‘Reinhart has credited his offseason training regimen with helping him miss only six games over the past five years, and he has appeared in every Sabres regular season game since 2016-17. Despite Reinhart’s reliability and durability, he has yet to receive a long-term contract from the franchise that drafted him second overall in 2014.’
Archives for June 10, 2020
Curtis Lazar is Sabres’ nominee for Masterton Trophy
‘Lazar had five goals, five assists and 10 points in 38 games for the Sabres but his numbers were dwarfed by his multiple roles — including serving as one of the team’s most prominent penalty killers as well as the designated faceoff man to start overtime. In that slot, he won three draws that directly led to immediate possessions and game-winning goals. The organization raved about his work ethic in Rochester and about the way he impacted the club’s young prospects, and that was a big factor in his promotion to the NHL.’
Former Sabre Lawrence Pilut’s two-year contract announced by Russian team
‘A source told The Buffalo News last month that Pilut signed the contract and that the Sabres intended to retain his rights. However, it’s unclear if Pilut would be able to return to Buffalo while under contract in the KHL. After all, the KHL does not typically have an NHL opt-out clause in its standard player contracts.’
Lawrence Pilut officially leaves Sabres, contract with KHL team announced
‘But the scoring prowess the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Pilut showcased in the AHL – 10 goals and 49 points in 67 games – did not translate to the NHL. The Swede compiled only one goal and six points in 46 contests with the Sabres.’
Pilut skips on Sabres by signing 2-year contract in Russia
‘The Sabres can’t block the signing, because their season officially ended two weeks ago when the NHL approved going ahead with a 24-team expanded playoff format, which eliminated Buffalo.’
Lazar named Sabres’ nominee for Masterton Memorial Trophy
‘In his final 32 games played this season, Lazar established himself as a very reliable depth player on the Buffalo roster, while also scoring four goals and registering five assists for nine points. He ended up becoming one of their more efficient faceoff guys, and found himself playing in other key roles like on the penalty kill.’
Pilut signs two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL
‘After a slow start in Rochester this season, Pilut ended up re-gaining his form and putting up six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 37 games. However, Pilut went pointless in 13 games in the NHL with the Sabres and ended up finding himself in-and-out of the lineup just before the shutdown of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.’
Pilut agrees to two-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk in KHL
‘Traktor manager Roman Belyaev said Pilut had opportunities to stay in the NHL but decided to head overseas for an increased role and more playing time.’
Jokiharju quickly earned trust of Sabres’ coaching staff
‘”Of course, I was happy that I was able and had a chance to play every game,” Jokiharju said. “That was kind of one of my goals and I think that was big for me so I could play every game and gain trust that the coach could put me out there.”‘
Lazar receives nomination for Masterton Trophy
‘Lazar, 25, saw an opportunity to “blossom” upon joining the Sabres as an unrestricted free agent last July. The 2013 first-round pick had spent the 2018-19 campaign playing almost entirely for Calgary’s AHL affiliate Stockton, an assignment he willfully accepted after seeing limited production during his first four NHL seasons.’