‘Botterill calls it a “difficult decision” in saying the team has informed Lehner he’s not coming back. He spoke to reporters Friday in Dallas, hours before the Sabres open the NHL draft with the No. 1 pick.’
The Sabres Report - June 22, 2018
‘Hope’ the operative word for Sabres on draft night ★
‘While making the playoffs in 2019 would certainly be a great achievement, the Sabres — like the Buffalo Bills — are looking for more than just flash in the pan success. Building a strong organizational foundation needs to be the focus not only this offseason, but in the seasons to come.’
Rasmus Dahlin keeps thoughts close before NHL Draft ★
‘Dahlin has a pleasant and quiet demeanor that is more noticeable when it’s contrasted against his chattier peers. At the end of the skills clinic, the children formed one long queue on the ice. Like an assembly line, they skated up to each prospect, got their jersey signed, and moved on to the next guy.’
Is Dahlin the Sabres' savior? The psychology of first-round hype ★
‘“Today, kids will pick up their phone all day long, and it’s probably human nature to want to hear what people are saying,” says McKee, who is now the head coach of the Kitchener Rangers, a major junior team largely comprised of players ages 16 to 20. “You all see all these people liking and favoriting these pictures of you and articles about you. I think the stresses and the pressures are definitely raised not only on athletes, but kids in general. Kids that compare themselves to others.”’
Frolunda auctioning off signed, game-worn Dahlin jerseys ★
‘Bids for both jerseys exceeded $700 as of Thursday night. The auction ends on Tuesday at 4 a.m.’
Sabres announce 2018-19 regular season schedule ★
‘Evander Kane will play against his former team for the first time on Oct. 18 when the San Jose Sharks host the Sabres. He’ll play in Buffalo for the first time since the trade on Nov. 27. Patrick Kane will make his annual pilgrimage to his hometown on Feb. 1, while the Sabres will visit Chicago on March 7.’
Rasmus Dahlin has opportunity to become one of Sabres’ greats ★
‘“Like, if you didn’t know … you’d be like, ‘Wow … this guy is a first-line center. That’s where he’ll play at in the NHL.’”’
2018-19 Sabres schedule features early home stand, long January break ★
‘The Sabres’ bye week coincides with the NHL All-Star break, so after their Jan. 18 game in Vancouver, they don’t play again until Jan. 29 in Columbus.’
Prep Sports Awards: Buffalo Sabre Jake McCabe tells local athletes to never lose sight of ultimate goals ★
‘Overcoming disappointment was one of McCabe’s main messages to the high school athletes honored at the Prep Sports Awards on Thursday. “You’re going to have disappointments,” he said. “Don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal. Don’t doubt yourself.”’
Commentary: Eichel’s days as face of Sabres are numbered ★
‘While Eichel will continue to be loved by the fan base, his presence alone has not translated into success for the team on the ice. If the win totals increase with the addition of Dahlin into the lineup, it is likely to assume that he will take up the mantle of being the face of the franchise.’