'This is the last time we’ll see Benson in Buffalo until the Prospects Challenge in September, when he’ll likely join forces with his junior hockey teammate and fellow Sabres prospect Matt Savoie. Benson planned to resume his offseason training as soon as he departed, and he must prepare for a change of scenery in the Western Hockey League. His and Benson’s club, the Winnipeg … [Read more...] about Zach Benson caps ‘whirlwind’ two weeks with standout showing at Sabres development camp
The Sabres Report - Jul 7, 2023
Mike Harrington: Don Granato's concerns feel a lot easier than Sean McDermott's
'As things stand, Granato seems to have fewer, ahem, concerns than McDermott. Development camp was a bit of a lovefest, and the team feels the free agent additions of Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton on defense significantly upgrade their depth on the back end.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Don Granato’s concerns feel a lot easier than Sean McDermott’s
Sabres notes: Don Granato believes Erik Johnson will help Rasmus Dahlin, other defensemen
'“He’s actually had such a wide spectrum of experience through the league,” Granato said Thursday following the final session of development camp in KeyBank Center. “And … there’s no diminishing the fact he’s a hell of a player present day, and that excited me.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Don Granato believes Erik Johnson will help Rasmus Dahlin, other defensemen
Benson’s a good one
'Every general manager from San Jose picking at No. 4 to Arizona taking a second pick at No. 12 — excluding Philadelphia taking Matvei Michkov at No. 7 — will rue the day it passed on Benson. In just a few short days, you could tell he is already the most skilled prospect in the Sabres’ pool following the graduation of Owen Power, Jack Quinn and Devon Levi.' … [Read more...] about Benson’s a good one
Sabres get impressive showing as Development Camp comes to a close
'Players on that winning team were Zach Benson, Nikita Novikov, Viktor Neuchev, Viljami Marjala, Joel Ratkovic-Berndtsson, Norwin Panocha, Nicolas Savoie, Josh Fleming and Nathan Airey.' … [Read more...] about Sabres get impressive showing as Development Camp comes to a close
Granato added two defensemen he wanted this offseason
'"They will fit very well with us," he said. "But the biggest thing is they made a decision, and they had options. They made a decision to become a Buffalo Sabre, and that is significant. I was watching a lot of defensemen that had the potential of being available, and defensemen that were talked about being moved around the league. There were two that I really, really wanted, … [Read more...] about Granato added two defensemen he wanted this offseason
Sabres wrap up development camp
'The parking lot was backed up, the stands were filled with fans, and to even Sabres coach Don Granato's surprise, Bills head coach Sean McDermott showed some love and made an appearance for the last day.' … [Read more...] about Sabres wrap up development camp
McCarthy begins new chapter with hometown team
'"It's been great," Joe McCarthy said. "Our entire family went down to Tennessee (for the draft), and we all got to share the experience with Gavin. Since we went through it with his oldest brother in Vancouver in 2019, we were a little bit prepared for what the process was. But watching Gavin go through it was an experience all of its own."' … [Read more...] about McCarthy begins new chapter with hometown team
Kisakov aims to ease transition to Rochester for Neuchev, Novikov
'"I can help with English," Kisakov said, flashing a grin. "Nikita speaks a little bit. Viktor has zero, zero English. I can help him."' … [Read more...] about Kisakov aims to ease transition to Rochester for Neuchev, Novikov
The Sabres Report - Jul 6, 2023
Anton Wahlberg's 'big, big step' in Sweden led the Sabres to try to swing a trade
'Wahlberg is 6-foot-3, 190 pounds and pairs excellent skating ability with high-end skill, both of which were an asset for Malmo as it won the series against Brynas IF. He quickly showed this fall on Malmo’s Under-20 team that he was more advanced than his peers. Several of his 14 goals in 32 junior hockey games were of highlight-reel quality. He’d skate end to end before … [Read more...] about Anton Wahlberg’s ‘big, big step’ in Sweden led the Sabres to try to swing a trade
Sabres re-sign Kale Clague to one-year contract
'Clague spent most of last season with the Sabres, compiling zero goals, four points and a minus-3 rating in 33 games. He began the campaign with the Rochester Americans, registering one goal, six points and a minus-8 rating in 14 contests.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign Kale Clague to one-year contract
Sabres goalie prospect Scott Ratzlaff draws comparisons to Devon Levi
'“You can always see him having a smile on his face, enjoying the game for what it is, not taking it too seriously, things like that,” he said following Wednesday’s session of development camp in LECOM Harborcenter. “So just learning to see the game for what it is and as a sport. When you’re doing something like this, you got to have fun with it. You don’t want it to become a … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie prospect Scott Ratzlaff draws comparisons to Devon Levi
The Sabres have three college coaches helping out at Development Camp
'The NHL Coaches’ Association has an initiative to increase diversity in the league so enter Chelsea Walkland, Troy Thibodeau and Shelly Picard.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres have three college coaches helping out at Development Camp
Sabres re-sign Clague to 1-year contract
'Clague, 25, returns to the organization after appearing in 33 games for the Sabres last season. He recorded four assists. He also played in 14 games for the Rochester Americans of the AHL, totaling six points (1+5).' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign Clague to 1-year contract
'It's surreal' | Guest coaches soaking in development camp experience
'"I grew up in Rochester, New York, so family's diehard Sabres fans, Rochester Amerks fans. So, to be invited to this organization and see just how first class and how welcoming it's been, I'd say pretty surreal. I keep having to pinch myself when I kind of look around it and take it all in."' … [Read more...] about ‘It’s surreal’ | Guest coaches soaking in development camp experience