'The new head coach and Skinner shared a lengthy conversation over the phone shortly after Krueger was hired by the Sabres. Throughout the course of the conversation, Krueger said Skinner focused on the future and never took the talks in a different direction.' … [Read more...] about Ralph Krueger confident the Sabres will sign Jeff Skinner
Archives for 2019
Ralph Krueger talks for first time in Buffalo
'Another note, he hopes to talk with all of the players on the roster in the next few weeks, and hopes to have a coaching staff in place by the end of June.' … [Read more...] about Ralph Krueger talks for first time in Buffalo
Krueger & Botterill remain confident Sabres can re-sign Skinner
'"I felt that he really loved to be here. That he was happy to be here," Krueger said of the tone and direction of his initial phone call with Skinner.' … [Read more...] about Krueger & Botterill remain confident Sabres can re-sign Skinner
Skinner contract top priority for Sabres, GM says
'"I understand people always want a deal as of yesterday," Botterill said. "I think there's just an urgency because we've always wanted the player. We've always wanted to have him back. We want him to be part of our group moving forward here and we've always continued to try to look at our group and try and add to our group versus trying to replace."' … [Read more...] about Skinner contract top priority for Sabres, GM says
Krueger talks conversations with players, coaching staff and more
'"Many good things have been done here over the last few years. I really respect how hard everybody's been working at getting the players to where they are now. I'm happy to be stepping into a team that has a foundation, has a basis that I can build on. I could feel that in the conversations with both. I really look forward to going to work with both. I think all of us came out … [Read more...] about Krueger talks conversations with players, coaching staff and more
Botterill, Krueger discuss 'positive' discussions with Skinner
'"I'd say discussions continue to go very well, but as I've said before, you never have a deal completely done until there's a signature on there," Botterill said. "But I think, as I've said before, through the whole process both sides want to get a deal."' … [Read more...] about Botterill, Krueger discuss ‘positive’ discussions with Skinner
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Danny O'Regan grew friendship with Olofsson and Asplund (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
The 3-2-1
'Should they sign Skinner? Yeah probably. I get the fear mixed in… but I think we should all TAKE five years of success and six, seven, and eight being a train wreck. Heck, it’d more than DOUBLE the returns of the last few runs at this.' … [Read more...] about The 3-2-1
All on the table: What's next in the Sabres' pre-draft process
'"We can't let that other stuff override the hockey player, so we just have to be careful how we use it and how we adapt it, but it is good information to have. So, I think there's an equal weight between the personality side and the physical side and kind of blending it together."' … [Read more...] about All on the table: What’s next in the Sabres’ pre-draft process
Sullivan: Sabres should think twice about re-signing Skinner
'Anyway, is it such a stretch to suggest that giving big money to Skinner might not be in the best long-term interests of the franchise? You bow down to the 40 goals. I can’t get by the fact that he’s a weak defensive player, a career minus player who isn’t useful in 3-on-3 overtime and has never won.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Sabres should think twice about re-signing Skinner
Sabres likely to draft a goalie, but development will be a test of patience
'The Sabres are thin at the position organizationally and are almost certain to take one at the draft in Vancouver later this month. And then they will sit back and watch him grow. They have no other choice.' … [Read more...] about Sabres likely to draft a goalie, but development will be a test of patience
Cole Caufield could be too talented for Sabres to pass up at NHL Draft
'“It was something it kind of opened my eyes,” Caufield said of his tryout experience. “I really needed to start working harder at it. I got the chance to make the team, so I took the most of it. I think I never looked back.”' … [Read more...] about Cole Caufield could be too talented for Sabres to pass up at NHL Draft
Sabres' draft mandate seems clear: They have to stay down the middle
'It's very difficult to acquire elite talent at center. Selke finalists with a 200-foot game like O'Reilly rarely get shipped out and this is a good draft for the Sabres to try to mitigate that mistake.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ draft mandate seems clear: They have to stay down the middle
Alex Turcotte could be attractive option for Sabres at NHL Draft
'“It helped me show up and compete every game,” Alex, 18, said Friday inside Harborcenter, where the NHL Scouting Combine has been going on this week. “I guess not being on the best team sometimes I had to … be at my best at all times, didn’t really have anyone holding my hand. I think it taught me how to be competitive and be consistent.”' … [Read more...] about Alex Turcotte could be attractive option for Sabres at NHL Draft
Dreger: "I'd be surprised if a Jeff Skinner deal wasn't announced in the near future"
'"Things have definitely progressed this week. That was as expected. [General manager] Jason Botterill just got back from the World Championships. Obviously with the NHL Combine in Buffalo, he knew he'd have an opportunity to connect with Newport Sports, who represent Jeff Skinner, and that's happened. It sounds like they're having progressive conversation, but to say that … [Read more...] about Dreger: “I’d be surprised if a Jeff Skinner deal wasn’t announced in the near future”