Archives for June 2015

'“It’s definitely a hockey city,” Eichel said as the NHL’s top six prospects made their annual trek to the Stanley Cup final. “I’d been there before and it was kind of expected. … Whether it was going out to dinner or just walking around, they obviously really support their hockey. It was a really cool experience. I think it was pretty neat for me to be a part of the Combine, … [Read more...] about Eichel feels the embrace of Western New York

'But, for all the losing, there is hope. And that, among a couple other things, is what makes the Sabres a enticing product.' … [Read more...] about Sabres are an under-the-radar, upstart team to watch

'"He just wants to be the best, and I think he is the best," Greer said. "He's going to do great things. I strongly think that he should go first" overall in the draft. "He's a great player, a great person. He's an organization guy and one of the classiest guys I've met."' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s week in Buffalo comes to close with successful Combine showing

'“I was gone all year so I didn’t really see the HarborCenter until I got back in the spring, but it looks great downtown,” Gilbert said after he completed his fitness testing on the final day of the NHL Combine. “The Canalside is awesome. It’s kind of cool how everything is coming together. What really was nothing a couple years ago is now such a great part of the city.”' … [Read more...] about Gilbert enjoys role as a tour guide

'“I’ve gotten a lot from locals from, ‘Welcome home,’ to, ‘We’re happy to have you here,’” Eichel said. “Just everything. They’re really welcoming. Obviously, they care a lot about their hockey.”' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel feels excitement from Sabres fans

'“I’m trying to get a feel for what it would be like to play here if that ended up happening. It helped you think about some things and it made my experience really nice. I really enjoyed being in Buffalo for the week,” said Eichel.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo opens arms to Eichel

'Eichel really enjoyed his week here, “It was a great week, I think Buffalo did a great job putting on this event, so hats off to the Sabres organization and all that were involved.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel loved his week in Buffalo

'"I've watched Sabres games, but to actually be in this rink, its top notch," Seattle Thunderbirds forward Mathew Barzal said. "It's unreal. Having the HarborCenter right here and everything's so close, it's a perfect setup for this kind of event."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo leaves lasting impression as Combine setting

'“I still have a lot of people to talk to,” Eichel said. “It’s definitely a tough decision to make.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel says he’s best available player

'“I hate using the term ‘generational’ but it’s a fine line,’’ said Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting when asked to compare the two gifted centers. “If you predict 10 years down the road, it will still be a fine line. They both bring something different to the table, they both are going to be special.’’' … [Read more...] about Eichel lets us know No. 2 doesn’t mean second fiddle

'“I’m pretty confident in my own abilities,” Eichel told a throng of reporters and cameras Friday at the NHL Scouting Combine inside HarborCenter. “I know everyone’s making a big deal.”' … [Read more...] about Future Sabres pick Jack Eichel won’t apologize for possessing confidence

'“When you have a facility like this, when you have the ability to open up three rinks, I think you can think big down the road,” Sabres President Ted Black said Thursday. “That will be something that we’ll certainly consider in 2016 and beyond.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Black thinking big on HarborCenter’s future

'“I’ve only been here four years,” Black said. “When people say, ‘Nothing ever happens in Buffalo,’ I look at them like they’re crazy, because I couldn’t have picked a better four years in terms of the transformation of our city.’"' … [Read more...] about Sabres believe NHL Scouting Combine visitors will have positive impression of Buffalo

'“You have a chance to see a guy,” Bylsma said during his introductory press conference, “who’s going to be an elite, elite player.”' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel to play a critical role in Buffalo’s rebuild

'“I don’t want to jinx myself,” said Eichel. “We haven’t been told anything, so we don’t know where Connor [McDavid] or myself is going to go. Obviously, it looks like he’ll go to Edmonton and I’ll go to Buffalo. But with that being said, nothing is ever set in stone until they go up to the mic and say something.”' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel excited to play for the Buffalo Sabres, but he’s not ready to try the wings just yet