Archives for June 2012

'“We are very active as it relates to finding ways to improve our hockey team,” Regier said during the team’s draft preview gathering with reporters. “Some of the names you hear that are out there, we’ve had conversations with those teams. I think it’s way too early to know whether or not anything will happen. There are a lot of teams like us in similar positions.”' … [Read more...] about Regier working the phone for deals

'He wasn’t saying whether a trade is likely, only that the offers will probably get more serious as Friday’s 7 p.m. start time nears. The extra early picks do, however, provide flexibility for the Sabres to move up to get the prospect they really want, or to even obtain a proven player through trade.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have options entering NHL draft

'“It’s way too early to know if anything will happen,” Regier said Monday during a pre-draft chat inside the First Niagara Center. “I think that there are a lot of teams like us, in similar positions. … At the start of the draft week, even the week before, you start to get a sense, and then as we get closer to the draft things have a way of materializing.”' … [Read more...] about Four early picks should give the Sabres draft options

'“I try to get up [here] as much as possible. My family is up here. Both sides [of my family’s] grandmothers are here in the summer. My grandpa lives in Carnarvon,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to come back to a familiar place. To know everybody supports and cares about you it’s a good feeling to be back in town. Haliburton has given me a lot of support over the years. I … [Read more...] about Hodgson appreciates coming home to Haliburton following NHL season

'Regier revealed on Monday that he's already been ''very active'' in trade talks with several teams to gauge what deals might be available. Atop his wish list is adding a top-line forward to improve what had been a high-priced, underperforming team that failed to make the playoffs last season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres active in trade talks prior to NHL draft

'“I have been more active meaning more calls going out than I’m receiving, but that doesn’t mean it won’t change. The tendency is for this thing to ramp up as you get closer and when you get on the floor and it gets a little crazier. I think what’s really important for us organizationally and what we’re working on is the different possible scenarios and I’m trying to get as … [Read more...] about Sabres not looking for the top overall pick

'The Sabres will likely focus on a few different areas of need in this year's draft, but the highest need on the list should be the lack of high-end offensive talent coming up through the ranks. The Sabres will also look to add size down the middle, as they don't currently have a center over six feet tall among their prospects. If they keep both of their current selections in … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres 2012 draft preview

'Sabres GM Darcy Regier has said he's open to anything regarding the early picks. The Sabres, who have a total of nine selections in the seven-round draft, could keep them to build depth, trade them to move up in the draft or package them with players to retool the team.' … [Read more...] about Extra picks gives Sabres several draft options

'Armia, who recently started mandatory military service in his homeland, is expected to spend another season in Finland before playing in the Sabres' organization. The contract will not start until Armia arrives in North America.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign 2011 draft pick Armia

'What has changed is my view of whether Ruff should coach this team. The thought of publicly calling for him to be fired, knowing today was coming, made me uncomfortable for the past two months. But after much consideration and conversation, my stance hasn't wavered. The day has come. Lindy, it's time for a change.' … [Read more...] about Time is up on Ruff era

'"This is my fourth stint on WGR; that station can't seem to shake me," he said, laughing.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Sylvester to rev up his radio voice once again

'This year, in his second SM-liiga season, Armia recorded 38 points (18+20) and a plus-12 rating in 54 games. He added two assists in three playoff games. His four game-winning goals were second-best among all Assat skaters.' … [Read more...] about Sabres ink 2011 #1 pick

'“We’ve been very impressed by Joel’s ability to make an impact in a professional league at such a young age,” said Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier. “His combination of size, skill and potential makes us hopeful that he will be a valuable asset to our organization for a number of years.”' … [Read more...] about Armia agrees to terms on entry-level contract

'Armia wrote on Friday on a three-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. The contract may Armia most earn up to 350 000 dollars per season. If he is not progressing in earnest and forced to play in the AHL the wages to fall to 70 000 dollars per season. The contract total value is 925 000 dollars.' … [Read more...] about Armia wrote at Buffalo

'Persson, selected 24th overall, has signed a two-year contract with Brynas of the Swedish Elite league. The 24-year-old defenseman from Sweden spent three full seasons and part of another playing for the Sabres' minor-league clubs in Portland and Rochester.' … [Read more...] about Persson returning to Sweden