Archives for May 2015

'“I’ve said this before: There’s not a better job. There’s a different job,” Babcock said. “So you’ve got to be careful.”' … [Read more...] about Babcock to decide his coaching future by Wednesday

'“This process has been interesting,” he said. “I’ll tell you, my head’s spinning.”' … [Read more...] about Mike Babcock wants to decide coaching future by Wednesday

'But there is no science to getting that franchise goalie. Lundqvist was drafted in the seventh round, Price fifth overall. Columbus’s Sergei Bobrovsky, Colorado’s Semyon Varlamov and Philadelphia’s Steve Mason all become solid goalies after being traded.' … [Read more...] about Who are the options for the next Sabres goalie?

'Chad Johnson. The 28-year-old claims the top spot in the organization despite watching all his games on TV or in the press box. Acquired from the New York Islanders at the trade deadline, Johnson suffered a sprained ankle on the morning of his scheduled debut. He’s already with his sixth organization. He excelled with talent-heavy Boston and has been mediocre everywhere else. … [Read more...] about Sabres stocked with goaltenders who need more seasoning

'There were reports that he abused alcohol and drugs. Did substance abuse contribute to his premature death or provide relief from lingering concussions and actually extend his life? Either is possible. It could be both. More important is that he suffered brain damage from repeated trauma.' … [Read more...] about Montador’s sad tale is too familiar

'Zach Bogosian. The 24-year-old should be a cornerstone on the blue line for at least four more seasons. With the ability to move the puck and dish out punishment, Bogosian skated nearly 24 minutes per night. His style of play makes him susceptible to injury, but the third overall pick in 2008 is just entering his prime. Arrival in Buffalo:' … [Read more...] about Young Sabre defensemen will grow together

AHL moves Amerks east to reunite with old foes (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage

'Until Jack Eichel arrives and further solidifies the center ranks, Buffalo’s future is brightest at right wing. Three players have the tools to reach the NHL: Hudson Fasching, Nick Baptiste and Williamsville native Justin Bailey. Determining who has the most potential isn’t easy.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ future looks bright on the right

'Babcock wants to get Paid – with a capital ‘P’ – and several teams can take care of that, not just the Sabres. But it’s also widely known in hockey circles that Babcock wants to use his high profile and pending free agency as a way to boost salaries for not just himself but for his coaching contemporaries as well.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hot to grab Babcock

'Bailey is part of a group that has seen seven first round picks and nine second round picks in four seasons. It will make it harder to play in the NHL for the Sabres, but Bailey likes the talent he sees coming, “Its exciting stuff. I can recall days where the Sabres were in the playoffs and there was just so much buzz around the team and how passionate Buffalo fans are for any … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Bailey is ready to make the jump from junior

'Red Wings general manager Ken Holland announced Friday that he would allow NHL teams to talk to Babcock about their head coaching jobs. Babcock has said the permission doesn't necessarily mean an end of his 10-year tenure with the Red Wings.' … [Read more...] about Babcock meets with Sabres’ GM, owner

'The 23-year-old’s inability to play because of shoulder surgery helped the Sabres secure center Jack Eichel in the draft. Kane could benefit most. The right-handed Eichel could find it easy to set up Kane for one-timers or rushes.' … [Read more...] about Kane tops Sabres’ left wingers

'Babcock was spotted with owners Terry and Kim Pegula and general manager Tim Murray by a HarborCenter employee early Sunday night, as they toured the complex.' … [Read more...] about Babcock receives tour of HarborCenter

'For all the young talent the Sabres have in the pipeline or already in the NHL, they’re likely still a couple of years away from contending for a playoff spot. Would Babcock, who has missed the playoffs once in his 12-year NHL coaching career, way back in 2004, want to lead a rebuild? The thought here is he wants to win right away.' … [Read more...] about Red Wings coach Mike Babcock visits Sabres

'Babcock flew to Buffalo earlier in the day and spent the afternoon meeting with Pegula and general manager Tim Murray at the Sabres' downtown arena. Babcock is still under contract with the Red Wings through June 30. The Red Wings are open to re-signing Babcock, but have granted him permission to interview with other teams.' … [Read more...] about Babcock declines comment after meeting with Sabres owner