WGR

'Should they sign Skinner? Yeah probably. I get the fear mixed in… but I think we should all TAKE five years of success and six, seven, and eight being a train wreck. Heck, it’d more than DOUBLE the returns of the last few runs at this.' … [Read more...] about The 3-2-1

'"Things have definitely progressed this week. That was as expected. [General manager] Jason Botterill just got back from the World Championships. Obviously with the NHL Combine in Buffalo, he knew he'd have an opportunity to connect with Newport Sports, who represent Jeff Skinner, and that's happened. It sounds like they're having progressive conversation, but to say that … [Read more...] about Dreger: “I’d be surprised if a Jeff Skinner deal wasn’t announced in the near future”

'"It's a very crucial time," McKenzie said. "There's been dialogue all week long between Skinner's representatives and Buffalo general manager Jason Botterill. The NHL Combine is in Buffalo, so agents, players, prospects, general managers of all teams are descending on Buffalo. The sense seems to be is that there's optimism, but not to the point where either side is entirely … [Read more...] about Report: Dialogue between Sabres and Skinner starting to intensify

'The center had no goals and one assist in his first 16 games with the Amerks. When the Sabres moved up to get Asplund in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft, they talked about what a smart player he was. That came through as Asplund found his game and had 10 goals and 31 assists for 41 points in 75 games. Asplund said there were many factors that helped him get better, “I … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Asplund thinks he’s ready to live his NHL dream

'"Eager, excited, good hockey IQ, and a very good attention to detail person. It was unfortunate with how things fell in Edmonton for his sake. Obviously it was the lockout year, but he did a good job with what he was given there. He's a great person, a great communicator, and he just loves the players."' … [Read more...] about Smyth: Krueger will do ‘an excellent job’ with the Sabres

'"When you think of where he's come from, he built the Swiss program, that's a complete underdog country at the time he took over [in 1998]. He's really technically sound, he's learned how to beat better teams with the teams that he's had. That's the hockey part of it. I thought he did a really good job in Edmonton. This is just kind of the coach's fraternity looking at a team … [Read more...] about Maurice: ‘This is the right time’ for Krueger to be in the NHL

'"You look at the playoffs, there's certainly some strong and physical players, but it's about getting to the front of the net and about winning the battles in front of the net in your own [defensive] zone. We have players that have enough size, but now it's just understanding how to go into the corners and win battles. I go back to my own experiences being a part of teams in … [Read more...] about Botterill has a lot on his plate for the offseason

'For example, if you’re in a section where the Sabres shoot twice, your ticket will go up more than people in sections at the other end. Once the team comes up with what sections are more prime than others, they then set the increases. Nobody’s ticket will go up more than five-percent. The average price will go up 2.45-percent.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres use an analytic approach to season ticket pricing

'Montour suffered a MCL sprain while playing for Team Canada against Slovakia at the IIHF World Championship. The Sabres have announced that his recovery time is about six weeks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Montour has a sprained knee

'That doesn’t mean you have to love this choice. It’s just important to point out that if you’re going to denigrate soccer as some way to be down on this hire, I believe you’re badly missing the mark. There are many reasons why any coach might not succeed. In the case of Krueger being hired by the Buffalo Sabres, his having been in charge of Southampton Football Club the past … [Read more...] about Bravo, Botterill

'Probably, Krueger learned what he would have already thought to be true: Sabres fans are plentiful, passionate and always ready to embrace a team that earns their respect. It isn't only what he would have heard, it's what he would have seen. Walking into Buffalo bars like that, Krueger would have seen the Sabres' logo all around him.' … [Read more...] about Is Happy Hour finally here for the Sabres?

'"One of the things we tend to label people with is they make a mistake, and that's just who they are and they're never going to be able to change, who they will always be. Ralph Krueger is one of the most cerebral individuals that I've ever dealt with in hockey. He is smart. He's not arrogant smart, not cocky smart, he's just really smart. I can guarantee you that [his … [Read more...] about Rishaug: Krueger is ‘such a good hire’ for the Sabres

'Krueger gets his second coaching job in the National Hockey League after spending the last five years in the English Premier League as the chairman of the Southampton Football Club. The 59-year-old last coached with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season, leading the team to a 19-22-7 record and 45 points in 48 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire Ralph Krueger as head coach

'One thing that has always stuck with me is when Phil Housley said he wasn’t going to be in the room or consulted on trade deadline day. With the experience Krueger got in the front office of Southampton, I wondered if that will change with him. “I think the general manager and the coach need to talk about everything that goes on in the organization. There needs to be that … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill said communication with Krueger made it feel like a match to him

'"I enjoy being spontaneous & adaptable. Love to use my staff. I've learned a lot more doing sport science in the Premier League. I want to bring that here."' … [Read more...] about Krueger: “I enjoy being spontaneous and adaptable”