'“He was part of our group, he asked questions,” Ruff said Wednesday in KeyBank Center after the Sabres announced his two-year contract extension. “We shared ideas. I asked him questions, he asked me a lot of questions. It was just interaction every day, and I think that spurred growth. It got us to know each other, so that got us to this point.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jarmo Kekalainen, Lindy Ruff established strong relationship before new contract
Archives for May 2026
Lyons' Look: How does the offseason look for the Buffalo Sabres?
'I have been on team do not re-sign Tuch all year and after the series against Montreal, my position has solidified. Tuch is 30 and while he is still good, he will be passing his prime sooner, rather than later.' … [Read more...] about Lyons’ Look: How does the offseason look for the Buffalo Sabres?
Ex-Oilers d-men could well be on the block. Edmonton should make a bid
'In Buffalo, at his year-end press conference, Sabres hockey boss Jarmo Kekäläinen was asked about Kesselring’s future with the team, noting in the preface to his question that Kesselring had had a hard time of it this year, being injured three different times, then getting scratched when he did get healthy. “Any player would be upset about that. So, where is he at now?… Does … [Read more...] about Ex-Oilers d-men could well be on the block. Edmonton should make a bid
Buffalo Sabres happy with three-goaltender system including Cape Breton’s Colten Ellis
'With the success of the three goaltenders, Ruff and Kekäläinen hinted they could potentially run the three-goaltender system again next season as all three netminders are under contract for 2026-27.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres happy with three-goaltender system including Cape Breton’s Colten Ellis
Why the Ottawa Senators have shown interest in Buffalo Sabres goalie Devon Levi
'“As a goaltender, he’s gotten a lot of games, but I think when he’s on his game, he doesn’t have that much margin for error based on his size, but when he’s on his game, he’s talented, he can move, he’s athletic. He can read the puck and he holds his feet when he’s on his game, he holds his feet. Very well, and that’s one of his big attributes, his ability to stay patient on … [Read more...] about Why the Ottawa Senators have shown interest in Buffalo Sabres goalie Devon Levi
Senators get trade update involving Sabres goalie Devon Levi
'At the NHL level, Levi has played 39 career goals, but from a player who was once viewed as a more promising prospect, he hasn't blossomed into his perceived potential.' … [Read more...] about Senators get trade update involving Sabres goalie Devon Levi
Biron says Sabres have strong foundation moving forward
'"Your defense is set right? There's a lot there you were able to get success with basically rotating three goalies this year, and I think there's improvements to be made, and the Jarmo Kekäläinen and Lindy Ruff and the whole staff is going to look at it," Biron said.' … [Read more...] about Biron says Sabres have strong foundation moving forward
Kevyn Adams reacts to Sabres ending playoff drought after his firing
'Adams acknowledged mistakes during his tenure, including remarks he made in 2024 about Buffalo’s challenges in attracting free agents. At the time, he said Buffalo "doesn’t have palm trees" and pointed to New York’s tax rates as a factor for the team's lack of success.' … [Read more...] about Kevyn Adams reacts to Sabres ending playoff drought after his firing
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen reiterates Stanley Cup expectation
'“You have to make the playoffs in order to have a chance to win the Cup. That’s a starting point. Doesn’t matter whether you lose in the first round or the second round or the third round or the final. I think it would sting if you got that close and you lost in the Stanley Cup Final.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen reiterates Stanley Cup expectation
Mike Harrington: Lindy Ruff lost a chance for Carolina revenge, but Sabres provide a wide-open Cup window
'"I really believed we were winning the game," Ruff said of the showdown with the Canadiens. "I really believe as soon as we tied the game (on Rasmus Dahlin's third-period goal), we were winning. I still have this vision that we're going in on the 2 on 1 (with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson in overtime) and the game's over. That was our big opportunity and I get to go back to … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Lindy Ruff lost a chance for Carolina revenge, but Sabres provide a wide-open Cup window
End-of-season injury updates on Owen Power, Tage Thompson, Sam Carrick, Justin Danforth and other Sabres
'During his end-of-season media availability on Wednesday in KeyBank Center, Power, 23, did not reveal the injury he was battling. But Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Power had a Grade 3 ankle sprain “that was getting heavily taped up” so he could play.' … [Read more...] about End-of-season injury updates on Owen Power, Tage Thompson, Sam Carrick, Justin Danforth and other Sabres
Sabres trade requires one of these 4 rising stars
'It seems like from a recency bias perspective, Helenius and Ostlund are two guys the Sabres won't want to move. They both looked comfortable in the playoffs, and trading them away would likely get a bad response from the fanbase. Kulich would be a risky guy to deal as he comes off a season lost due to injury. His value might not be that high, but he also could rebound … [Read more...] about Sabres trade requires one of these 4 rising stars
Despite painful ending, Sabres’ season was a massive success
'Added 15-year veteran Jason Zucker: “They keep me young, that's for sure, but it makes it fun. You never know what you're gonna get on a daily basis from the likes of (Zach) Benson and the rest of the crew. … I think it became a really close-knit group because of that, and arguably the closest group I've ever been a part of.”' … [Read more...] about Despite painful ending, Sabres’ season was a massive success
Sabres sign head coach Lindy Ruff to two-year contract extension
'Ruff was the only current NHL head coach without a contract for next season. This season's Sabres engineered a huge turnaround under Ruff and new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, becoming just the fifth team in history to win a division by overcoming a standings deficit of eight or more points. From Dec. 9 to the end of the season, Buffalo led all NHL teams in wins (39) and … [Read more...] about Sabres sign head coach Lindy Ruff to two-year contract extension
Mike Harrington: Sabres players deserve to take pride in franchise-altering turnaround
'Season tickets are selling again. They couldn't keep enough Beer Sabres on the shelves. The merchandise is flying out of the team store and there is (finally) an online store, too. A franchise that lost hundreds of millions of dollars in the last decade-plus is on its way to reversing its fortunes in the standings and the balance sheets. They've been basically printing money … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres players deserve to take pride in franchise-altering turnaround