Archives for June 2009

'“I think there’s been a little bit of shift in the National Hockey League,” Regier said Monday at HSBC Arena. “When we came out of the lockout the game was designed for speed - speed and skill. And over the last few years I think there’s been a shift back to more size and more physical play, and I think you have to - in our case felt we needed to … [Read more...] about Regier reflects on Buffalo&#8217s status after draft

'"Regardless of what happens in the next week or two weeks, we're going to work to see if we can improve the hockey club," Regier said. "It doesn't have to all come through unrestricted signings or free agent signings. It can come through trades. I just think there will be more work over the course of the summer this year than probably in the past."' … [Read more...] about Sabres expect to avoid holiday shopping

'The Buffalo Sabres retained the rights to three key restricted free agents by extending qualifying offers to forwards Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur and defenseman Andrej Sekera.' … [Read more...] about Sabres extend qualifying offers to three players

'"He (Weissman) told me I was high on their list," said Fine, reached at his North York, Ont., home. "It sounded to me as if they would have taken me if they'd had all of their picks. Hearing that picked up my spirits."' … [Read more...] about Undrafted Fine gets camp invite

'"When I heard my name get called, it didn't hit me at first. It took a little bit," Foligno said. "I started walking around with the Buffalo jersey on and talking to people and then it hit me ... Holy crap I'm going to Buffalo. It was a dream come true."' … [Read more...] about Foligno going back home to Buffalo

'Knapp, a goaltender, who just completed his freshman year at Miami (Ohio) University was picked with the 164th pick.' … [Read more...] about Sabres pick former McQuaid goalie Knapp

'The Sabres left the draft Saturday with six players, and all have the physique to stand out in a crowd. The three forwards and two defensemen average nearly 6-foot-2 1/2 inches and 198 pounds, and the goaltender is a 6-5, 215-pounder.' … [Read more...] about By and large, Sabres address needs

[Rough English translation from French language source] '193 players were called before him, but waiting will have been worth the blow for Maxime Legault. Without the shade of a doubt the future captain of the Cataracts, the #54 raised a broad smile when the managing director of the Sabres of Buffalo, Darcy Regier, pronounced his name in round seventh.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo direction for Maxime Legault

Foligno crosses fingers in Montreal (Sudbury Star) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Marcus Foligno Coverage

'Playing for the Notre Dame Hounds in 2005-06, McNabb joined Myers both on the blueline and in stature - McNabb stands at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds while Myers is 6-foot-7. “It’ll be great to see him,” McNabb said. “Darcy [Regier] told me all about development camp and Buffalo so I’m really excited. Hopefully he can show me around a bit."' … [Read more...] about The McNabb, Myers connection

'Leafs GM Brian Burke said earlier in the week that he had his eye on Kassian, but the team never had a chance to snag him before Buffalo picked him up.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo chooses Kassian in first round of NHL draft

'The Sabres opened the second day of the draft by selecting 6-foot-4 defenseman Brayden McNabb, who played for Kootenay of the Western Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about Sabres draft son of former captain Mike Foligno

'Marcus Foligno, a 6-foot-2, 200-pounder, played for Mike with Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League. He had 12 goals, 18 assists and 96 penalty minutes in 65 games last season. Marcus Foligno, 17, was born in Buffalo on Aug. 10, 1991. His older brother, Nick, plays for the Ottawa Senators.' … [Read more...] about Sabres jump on Foligno in fourth round

'"They're my new favourite team," chuckled Kassian. "I got picked by a great team and it's an honour. I've heard nothing but great things. It's a great city and great hockey town. It's a well known, well developed market in the U. S. with great fan support. (Ex-Pete) Pat Kaleta plays there and another guy I know Mike Weber. They say it's a great place to play. … [Read more...] about Kassian rejoices with family

'As far as Kassian stepping in the October Regier said, "That's too much to ask. He'll come to the conditioning camp, he'll come to training camp and with his size, he'll get a lot of attention, but as far as him playing, it's a reach."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Take Kassian in First Round; Regier trying to get into the 2nd round