in this club long-term.' … [Read more...] about The Buffalo Sabres finally look better

'Granato's arrival coincided with the first real positive movement for the Sabres as a hockey team in several years, as the 55-year-old joined the club midway through a disastrous 2021 season and proceeded to lead them to an impressive 16-9-3 finish over the final two months. And while the Sabres failed to reach the playoffs again last season, they experienced incremental … [Read more...] about Sabres sign coach Don Granato to two-year extension

'In locking in Samuelsson to this type of deal so early in his career, the Sabres are clearly hoping that the 22-year-old will blossom into the legitimate top-four defenseman they believe him to be, eventually out-performing his $4.285 million price tag and turning into a bargain asset while being under contract for a long period of time.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Samuelsson to seven-year extension

'“I want the Sabres to succeed,” Okposo said on Saturday. “I know how difficult it's been at times for sports fans in this city and for the people in this city because so much of life is connected to the Bills and the Sabres. And I feel that every day, especially when I'm here in the summer and even in the winters.”' … [Read more...] about Kyle Okposo named 20th captain in Buffalo Sabres history

'Skinner’s contract, which runs for another four seasons after the 2022-23 campaign, may be one of the most difficult to move in the entire NHL, but for a team that’s desperate for positive playoff results – or one that’s desperate just to make the playoffs, period – Skinner’s deal could be more palatable if he’s as good at goal-scoring as he was last year.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner needs career-best season to make his contract palatable

'The Sabres have struggled in recent years, but with Thompson's big rise, the arrivals of Owen Power, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn, with the now experienced Rasmus Dahlin leading the way on the blueline, the Sabres are headed for a bright future. Getting Thompson, a key part of that core, signed long-term only helps that vision.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson signs seven-year deal with Sabres

'Krebs had only one assist in 13 career NHL games across two partial seasons with Vegas, but his arrival in Buffalo changed his fortunes. Aiding that growth was a return to his natural center position with Rochester. Americans coach Seth Appert believes Krebs has elite building blocks that just need to be molded into place. “Peyton has elite competitiveness and elite hockey … [Read more...] about Peyton Krebs is the Sabres’ shining knight

'After just one playoff appearance in the last five seasons, Kane's preference could be to sign with a Cup contender. That would rule out the Sabres as a preferred destination.' … [Read more...] about Should the Buffalo Sabres pursue Patrick Kane?

'The problem for Dahlin is consistency, and that’s an issue for most NHL D-men. But he now earns $6 million per season – second on the Sabres only to forward Jeff Skinner ($9 million) – and with that salary comes the expectation he’ll be a positive force at both ends of the ice. As Buffalo attempts to get back into the playoff picture in the Atlantic Division, they need him to … [Read more...] about NHL Hot Seat Radar: Buffalo Sabres

'"You see young guys coming into the league and make an immediate impact and that can turn things around in a hurry for an organization," Skinner said. "A lot goes into it; you have to execute at the draft and execute in development and they've done a great job of that so far. Obviously we're not where we want to be so we have to keep building and continuing to grow as a group. … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner ready to feed off Sabres’ young energy

'To say that the Sabres have a strong prospect pool would be an understatement. They have quickly built up one of the strongest prospect pools from top to bottom, both in terms of star power and depth. Year after year finishes in the basement of the league will do that, but it also requires sound drafting and development, both areas that have recently improved.' … [Read more...] about Prospect Pool Overview: Buffalo Sabres

'Olofsson is an intriguing young player. The 26-year-old has two 20-goal seasons under his belt, including this past campaign, and is only expected to get better as he enters the key years of his prime.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign Olofsson to two-year extension

'Comrie had a strong year in Winnipeg, posting a 10-5-1 record with a .920 save percentage. Comrie has always been a backup, but with Malcolm Subban and Craig Anderson in Buffalo's court, he'll have an opportunity to fight for more starts in the best opportunity of his career.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add Eric Comrie to goalie stable

'A physical presence, the Sabres are getting someone who's tough to play against, can play a shutdown role and isn't afraid to go 1-on-1 against team's top players.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to two-year deal