Archives for June 2015

'"Working with Tim in the past, he makes the draft very exciting," said Royce, who previously worked with Murray in Ottawa. "Being on his staff, we're not sure what he's going to do, what he's going to pull out of his pocket, if he's going to make some magic happen. It makes for an exciting time."' … [Read more...] about Sabres scouting director ready to toe the line

'“I’m definitely not a fan of alligators, pythons, snakes, anything like that,” Eichel said. “We didn’t see too many alligators. I think we only saw two and I was in the middle of the boat, so I was all right.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s weakness is revealed – reptiles

'The Sabres have only 15 back-to-backs next year, a manageable number. And Saturday afternoons cut that down because Black noted you can't play on Friday night -- home or away -- if you're playing the next afternoon.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ schedule includes 10 home matinees

'“He just separated himself from the rest of the pack,” Masters said. “In my opinion, his ability, his work ethic and how he just continued to get better, while everyone else, while getting better, just didn’t get better at the accelerated pace he did.”' … [Read more...] about Dedication helped Jack Eichel become elite talent

'The Sabres face the Jets for the first time since the Tyler Myers-Evander Kane blockbuster deal Jan. 10 in Winnipeg. The Jets visit Buffalo on March 26.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 2015-16 schedule features early home games, new strategy

'Eichel attended Chelmsford High School his freshman year but did not play hockey for the Lions, he continued to play for the Boston Jr. Bruins and moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., prior to his sophomore year to compete with the USDP. Eichel completed accelerated high school from Ann Arbor's Pioneer High in three years.' … [Read more...] about Sabres think they know Jack — Do you?

'There are not many players who could excel in such situations. Eichel could be the exception.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel’s next step will be his hardest

'“I think I usually say the same thing: I try not to think about it. I spent the last few days and some time in Chicago with him, and to be honest, I don’t think we talked about hockey once. We didn’t really think about it. You don’t think about things like that when you’re hanging out with your friends, or even when you’re hanging out with the guy you’re compared to all the … [Read more...] about Rated second-best, Eichel doesn’t get the hype

'“Marner and (Noah) Hanifin were throwing the snake around them and I was sitting by myself about 15 yards away. … We didn’t see many alligators, maybe two, but I was in the middle of the boat, so I was OK.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel out of his comfort zone in Florida Everglades

'The top name in my mind is University of Minnesota defenseman Mike Reilly. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 draft by Columbus, but has refused to sign.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres can now talk to unrestricted free agents

'Eichel seems to have an intensity once the puck is dropped. He said he has that different personality on purpose, “When you get to the rink I think some guys are a little bit different that they are off the ice and I’m one of those guys. I think when I’m away from the rink, I’m pretty relaxed and when I get to the rink I think I’m pretty focused, definitely pretty determined … [Read more...] about Eichel is ready to finally be drafted

'The only two games the Bills play in primetime also have Sabres games scheduled for those nights.' … [Read more...] about Bills/Sabres schedules have conflicts, and some fun weekends

'"I think Jack brings an awful lot to the table and he's got a chance to be ready for the NHL," Quinn told NHL.com. "Whether he's ready or not, he's going to be put in a situation where no matter who drafts him, the Oilers or Sabres, he's going to be in the NHL all next year; that's the reality of it."' … [Read more...] about BU coach thinks Eichel will be in NHL ‘all next year’

'If the Sabres end up using all of those early picks they currently hold, Royce is confident they’re going to be able to develop players who can make it to the highest level. “I think it’s a very deep draft,” he said. “I think the guy we get at 21, 31 and even 51 are future NHL players.”' … [Read more...] about Scouting staff finalizes 1st Round list

'The Sabres open their season at home on Thursday, Oct. 8 against the Ottawa Senators in the first of three consecutive home games, marking Buffalo’s longest home stand of the season. Two days later, the team will host the reigning Eastern Conference champions, as the Tampa Bay Lightning visit First Niagara Center for Buffalo’s first of 10 afternoon home games in 2015-16.' … [Read more...] about Sabres announce 2015-16 regular-season schedule