Archives for June 29, 2016

'"I was happy they trusted me as a top-pair defenseman," he said. "I was happy with my performance. What I learned about my game is that I think I had another level of compete in me to help my team take another step."' … [Read more...] about Sabres see big upside in new defenseman Kulikov

'No Sabres forward would be impacted more than Girgensons. As it stands now, the restricted free agent fits on the depth chart as the second left wing. If the Sabres add players, he could fall to fourth-line center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ depth chart could feature fluctuations for Girgensons

'“Being the largest tenant, we would like to have more control and active discussion in how the dollars that come in are appropriated,” Brandon told the paper. “We’re going to need some changes down the road to ensure viability.' … [Read more...] about Report: Sabres want a say in making improvements to substandard Rochester arena

'Brandon said the issues with Rochester’s 61-year-old arena, which was renovated between 1996 and 1998 at a cost of $41 million, are “wide-ranging, from suite level all the way down to how we prepare our hockey team.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres: Outdated arena not worthy of NHL preseason game

'“Looking at Buffalo, playing against them, (they have) a really strong group of forwards that’s hard to play against and have a lot of skill,” Kulikov said. “If I can help out the defensive corps any way I can and get the puck up to the forwards … I think we’re going to have a very successful year.”' … [Read more...] about Dmitri Kulikov excited by opportunities Sabres offer

'However, the Sabres have a number of young players that will be due for high-money extensions on their second contracts. Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is currently a restricted free agent and a major priority. Eichel and Sam Reinhart will be due for contracts after two more seasons and both will likely garner significant raises. If recent second contracts for former top picks … [Read more...] about Are Steven Stamkos and the Buffalo Sabres a fit? Not so fast

'“It's exciting. I was feeling nervous and had some butterflies in my stomach. I think it's going to be good. Change is sometimes for the best. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. Maybe I was meant to end up in Buffalo.”' … [Read more...] about Former Panther Kulikov surprised by trade to Buffalo Sabres

'Sabres President Russ Brandon told the newspaper that Blue Cross Arena in Rochester was not “up to the standards to play an NHL game.” The game was originally scheduled for Sept. 26 in Rochester, but the report did not specify if the game would keep the same date at Pegula Ice Arena.' … [Read more...] about Sabres reportedly will play at Pegula Ice Arena

'"I'm happy to take on that responsibility," said Kulikov, who spent much of last year playing alongside Aaron Ekblad. "I think change is sometimes for the best. Maybe, whatever happens, happens for a reason. So maybe I'm meant to be in Buffalo."' … [Read more...] about Odd-man out in Florida, Kulikov excited to join Sabres

'"Top four defensman is a very prestigious role. "I'm happy to be that guy, and to take on that responsiblity. As I've proven in Florida, I played against top lines, and in the past two years I've improved a lot in my own end. Statistics show the last two season were really strong for me."' … [Read more...] about Kulikov: ‘Excited for the future’

'"Initially I was glad that Florida got another defenseman that was going to help out with our offense," Kulikov said. "When the draft came I thought that something might go down. I was comfortable in Florida. I didn't think that something like that was going to happen but it did. It's part of the business. I'm excited for the future."' … [Read more...] about Kulikov set to help Sabres rattle

'"I just want to help out in any way possible," Kulikov said during a conference call on Tuesday. "I mean, [to be a] top-four defenseman is very prestigious and I'm happy to be that guy and I'm happy to take on that responsibility. As I've proven in Florida I've played against top lines."' … [Read more...] about Kulikov believes he can play shutdown role for Buffalo