Archives for June 2009

'"I think where the real rubber meets the road is from July 6th on," Quinn told Brian and Nick. "Most of the success of the Sabres comes from the development from within. Where you're going to see the improvement is from further development of people that need to get better." He specifically mentioned Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek as players who still haven't … [Read more...] about Quinn: Success Comes From Within

'Kassian goes to a Buffalo organization that was dying to add a big, physical presence. He had 24 goals and 63 points in 61 games along with 136 penalty minutes. "The work's just starting now," he said. "There are no guarantees (to make the team) and you're playing versus men to play in the NHL."' … [Read more...] about Nashville nabs Ellis

Interest high in Kassian (Peterborough Examiner) Kassian won't have to play waiting game (Windsor Star) Kassian likened to Lucic (Windsor Star) Kassian declines Russian league (Peterborough Examiner) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Zack Kassian Coverage

'Kassian is expected to continue developing in the juniors next season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select rugged RW Kassian with No. 13 pick

'"He was a player that we felt strongly about," said Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. "You're always talking about taking the best player, but it's tough to ignore when the needs match up with what you feel is the best player. I think he'll be a really good fit."' … [Read more...] about Sabres select Kassian with No. 1 pick

'“Playing against a guy like that, who’s definitely going to be in the NHL next year, being that big and that strong -- an NHL-style defenseman -- really helped me improve my game and show me where I need to be,” Kane said Thursday. “That definitely helped me see what it’s going to be like in the next level.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres&#8217 Myers helped foe grow

'Appearing Monday on WGR Radio, Regier nearly made me drive off the road when he said the team was “still on the upswing.” The upswing? The upswing? Remind me to head for cover when we approach the downswing.' … [Read more...] about Help hardly on the way for Sabres

'“I’m humbled, first of all, because there’s a good number of my peers that could easily be in this position,” Ruff said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to be involved in something real special.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff faces Olympian task

'"Most of (the draft picks) will return to the collegiate level or play junior hockey," said Buffalo General Manager Darcy Regier. "They're a year or two away."' … [Read more...] about Sabres plan bulk for farm

'"They really have to look at themselves first and then at each other and, starting with themselves, say, `How can I help this team?' And then, looking at each other, say, `How can I help you help this team?'" Regier said. "I think we're at a growth stage in this organization where not only can they do that, they need to do that."' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Regier maintains patient approach

'Of the 291 first-round picks in the 10-year span, only 33 failed to make the NHL. The Sabres' three no-shows account for 9 percent of those failures, tied for most in the league. Edmonton, New Jersey, Phoenix and the New York Rangers also whiffed three times. But the Sabres are able to unearth contributors in the ensuing rounds. In fact, they do it at a better rate than the … [Read more...] about Sabres find talent in roundabout way

'Ruff will help head coach Mike Babcock along with Ken Hitchcock and Jacques Lemaire.' … [Read more...] about Ruff will be assistant for Canada in Olympics

'Let's start by freeing up some extra money off the current roster to give Regier a little more flexibility on the open market. However possible, I would rid myself of three bad contracts -- Jochen Hecht ($3.8 million!), Toni Lydman ($3.1 million) and Henrik Tallinder ($3.25 million) -- by making some moves at this weekend's draft. Lydman should be able to fetch a higher draft … [Read more...] about Free Agency Crunch Time

'The scrutiny and pressure Regier and Ruff will face could be at an all-time high. The Sabres had to announce in April the duo would return for a 12th season. Despite their impressive resumes, Buffalo has missed the playoffs two straight seasons and five of the last seven. Any other team would have canned them years ago.' … [Read more...] about Same old, same old for Sabres?

Despite the talk, Dineen's a Pirate (Portland Press Herald) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Portland Coverage