'"To be honest, I think for me the hands are the last thing to come back," he said. "I've been skating back home so that helps. Especially wanting to come to camp not too rusty. The hands are the most important part of my game. When they come back is when I think I'm playing well."' … [Read more...] about As top pick, lots of eyes are on Casey Mittelstadt’s mitts
Archives for July 10, 2017
Mystery draft pick revealed: Laaksonen gets his chance at Sabres camp
'"I got a text from my agent and he said, 'You've been drafted' and I was like, 'it's the third round' and he was like, 'No, this is not fake,' " Laaksonen said. "I was like, "Oh my God, Oh my God.' I run to my mother and hugged her. It was a special moment."' … [Read more...] about Mystery draft pick revealed: Laaksonen gets his chance at Sabres camp
Sabres name Hockey Canada's Ryan Jankowski director of amateur scouting
'Greg Royce had been in that role but was fired in April along with former GM Tim Murray. Head amateur scout Jeff Crisp, in his first year in Buffalo after 13 years in Anaheim, essentially filled in that role for the draft last month in Chicago. Crisp has now been promoted to assistant director of amateur scouting.' … [Read more...] about Sabres name Hockey Canada’s Ryan Jankowski director of amateur scouting
Sabres notebook: Why no development camp scrimmage?
'"Summer training for players this age is critical," said assistant GM Randy Sexton. "I've seen it happen in other development camps where you have these high-intensity scrimmages or practices. Kids are competitive by nature and now you've got five kids that are nursing injuries for 2-3 weeks. And that throws a serious wrench into their training regiments. So we need to be … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Why no development camp scrimmage?
Little-known prospect Oskari Laaksonen knew Sabres had interest
'Laaksonen’s selection surprised just about everyone. Even in this age of information, essentially only some statistics and his outdated height and weight were available to journalists and fans.' … [Read more...] about Little-known prospect Oskari Laaksonen knew Sabres had interest
Sabres assistant GM Randy Sexton passionate about new job
'“When Jason asked me to come aboard, I thought this was just the perfect opportunity to start to rebuild another championship team,” he said following the first session of development camp. “I know it’s kind of an old saying, but it’s too good an opportunity to pass on.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres assistant GM Randy Sexton passionate about new job
Sabres' Asplund seems to be developing at a good pace
'“It’s a good spot for me to stay in Sweden and not to sign this year and I’m happy about it, one more year in Sweden would be great for me. Maybe I’ll have a chance to play for the National Team and with Olympic Games coming up too and NHL players aren’t allowed to go, maybe I’ll have a chance to train for that too.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Asplund seems to be developing at a good pace
The unknown draft pick of 2017
'At first glance when looking up his stats and stature, Laaksonen had been listed at 5' 3" and just a bit over 130-pounds on Eliteprospects.com. However, Laaksonen was quick to respond to those who questioned his size while having fun along the way.' … [Read more...] about The unknown draft pick of 2017
Sabres' Lehner will head to arbitration in late July
'Negotiations will continue with both players as Jason Botterill will try to avoid these arbitration hearings like he did with Johan Larsson who signed a two-year deal on Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Lehner will head to arbitration in late July
Sabres hire a new head of amateur scouting
'The Sabres have a new director of amateur scouting. Ryan Jankowski replaces Greg Royce who was fired with Tim Murray. Jeff Crisp did the job during the draft. He’s retained as assistant director of amateur scouting.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire a new head of amateur scouting
Nylander eyeing big summer, making Sabres roster
'"It was really good for me to get that NHL experience. It got me pumped up for next year," he said. "It's good to see how the NHL is and I'll be more ready next year."' … [Read more...] about Nylander eyeing big summer, making Sabres roster
Report: Sabres to host Bruins, Devils & Penguins in rookie tournament
'According to Mark Divver of the Providence Journal, the Sabres are set to host the Bruins, Devils and potentially the Penguins in September.' … [Read more...] about Report: Sabres to host Bruins, Devils & Penguins in rookie tournament
Veterans at camp see opportunity in NHL, but they'll have to earn it
'"Regardless of who's at the helm, you're working your hardest and you're trying to impress," Baptiste said. "I'm in a contract year and I've got to prove that I'm a full-time NHL player. I thought I did a lot of good things in Rochester last year, I thought I did a lot of good things when I was called up. For me, I'm shooting to be a full-time Sabre and that's my goal."' … [Read more...] about Veterans at camp see opportunity in NHL, but they’ll have to earn it
Meet Oskari Laaksonen, Buffalo's 3rd-round pick
'The public and the media didn't know much about Laaksonen at the time of his selection, mostly because there wasn't all that much information available. He wasn't listed on any pre-Draft rankings, not even the on list produced by NHL Central Scouting Services.' … [Read more...] about Meet Oskari Laaksonen, Buffalo’s 3rd-round pick
Sabres hire director of amateur scouting
'Jankowski joins the Sabres after spending the last four seasons in various roles with Hockey Canada. Hired by the organization in June 2013 as head scout, Jankowski was later promoted to director of player personnel. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing all player evaluation and selection for Canada's national junior team, as well as the country's under-18 and … [Read more...] about Sabres hire director of amateur scouting