WGR

'There's really only one player in the NHL that I can think of that this works with right now. Devils star winger Taylor Hall. It works in that he has one year left on his contract, reportedly won't sign with the Devils, and is arguably an elite player in the league. He'd dramatically improve the Sabres top six scoring.' … [Read more...] about The Skinner trade was a success… Let’s do it again

'The bottom six forwards and defense corps need an overhaul. (Fingers crossed that goaltending doesn't need one too after that bumpy season.) Buffalo's bottom-six forwards repeatedly got trounced in games, a glaring area of concern even in November when the team was rattling off 10 straight wins. Nothing was done to address it. Going forward, there's value in restricted free … [Read more...] about What’s the plan, Jason Botterill?

'The Council's main focus will be to continue committing to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and around the league. The NHL and NHLPA also announced the creation of the 'Female Hockey Ambassador Program' at the summit. It is the first initiative from the newly-formed NHL and NHLPA Female Hockey Advisory committee; it will provide funding to NHL clubs to create … [Read more...] about Kim Pegula named Co-Chairman of the NHL’s Diversity and Inclusion Senior Leadership Council

'There are always surprises at the top of the draft. Nobody thought Casey Mittelstadt would get to the Sabres at No. 8, but he did and Buffalo was elated. Jankowski said they like to get an idea where teams are headed before the draft, “You’ve got some feelers out there, we kind of think Chicago might not draft a defenseman because they’ve drafted a defenseman in the last two … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jankowski knows they’ll get a good player at No. 7

'The annual 3-on-3 tournament will be held June 29 in the morning at 10:45 and will be open free to season ticket holders only. Each season ticket holder may get two free tickets to the tournament per account.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ development camp runs June 26 through June 29

'Smith was hired by Phil Housley before last season after coaching in Carolina.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Ralph Krueger retains Steve Smith on his staff

'Bales spent two seasons coaching the Hurricanes goalies. Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney did not have great regular season numbers, but Carolina did make the playoffs and got to the Eastern Conference Finals.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres to hire Mike Bales as goalie coach

'In April Skinner said that it’s going to be a long process for him as he needed to think about everything. He was true to that and said, “I think there’s a number of things. When you go through this process you try to weigh what’s important to you and then you weigh the pros and cons and for me, the top things on my list were all the positive things about Buffalo and right at … [Read more...] about Sabres Skinner didn’t see the need to talk to other teams

'“The other element that gave us comfort in going to a deal with Jeff, is just how we fit in with our group. I thought he was a great influence on our young players. The relationship with some of our elite players such as Jack and Sam, but going out of his way to have an impact on Rasmus Dahlin, Casey Mittelstadt and just his professionalism off the ice.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill never wavered in his belief that Skinner would remain a Sabre

'The numbers and stats smart guys seem to like this deal. There’s always some sticker shock when shelling out that kind of cash and cap space, but it just goes as the price to play poker. I don’t worry too much about these big deals. If Skinner continues to produce at the same level he has to this point in his career, then the Sabres will be fine. If he gives them that rate … [Read more...] about The Skinner Bet

'Skinner, who just turned 27 scored a career high 40 goals this season, but averages 30 goals over 82 games. Buffalo acquired him last August from Carolina for Cliff Pu, a second round pick, a third round pick and sixth round pick.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner agrees to a new contract with the Sabres

'According to multiple reports over the last couple of weeks, talks between both sides continue to remain positive with the hopes that an extension can be signed before the start of free agency. However, TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie reported on Thursday that negotiations are starting to come down to crunch time, and that he will either sign an extension with the Sabres in … [Read more...] about Dreger: Negotiations between the Sabres and Skinner are ‘reaching a breaking point’

'"His tone and his voice, when it came to the past and the future, he was comfortable on that line. I initiated the call in that way and it never went another direction. Jeff had the opportunity to change direction if he wanted to, it was the flow of the conversation that made me feel comfortable."' … [Read more...] about Krueger – “I work on the basis that Jeff Skinner is a Buffalo Sabre”

'Many fans feel there’s no chance that Skinner is coming back because the process has taken so long. Botterill said, “People always want a deal done as of yesterday, but both sides have understood that we wanted to get the head coach in place and then we could ramp up our discussions and we’ve certainly done that and I feel good where it’s at right now and hopefully we can … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill is still confident he’ll come to an agreement with Jeff Skinner

'I’ve felt all along that Skinner would be re-signed for a few reasons including the eighth year that other teams won’t be able to offer and the ability to play with Jack Eichel who played a key role in Skinner’s career best 40 goal season. I know we are talking about a lot of money and a contract that will take Skinner to age 35 but I think Botterill knows how important … [Read more...] about Relax Sabres fans