'"It's a big opportunity come the start of the season," Bryson admitted after his session Thursday in Harborcenter. "Pilut just had surgery but we have so many good young D that I think for this organization we can play big roles in those spots. Come time for the season, I want to push for a spot. I'm going to work hard this summer, get in the gym and go."' … [Read more...] about Jacob Bryson: Old hand at Sabres development camp, rookie in business of NHL
Archives for 2019
For Niagara's Eric Cooley, Sabres development camp is 'home away from home'
'"Eric is an unbelievably quick player; he's super-fast," Niagara coach Jason Lammers said. "He's not a D-man, but at the same time, he's a one-man breakout and he's a one-man entry. He can do the same in the offensive zone, and I mean that as a compliment because he's so fast. You'd be hard-pressed to find a guy who's faster in our league than him. If he's not the fastest guy … [Read more...] about For Niagara’s Eric Cooley, Sabres development camp is ‘home away from home’
11 possible free agent targets for the Sabres
'The Sabres will still explore the market, though, and here are some players that could be on Botterill's shopping list when unrestricted free agents can begin signing with teams Monday...'. … [Read more...] about 11 possible free agent targets for the Sabres
Jeanneret to return as play-by-play announcer for his 49th Sabres season
'“I enjoy what has happened so far, except for the fact they haven’t made the playoffs in eight years,” added Jeanneret. “I still am the ultimate believer. And I think they are very close to being pretty darn good and not that far away from being awfully good.”' … [Read more...] about Jeanneret to return as play-by-play announcer for his 49th Sabres season
Sabres’ Brandon Hickey learned from tough rookie season with Amerks
'Hickey couldn’t crack the Amerks’ loaded blue line, which went 10 deep at times. In only 38 AHL games last season, he compiled one goal and nine points. He sat out all three playoff contests.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Brandon Hickey learned from tough rookie season with Amerks
Penguins, Sabres facing critical summers
'The good news about finishing so poorly for so many years is, of course, all of the high quality players acquired early in the draft. Year two of Rasmus Dahlin should scare other teams and the top line of Jeff Skinner-Sam Reinhart-Jack Eichel is back again with no reason as to why they can’t produce at the level they did this past season.' … [Read more...] about Penguins, Sabres facing critical summers
Sabres' Ruotsalainen looks to make the team after four seasons in Finland
'I was trying to gauge how confident he is in making the team. He said, “It’s my goal to play in the NHL next year and I’ll try to do the best I can when camp starts and lets see what happens.” If Ruotsalainen doesn't make the team, he can't go Rochester unless Ilves approves the move and they likely wouldn't because they would want him on their team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ruotsalainen looks to make the team after four seasons in Finland
Labanc on that offer... sheet
'The 23-year-old just came off a career-year with the Sharks with 17 goals and 56 points in 82 games, as well as four goals and five assists in 20 playoff games.' … [Read more...] about Labanc on that offer… sheet
Kevin Allen: There's a shrinking middle class in the NHL
'"You look at the way the rosters are constructed now - everyone's paying two, three, four guys a lot of money, there's a shrinking middle class, and then in order to balance your check book, you got to have seven or eight guys at the bottom of your payroll that are inexpensive. These are the million dollar guys, and usually those are young players, college free agents. And … [Read more...] about Kevin Allen: There’s a shrinking middle class in the NHL
Johnson Wants To Be A Role-Player For Sabres
'“I want to show them that I can be an intense player, that I can be a big role player, I can play in all situations,” said the first round pick. “I want to prove to them that I can play on the team.”' … [Read more...] about Johnson Wants To Be A Role-Player For Sabres
Portillo ready for jump to North America after strong season in Sweden
'Portillo's next step will be adjusting to North America, beginning when he joins Dubuque of the USHL next season. He'll look to continue to develop his English and adjust to the North American ice surface in preparation for his freshman campaign at the University of Michigan in 2020-21.' … [Read more...] about Portillo ready for jump to North America after strong season in Sweden
Defenseman Oskari Laaksonen steps into spotlight at Sabres camp
'The pick has proven to be one of the Sabres' finest in three drafts under General Manager Jason Botterill. Laaksonen took a remarkable step this past season, scoring three goals among 24 points in 46 regular-season games for Ilves of Liiga, Finland's top professional league.' … [Read more...] about Defenseman Oskari Laaksonen steps into spotlight at Sabres camp
Tage Thompson dealing with circumstance in wake of Blues' Stanley Cup run
'"I don't know if there's a lot of talk about me and not performing or whatever. ... I try to just focus on what I can do to get better and what I can do to improve my game. It's a process, it's not a race to get there. I want to be a long-term NHL player for the Sabres for a long time and development is a slow process. I'm willing to work and do whatever the coaches need me to … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson dealing with circumstance in wake of Blues’ Stanley Cup run
Chris Taylor 'more comfortable' as Amerks' coach than possible NHL assistant
'"For me, I've only been the head coach for two years," Taylor said. "There's a lot of growing. I know I've got to grow as a coach. I'm learning every day. Just by being here, I'm growing. It's development camp for me as well. ... I felt more comfortable staying where I was in Rochester all the time and they felt that was the best situation for me as well."' … [Read more...] about Chris Taylor ‘more comfortable’ as Amerks’ coach than possible NHL assistant
Oskari Laaksonen quietly one of Sabres’ best prospects
'“I had a great year in Finland and I think I built off the confidence really well,” Laaksonen said.' … [Read more...] about Oskari Laaksonen quietly one of Sabres’ best prospects