Archives for July 1, 2013

'We will probably be here in Finland now, as quickly as possible, and then the output would be Buffalo's junior camp. From here you have to get to training camp and the team then. My goal is to play in the next season in the NHL, and I believe in it.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo reserved Risto kind: ”It would be great if Numminen should be a mentor”

'“I try to play like Shea Weber,” Ristolainen said of the Nashville Predators star. “He’s like my idol. He’s a big leader on the ice, plays physical, has a good shot.”' … [Read more...] about Buffalo doubles its bet with two defensemen

'“The draft is at the forefront,” General Manager Darcy Regier said in Prudential Center. “I think you’ll see free agency next, including the buyouts, and then I think teams will re-evaluate their positions, situations from there. Whether that changes our situation in respect to Ryan and Thomas, I don’t know. I really don’t know.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres use top picks on defensemen, deal Sekera

'“It’s surreal. I always loved the Sabres. This is definitely a dream come true,” a smiling Bailey said after he donned his blue sweater. “It’s a blessing for me to be taken at all. There’s not disappointment being drafted into the NHL. There’s thousands of other kids that won’t get drafted and will never play at a high level. For me to be taken anywhere at this draft, … [Read more...] about Dreams come true for two WNY kids

'“I’m very excited to be part of this organization,” said Compher, who was taken 35th after the Sabres acquired the pick from Carolina as part of a deal that sent Andrej Sekera to the Hurricanes. “It’s great to be wanted. It’s a great organization. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for me in the next couple years to try and make the club.”' … [Read more...] about Sabre prospects know the way to Buffalo

'Now, at least, they have a direction. Wearing teams down and preventing goals is more important than scoring them. What do you suppose this means for Tyler Myers? He was seen as their franchise cornerstone. This comes off as a direct challenge to the underachieving Myers, or a sign he might be traded.' … [Read more...] about D-Day! Sabres lean on toughness

'Zadorov is a powerful hitter who projects into an imposing force in front of the net once he is NHL-ready in two or three years.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres take two big defensemen in first round

'By the end of Sunday’s marathon draft inside the Prudential Center, the Sabres had picked 11 players – seven forwards, three defenseman and one goalie – swapped defensemen with Carolina – left-handed shot Andrej Sekera for right Jamie McBain – and, perhaps most notably, kept starting goalie Ryan Miller and high-scoring winger Thomas Vanek (at least for now).' … [Read more...] about Sabres grab defensemen early to start busy draft day, only pull off minor trade

'“Loving the Sabres, growing up with them as well, I mean, it’s just absolutely amazing,” he said.' … [Read more...] about Local prospects Justin Bailey and Sean Malone thrilled to be drafted by Sabres

'“I think it’s incredible,” Bailey said. “I love that rink, and I can’t wait to be able to go out there and show them what I have.”' … [Read more...] about Justin Bailey on getting picked by hometown Sabres: ‘I’m at a loss for words’

'TPS defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen Was also a top ten pick, when the Buffalo Sabres picked the Turku native eighth overall. … [Read more...] about Barkov booked for second place, Ristolainen trip Sabres

'The Hurricanes, Rutherford said, also wanted to have Sekera. He said they first offered Buffalo the fifth pick and McBain for the Sabres’ first-round choice, No. 8 overall, and Sekera but couldn’t make it work.' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes get Lindholm, Sekera

'The 19-year old Toronto native went into his second year of eligibility after experiencing a healthy season with the Saginaw Spirit where he finished as the No. 4 overall point producer in the Ontario Hockey League with 44 goals and 53 assists for 97 points.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres select Saginaw Spirit forward Eric Locke

'The 6-foot-1, 220-pound defenseman draws credit for his physical, defensive-minded play, although he has the skill and willingness to jump into the offense when necessary – posting 21-32-53 in 62 games for coach Matt Plante. Scouts are impressed by his skating ability for his size, as well as his hands and shooting ability.' … [Read more...] about Former Xaverian star Florentino to Sabres

'Listed at 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, Ristolainen is regarded as a hard-hitting player who also possesses a heavy shot. He had three goals and 15 points in 52 games in his first full season playing for Finland's TPS last season. Ristolainen has also combined for two goals and nine points in 13 games in each of the past two World Junior Championships.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select D Ristolainen with 8th pick in draft