'"We’re continuing to try to set this team up where we’re putting 'Risto' in positions to have success," Botterill continued. "Yeah, he wants to win. We also want to put him in a situation where he plays very well, and that’s what we’ve tried to do with some of the acquisitions, add depth to our defence, add competition to our defence."' … [Read more...] about Botterill: Sabres trying to put Ristolainen ‘in positions to have success’
TSN
Krueger talks return to coaching, Sabres' playoff goals
'I believe that has to be our goal and let’s be honest, we still have some building to do. There’s free agency ahead, we have some conversations to have with players we still have before free agency. Let’s bring the lineup together, I need to get to know the others better. I have a few months here to really get up to speed on our competition but I certainly believe we can be in … [Read more...] about Krueger talks return to coaching, Sabres’ playoff goals
Eichel on Sabres slide: 'It's been embarrassing for us'
'"We can't go out there and play like that and expect to win. We've got six games left. I've said this before: everyone has something to play for. And at this point, really, everyone has something to play for. I mean, I think just the way that the last little bit's gone; it's been embarrassing for us. ' … [Read more...] about Eichel on Sabres slide: ‘It’s been embarrassing for us’
Finally, some life in the QEW rivalry
'"Just the proximity of the two teams make it that every time we came here before there was energy in the building," said coach Mike Babcock, "a lot of Leafs fans and now, pretty soon, Leafs fans won’t be able to buy tickets here because Buffalo fans will have bought them already."' … [Read more...] about Finally, some life in the QEW rivalry
Statistically Speaking: Skinner a gift for Sabres
'Buffalo got a first-line scoring winger at a discount price, so they have to be ecstatic. Perhaps Skinner’s no-move clause limited his potential marketplace, but the Hurricanes are clearly worse after getting rid of Skinner, and it doesn’t look like the return makes the deal worthwhile. Essentially, if this was the best deal available, why not keep Skinner next season and try … [Read more...] about Statistically Speaking: Skinner a gift for Sabres
Statistically Speaking: Blues swing a blockbuster deal for O'Reilly
'All told, the Sabres got the quantity of assets in this deal, but the Blues got the quality. O’Reilly is clearly the best player and his departure leaves a big void in the Buffalo lineup. At the same time, the Sabres have enough holes that they can use all of the pieces coming their way.' … [Read more...] about Statistically Speaking: Blues swing a blockbuster deal for O’Reilly
Statistically Speaking: Sheary a good get for Sabres
'In Buffalo, Sheary is looking at an opportunity to play with a skilled young centre, either or . (Ryan O’Reilly would be an option, too, if he’s still in Buffalo.) Sheary is also likely to see a bump in his ice time, after dropping nearly two minutes per game from 2016-2017 to 2017-2018, so he should have a fair opportunity to score 20 goals.' … [Read more...] about Statistically Speaking: Sheary a good get for Sabres
Off-Season Watch: The price for O'Reilly
'“But for Botterill to move out Ryan O’Reilly, he’s going to need several pieces. And if it’s around draft time, you know what it’s going to be: It’s going to be likely a young NHL player or a prospect, a high draft pick, and maybe something else on top of that.”' … [Read more...] about Off-Season Watch: The price for O’Reilly
O'Reilly talks Sabres' season; addresses trade speculation
'"Everything I said, I was being honest. When I look at it, when I reflect on the year, who else can I look at? I'm one of the guys who plays the most minutes and you know, it's my fault. I want to change, I want to be in Buffalo. I love it there. Obviously, we're getting the first pick which would be huge. It's a great city, I want to be there and I want to win. I was being … [Read more...] about O’Reilly talks Sabres’ season; addresses trade speculation
Off-Season Game Plan: Buffalo Sabres
'Where do the Sabres turn for a new goaltender? The free agent market is thin, but or might be able to share time with Ullmark. On the trade market, or are backups that might warrant a chance in a starter’s role. Someone like Philadelphia’s could offer a short-term solution.' … [Read more...] about Off-Season Game Plan: Buffalo Sabres
Ehrhoff retires, still owed $8.5M by Sabres
'He was bought out by Buffalo after just three seasons in 2014, leaving the team with an annual payment of $857,143 for 14 years. He is still owed $8.57 million by the Sabres and will receive cheques through 2027-28. He does not, however, count against the Sabres salary cap.' … [Read more...] about Ehrhoff retires, still owed $8.5M by Sabres
Sabres’ O’Reilly: ‘We’re trying to measure up’
'“We’re trying to measure up,” said O’Reilly. “These guys are a team that regrouped and had young guys come in and get established and that’s something we were looking to do and we fell behind ... We’re trying to make this a tough building to play in and it hasn’t been tough this year. We’re really disappointed with the way we’ve performed at home and we have these … [Read more...] about Sabres’ O’Reilly: ‘We’re trying to measure up’
Statistically Speaking: Sharks get Kane at bargain price
'It sure looks like the Sabres whiffed on this deal.' … [Read more...] about Statistically Speaking: Sharks get Kane at bargain price
Sabres' Moulson producing with AHL Reign
'The 34-year-old is making $5 million for the Sabres this season and still has one year remaining on a five-year, $25 million deal he signed with the team ahead of the 2014-15 season. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported earlier this month the Sabres were willing to retain salary to move Moulson, but couldn't find a trade partner.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Moulson producing with AHL Reign
Trade Bait: Duchene deal puts Sabres' Kane atop list
'While moving Kane may help speed up Botterill’s rebuild plan in Buffalo – the Sabres entered Tuesday night’s action tied for 16th in the Eastern Conference – his departure would leave a hole on Botterill’s depth chart. Players with Kane’s speed and skillset, the ability to not only keep up with Eichel but to make plays with him, aren’t a dime a dozen.' … [Read more...] about Trade Bait: Duchene deal puts Sabres’ Kane atop list