Archives for June 26, 2026

'The Sabres, a team that broke a 15-year playoff drought, just traded Bowen Byram, one of their top-four defensemen, to Chicago for the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft. That’s right around the area where Reid is targeted to be picked after the first round opens at 7 p.m. Friday at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres have plenty of options with two first-round picks in NHL draft

'Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky says, without hyperbole, that McKenna’s year with the Nittany Lions was one of the biggest things to happen to the program and to college hockey. “Gavin is very comfortable and confident in what he stands for,” said Gadowsky, who has coached the Nittany Lions in their existence as a Division I team. “To create his own way is very appropriate. For … [Read more...] about How a Pegula investment, an NCAA ruling and an NIL payout brought Gavin McKenna to cusp of stardom

'So I had a simple inquiry for McKenna: How prepared is he to be a villain in Buffalo for, oh, the next decade or so if this rivalry heats up again? McKenna chuckled. He knows what's up here. He knew a dude wearing a Leafs jersey with "McKenna" on the back got roasted in the stands during one of the Buffalo-Montreal playoff games last month. "If I'm not drafted here (by the … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: McKenna preps to be Leafs’ villain as trade rumors loom at draft

'Here’s a prediction of the top five picks Friday night at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Gavin McKenna? Ivar Stenberg? A look at the NHL draft’s potential top 5 picks

'The players selected in the first round still will go up on stage to shake Gary Bettman's hand and put on their new sweater. But there won't be any team officials there to greet them. And most of the worldwide NHL media will stay home as well.' … [Read more...] about It’s Year 2 for the ‘decentralized’ NHL draft. Will the format stick?

'Lindros graciously left his seat with his family to come down to the draft floor and meet team officials. But he did not go on the stage and refused to put on a Quebec jersey when Aubut handed it to him, simply draping it over his arm.' … [Read more...] about From Eric Lindros to Auston Matthews: Buffalo’s history hosting the NHL draft

'The Buffalo Sabres are hosting the NHL draft, which is another chance for the team to showcase Key- Bank Center and the surrounding areas of the city and region. The two-day event starts Friday and is expected to bring around 10,000 people to the arena. That includes hundreds of prospects and their family and friends, media members and agents, and fans from across the border … [Read more...] about NHL draft in Buffalo continues momentum for Sabres and region

'If it hadn’t been for the trade, Sabres fans might have to watch for about 90 minutes to see the team draft a player.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Sabres moves make ESPN draft coverage more interesting