‘Negotiations with Ullmark’s agent, Joakim Persson, continued through the opening of free agency Wednesday at noon and until Adams learned about the decision. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that Ullmark’s ask was a six-year, $36 million contract. The Sabres had plenty of money to spend – CapFriendly.com projects Buffalo with $29.266 million in cap space – but Adams wasn’t willing to overspend, particularly on a long-term contract. Sabres management wants to ensure it has ample salary cap space available when it’s time to make a pricy acquisition to supplement the young core.’
Archives for July 30, 2021
Sabres are getting thrifty with their spending as GM Kevyn Adams resets his core
‘The strategy is to take a measured approach now so the Sabres can make waves in future years with veteran players to augment the roster. From this UFA period, names like Blake Coleman (Calgary), Brandon Saad (St. Louis) and Ryan Suter (Dallas) would be examples of the kind of players the Sabres would like to be involved with in the future.’
Don Granato hires two new assistant coaches, retains Matt Ellis in Sabres’ bench shuffle
‘• Assistant coach/goalie coach Mike Bales and video coach Myles Fee will stay on in their roles. Interim assistant coach Dan Girardi will return to a development role and Justin White has been hired as video coordinator. White has spent the last three years in Rochester as assistant video and analytics coordinator.’
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams sends strong message to Jack Eichel’s camp
‘“What’s critically important to make sure is clear that we’re in control of this process,” Adams said Thursday on the KeyBank Center floor. “We have a player under contract. We don’t feel any pressure. If there is a deal out there that we feel is the right thing for the Buffalo Sabres, is going to help us improve, whether it’s improve right away or improve down the road – those are all the things we weigh – we’d be open to it.”‘
Sabres change up coaching staff, retain Matt Ellis, add two new faces
‘In addition, Justin White has been named video coordinator. Assistant coach Mike Bales, who’s charge of the goalies, and video coach Myles Fee will remain with the Sabres this season, according to the team. Both were hired by ex-coach Ralph Krueger.’
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams talks Eichel, Buffalo’s approach in free agency
‘The market for Eichel, who is suffering from a neck injury, has slowed to a crawl. With reports of minimal proposed returns and the possibility that the Sabres will wait until next season to move the All-Star center, fans are hoping for the best but expecting the worst despite Adams’ attempt to quell any discontent within the fan base.’
Icemen coach Jason Christie leaves; to join NHL’s Buffalo Sabres as assistant
‘During a coaching career dating back to 2000, Christie has coached with the Peoria Rivermen, Utah Grizzlies, Ontario Reign and Tulsa Oilers prior to his time in Jacksonville. He also spent two seasons from 2008 to 2010 as an assistant with the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves.’
Former Peoria Rivermen coach Jason Christie joins Buffalo Sabres coaching staff
‘It marks the fifth time Granato and Christie have teamed up.’
Don Granato fills out his first Sabres coaching staff
‘Christie holds the ECHL record with 667 wins as coach over 18 seasons. He played under Granato with Peoria in 1999-2000 when the Riverman won the ECHL Kelly Cup championship, and then succeeded Granato as the team’s coach. Christie was Granato’s assistant with AHL Chicago from 2008-10.’
Don Granato makes two new hires to coaching staff
‘Adam Mair is no longer an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans. He’s been named the new director of player development that was held by Ellis at the start of last season.’