'Johnson isn’t going to be an offensive defenseman, because the Sabres already have Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power who will lead the way there. Appert says there are other things Johnson does well that will definitely help. "His game starts with his skating," he said. "Is he intelligent? Yes. Does he have talent? Yes. But Minnesota has done a really good job with him, as he and … [Read more...] about Ryan Johnson showing his worth at Sabres Prospects Challenge
Archives for September 2023
Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge wraps up on Monday with final game vs Penguins
'Matthew Savoie notched two goals on the first game against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night while Zach Benson drilled in one of his own on Saturday night when the Sabres matched up with the Devils.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge wraps up on Monday with final game vs Penguins
Isak Rosen continues to impress as Sabres stay unbeaten at Prospects Challenge
'Rosen, whom the Sabres drafted 14th overall in 2021 with the draft pick acquired in the Rasmus Ristolainen traded, continued his impressive rookie camp with his second goal in as many nights. The Swedish winger collected a pass from Nikita Novikov and darted toward the net, where he snapped a shot past Poulter to give Buffalo a 3-1 lead at 16:08 into the second period.' … [Read more...] about Isak Rosen continues to impress as Sabres stay unbeaten at Prospects Challenge
Inside the NHL: Sabres' Prospect Challenge games are our first look at key parts of Amerks' core
'“When I’m here, my focus is on the Sabres and trying to do everything that our Rochester staff and player development staff can to put these players in the best position to show well in Sabres camp for the Sabres coaches and management,” Appert said. “Obviously, that’s their dream and that’s our goal to get them there. There’s going to be a good chunk of these guys that will … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Sabres’ Prospect Challenge games are our first look at key parts of Amerks’ core
Viktor Neuchev, Zach Benson and Isak Rosen score, illustrate Sabres’ depth
'The early goals in Saturday’s 4-2 win at the Prospects Challenge in LECOM Harborcenter further illustrate how much young depth the Sabres have assembled. Each of their first three scorers skate on one of the top three lines.' … [Read more...] about Viktor Neuchev, Zach Benson and Isak Rosen score, illustrate Sabres’ depth
Sabres pull out another victory at Prospects Challenge over Devils
'The Sabres opened the scoring on Saturday as 2022 third-round pick Viktor Neuchev was the benefactor of Tyson Kozak winning a puck battle in-behind the Devils net. Kozak was able to retrieve the puck and feed Neuchev, who was left uncontested in front of Devils goalie Isaac Poulter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres pull out another victory at Prospects Challenge over Devils
Rosen's all-around game translating to offensive success at Prospects Challenge
'Rosen had a goal and an assist in Buffalo’s 4-2 Prospects Challenge win over the New Jersey Devils, which came on the heels of a one-goal, two-assist performance against Montreal on Friday. But for all his offensive exploits, it’s Rosen’s play away from the puck that has earned the attention of his coach.' … [Read more...] about Rosen’s all-around game translating to offensive success at Prospects Challenge
Matt Savoie, Isak Rosen impress in Sabres' opening win at Prospects Challenge
'"I thought a lot of guys did a good job tonight," said Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert. I thought (Savoie) and (Zach Benson) just got better and better as the game went on. I thought Rosen was excellent from the drop of the puck, was a real dominant player from the drop of the puck."' … [Read more...] about Matt Savoie, Isak Rosen impress in Sabres’ opening win at Prospects Challenge
Filip Cederqvist persevered through brutal year to become key Sabres prospect
'The breakthrough for Cederqvist began in 2020-21, when he produced nine goals and 36 points in 51 games with Tingsryds AIF in HockeyAllsvenskan, and it earned him a full-time role with Djurgardens IF in the SHL the following season. Bigger, stronger and carrying wisdom from multiple pro seasons, Cederqvist showed the Sabres in 2021-22 that he was deserving of a contract.' … [Read more...] about Filip Cederqvist persevered through brutal year to become key Sabres prospect
In Vaclav Prospal, Jiri Kulich has special mentor as he fights to make Sabres
'Having coached against Kulich and followed hockey closely, Prospal knew about the youngster’s lethal shot – “It’s a gift,” he said – and supreme skating ability. He knew about his starring roles for the Czechia junior team and Amerks.' … [Read more...] about In Vaclav Prospal, Jiri Kulich has special mentor as he fights to make Sabres
Sabres open Prospects Challenge with win over Canadiens
'The Sabres opened their tournament on Friday with a 6-3 win on home ice over the Montreal Canadiens, thanks to contributions from a number of Buffalo's first-round talent on the roster.' … [Read more...] about Sabres open Prospects Challenge with win over Canadiens
“Elite competitor” | Savoie scores pair of highlight-reel goals in win over Canadiens
'Savoie and Benson excelled in transition, putting their speed and ability to capitalize on Montreal’s mistakes on full display. Filip Cederqvist complemented the duo by getting them the puck in open space, which was coach Seth Appert’s goal when putting the line together.' … [Read more...] about “Elite competitor” | Savoie scores pair of highlight-reel goals in win over Canadiens
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Prospal grateful for opportunity to join Amerks (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
Mike Harrington: Jiri Kulich's evolution might be most pressing item to watch at Sabres prospect games
'Lots of players can score, of course. Kulich has to keep developing his game and find multiple ways to do it. His shot is so lethal that he should be able to eventually dent the net from the flank like we’re so used to seeing from Tage Thompson and Victor Olofsson.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Jiri Kulich’s evolution might be most pressing item to watch at Sabres prospect games
Rachel Lenzi: Doggone it, the Sabres must name their new pup 'Taro'!
'But as the 50th anniversary of the Tsujimoto selection approaches, the Sabres can do the right, hilarious and historic thing. Name this next official team canine after the 11th-round draft pick who could have become a star like fifth-round picks Ryan Miller or Alexander Mogilny … or a disappointment like first-round pick Marek Zagrapan.' … [Read more...] about Rachel Lenzi: Doggone it, the Sabres must name their new pup ‘Taro’!