Archives for March 1, 2016

'"It’s tough to say. I’ve never talked to him about it or anything like that, so I don’t really know his feeling," McDavid said when asked if he felt any added level of competitiveness for Tuesday's game given their history. "For me personally, it’s not really too much of a big deal. We got drafted together sure, but other than that we don’t really share that much in common. He … [Read more...] about McDavid, Eichel to meet as pros

'“We have a ton of picks, a ton of picks that don’t have to be used on draft day, which I’ve said since I’ve got here,” Murray said Monday in First Niagara Center. “Whether you like the trades I’ve made or not, I have shipped out quite a few picks for a more established player, a more finished product. I think we have a lot of options again going forward in the next two … [Read more...] about Expect a Sabres splash come draft week

'“We were sitting at home on Saturday night, got a phone call and I was pretty excited about it,” Schneider said after Amerks practice about how he learned about the trade. “I had a little bit more energy out there today. It’s a little different playing with new guys, but there are three guys who came with me, so that made it a little easier.”' … [Read more...] about Cole Schneider welcoming of trade to hometown Sabres’ organization

'McGinn, 27, was the Sabres’ biggest asset among players with expiring contracts. The pick becomes a second-rounder if the Ducks win two playoff rounds, according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.' … [Read more...] about Sabres knew they had to trade Jamie McGinn

'So could Johnson be re-signed and be the backup again next season? “I could envision it, yes,” Sabres general manager Tim Murray said Monday inside the First Niagara Center. “I haven’t spoken to him or his representative. I don’t know what their expectation will be after having the year that he’s had, a pretty good year with pretty good stats. I like the way Chad’s played.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Chad Johnson could return as backup

'Murray said he was open to keeping Johnson (14-14-4 overall, .917 save percent, 2.45 goals against average) past this year. “I haven’t spoken to him or his representative, I don’t know what their expectation will be after having a year that he’s had, a pretty good year with pretty good stats. I’ve liked the way Chad’s played. There’s very little not to like about him right now … [Read more...] about Sabres only pull off one deadline deal

'If neither wins the Calder Trophy -- forwards Artemi Panarin (Chicago) and Dylan Larkin (Detroit) appear to be the front-runners right now -- they are the faces of their franchises and the league moving forward.' … [Read more...] about McDavid, Eichel meet in long-awaited NHL matchup

'“We were drafted together, sure, but other than that we don’t share that much in common. I play in the West, he plays in the east. I played junior, he went to school (Boston University), so we’re basically opposites,” said McDavid. “For us, personally, there’s not that much to it.”' … [Read more...] about Connor McDavid vs. Jack Eichel has been a long time coming

'“I’m sure Connor has gone by this building a couple hundred times going to Erie. So he knows the area also. I guess it’s between them vs each other as far as the media goes and some fans will see it that way, too. But it’s two teams trying to get better and they’ll both play hard.”' … [Read more...] about Edmonton Oilers rookie Connor McDavid facing Jack Eichel for first time

Connor McDavid vs. Jack Eichel has been a long time coming (Edmonton Journal) Edmonton Oilers rookie Connor McDavid facing Jack Eichel for first time (Edmonton Sun) Oilers-Sabres Preview (AP) McDavid-Eichel showdown highlights Oilers vs. Sabres (NHL.com) Preview: Oilers at Sabres (EdmontonOilers.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Edmonton Coverage

'Several reports are that the pick is a third-round selection that can become a second-round pick in 2017 if the Ducks win two rounds in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs and McGinn plays in at least half of those games in those two rounds.' … [Read more...] about Ducks beef up forward mix by trading for Sabres winger Jamie McGinn

'Man, these kids are sucking the life out of what should be a great storyline at the First Niagara Center. After suffering through one of the most non-eventful NHL trade dudline days in recent memory Monday, hockey fans want sizzle, not fizzle.' … [Read more...] about Connor McDavid vs. Jack Eichel not just another game

'McGinn is likely to play for the Ducks at home against Montreal on Wednesday. Pirri could be out for two weeks with an ankle injury, but he should skate for the Ducks soon to gauge his recovery.' … [Read more...] about Anaheim Ducks grab McGinn and Pirri, deal Maroon at deadline

'McGinn, 27, has 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 63 games with the Sabres this season. He was tied for the team lead in game-winning goals with three and also has six power-play goals. He ranked fourth on the team in hits with 113.' … [Read more...] about Ducks obtain McGinn, Pirri in trades

'I would have preferred the Sabres keep McGinn but if Murray figured the former Avalanche would leave for nothing come July then it made no sense to hang on to him for what will amount to a meaningless final month plus of the season. McGinn was a nice pickup and a player I felt would have had a spot on a bottom two line on the team the Sabres eventually build to compete for a … [Read more...] about A quiet prelude to what should be an active Sabres summer