Archives for May 2014

‘“What I look for in an interview is the maturity level and how far along they are in that area,” Sabres Assistant General Manager Kevin Devine told NHL.com. “That usually determines how far away they are from playing in the NHL. But I don’t think the interviews are going to jump anyone five or six draft spots, either. They could jump a spot or two if guys are professionals in the interviews, but there won’t be any big jump at the top, especially with the top five in this draft class.”’

‘“I think in every draft you have the ability to rebuild and get good players, but not every draft has a Crosby or a Toews,” Murray said this week at the NHL Draft Combine in Toronto. “You have to acquire NHL players. And it’s not just with your first pick.”’

‘The signing was announced Thursday. NHL teams have until Sunday to sign their 2012 draft picks to retain their rights.’

‘A native of Peterborough, Ontario, Austin spent the 2013-14 season playing with the Belleville Bulls and the London Knights of the OHL, setting career highs in points (33), goals (9) and assists (24) through 67 games played. His career-high plus-51 rating during the 2013-14 regular season ranked sixth among all OHL skaters.

‘“I don’t think it’s going to take that long to turn it around here. Obviously you’re subject to all those trade rumors and all the stuff like that, but that’s out of my control,” Stewart said. “Like I’ve said before, as long as I’m a Buffalo Sabre, I’m just going to worry about helping this team win hockey games and that’s all that’s on my mind.”’

‘Ullmark is expected to spend this season developing with the Sabres’ American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester.’

‘During the 2013-14 season, the Lugnvik, Sweden native played 35 games for MODO in the Swedish Hockey League, registering a 2.08 goals-against average and .931 save percentage and was awarded the Honken Trophy as the Swedish Goaltender of the Year.’

‘Deslauriers, a restricted free agent, was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings on March 5. The 23-year-old played in 17 of the Sabres’ last 20 games and impressed with his physical presence on the ice. He scored one goal for Buffalo.’

‘Deslauriers led the Manchester Monarchs, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Kings, in goals with 18 prior to being acquired by the Sabres.’

‘The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Deslauriers was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings along with Hudson Fasching on March 5, 2014. He made his NHL debut with the Sabres and finished the season by playing 17 of the club’s last 20 games.’