SabreSpace

Buffalo Sabres News and Discussion

Archives for June 2019

Draftee Erik Portillo the Sabres' latest attempt at finding a franchise goalie

'"There are two reasons goalies take longer to develop but the first is the position is extremely advanced," said Dubuque General Manager Kalle Larsson, who selected Portillo fifth overall in the USHL draft this spring. "There are so few jobs for the positions at the professional level. That's why you see NHL goalies having to play in the AHL. ... It's more competitive, so the … [Read more...] about Draftee Erik Portillo the Sabres’ latest attempt at finding a franchise goalie

Buffalo News |

Jason Botterill, GMs jobs get harder: What kind of team do you build?

'"It's always trying to find out do you have enough skill to go through it but is that skill willing to get into the hard areas and compete in certain areas?" Sabres GM Jason Botterill said here in the hours leading into the NHL draft. "What both organizations showed is that they faced injuries throughout their runs and they had the depth to step in. Guys could come in who had … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill, GMs jobs get harder: What kind of team do you build?

Buffalo News |

Sullivan: Ease up on Sabres draft hype

'Look, I don’t know Dylan Cozens from Boogie Cousins. He might become the next Mario Lemieux. But history has taught me to resist the urge to react positively to every Sabres move. Fans were excited about Alex Nylander and Brendan Guhle, Nikita Zadorov and Mikhail Grigorenko, Joel Armia and Zack Kassian. I won’t torture you by going back any further.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Ease up on Sabres draft hype

Niagara Gazette |

Could Sam Reinhart move back to center?

'"It's always a possibility there. You have to be open to it and we'll see how things go with Ralph (Krueger) with that discussion. But I also think over the last year or so, he's excelled on the wing and I think he's in a position where he can drive a line from the wing," Botterill said. "You've seen that a lot in the National Hockey League. There's certainly a focus on … [Read more...] about Could Sam Reinhart move back to center?

WIVB-TV |

With East foes quickly improving, Sabres enter a critical time in their history

'This organization and Botterill, in particular, doesn't have 5-6 years, of course. To borrow a phrase we heard all weekend, the GM is now on the clock. Big-time. Owners Terry and Kim Pegula have to be exasperated by now owning the longest playoff drought in the NHL, and this is a critical offseason for this club as it heads into what figures to be a heavily promoted 50th … [Read more...] about With East foes quickly improving, Sabres enter a critical time in their history

Buffalo News |

Sabres answer few questions with draft picks

'Cozens is 6’3″ with the usual frame and raw skills that would make an old-time hockey coaches’ mouth water. Cozens is known to be one of the top end skaters at the draft, in terms of speed which is unusual for someone of great size. I peg Cozens as a good No. 2 center behind Jack Eichel, as long as he is gifted some helpful talent on the wing. He was more of a playmaker in … [Read more...] about Sabres answer few questions with draft picks

Dunkirk Observer |

Ryan Johnson was the 1st of 7 Gophers taken in 2019 NHL Draft

'“I think I grew a lot defensively in that part of my game. I think that aspect carried over and was a big part of my success,” Johnson said, surrounded by reporters at one of the podiums set up in the arena. After helping the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede to their league’s playoff title this season, Johnson was ranked 36th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, so … [Read more...] about Ryan Johnson was the 1st of 7 Gophers taken in 2019 NHL Draft

Fargo Forum |