'Kekalainen said Wednesday that the Sabres filled holes on defense, particularly with the acquisition and signing of defenseman Olen Zellweger, and projects he can grow into the role Bowen Byram held on the Sabres’ second defensive pairing. He reiterated that the Sabres will miss Alex Tuch, but have young forwards who continue to improve, including center Jiri Kulich, who is … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen, after first hours of NHL free agency: ‘We’re still open for business’
Archives for July 2, 2026
Mike Harrington: No shock Sabres were quiet on opening day of free agency
'Translation: Hands off Helenius, Noah Ostlund and Jiri Kulich. And you wonder about Radim Mrtka as well.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: No shock Sabres were quiet on opening day of free agency
Ex-Sabres coach Don Granato to be named assistant in Columbus
'Granato, 58, has not been with an NHL team since he was fired by the Sabres following the 2023-24 season. He most recently coached Team USA in the World Championships in Switzerland in May, losing to Canada in the quarterfinals.' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabres coach Don Granato to be named assistant in Columbus
Sabres sign newcomer Olen Zellweger to three-year contract
'The deal has a $3.1 million salary cap hit. The Sabres acquired Zellweger, 22, Friday in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign newcomer Olen Zellweger to three-year contract
Sabres make depth signings, trade after free agency opens; Jarmo Kekalainen open to making more moves
'“By no means we’re desperate to add anything right now,” Kekalainen said. “It needs to be a perfect fit both from role, playing, ability. We’ve talked at nauseam about this with Lindy (Ruff) and what we may or may not need.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres make depth signings, trade after free agency opens; Jarmo Kekalainen open to making more moves
Sabres did ‘due diligence’ before hiring Milan Lucic for scouting job
'Before they hired former NHL winger Milan Lucic as a pro scout, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said the Sabres did their “due diligence” on his arrest in 2023 on suspicion of assault and battery on a family member. Prosecutors later dropped a domestic violence charge.' … [Read more...] about Sabres did ‘due diligence’ before hiring Milan Lucic for scouting job
Sabres extend Zellweger, trade Levi in quiet start to FA
'Buffalo signed several depth pieces, but the two most notable moves were an extension for recently acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger and a trade of goalie Devon Levi.' … [Read more...] about Sabres extend Zellweger, trade Levi in quiet start to FA
Thursday's Edmonton Coverage
Edmonton Oilers add a young goaltender to their roster on NHL Deadline Day (Edmonton Journal) Former Sabres backup goaltender Devon Levi pumped for opportunity with Oilers (Edmonton Journal) Edmonton Oilers land a goalie, but Devon Levi is an unproven gamble (Edmonton Sun) Release: Oilers acquire Devon Levi from Buffalo (EdmontonOilers.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Edmonton Coverage
Sabres' trade offer for Jets' Connor Hellebuyck revealed
'Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos wrote on Wednesday that if the Sabres got Hellebuyck, the cost would likely be goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and winger Jack Quinn. "The likely scenario here is Buffalo sending NHL netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Jack Quinn, the eighth overall pick of the 2020 draft, to the Jets," Kypreos writes. "The Jets’ original ask was for Zach Benson, but the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ trade offer for Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck revealed
Sabres finally trade Devon Levi, and Oilers hope he solves goalie problem
'Levi has played 39 career games with the Sabres, but he didn't become a player they felt they could rely upon at the NHL level.' … [Read more...] about Sabres finally trade Devon Levi, and Oilers hope he solves goalie problem
Sabres sign defenseman Olen Zellweger to three-year contract
'This contract extension will keep Zellweger with the Sabres through the 2028-29 season. The defenseman was only one of two restricted free agents for the Sabres this offseason, along with forward Peyton Krebs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign defenseman Olen Zellweger to three-year contract
Sabres sign Dennis Gilbert to one-year contract
'This is the second time the Sabres and Gilbert have come to terms on a deal in free agency. The Buffalo native first signed with the Sabres as an unrestricted free agent back in 2024.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Dennis Gilbert to one-year contract
Sabres send goalie Devon Levi to Oilers
'Former Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams butchered the development of Levi from the start. After two record-setting years at Northeastern University, the only way Levi would sign with the Sabres in April of 2023 was if he played in games immediately. Levi played in seven late-season games, going 5-2-0 with a 2.94 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. That was the … [Read more...] about Sabres send goalie Devon Levi to Oilers
Sabres have a few minor signings in Day 1 of free agency
'Jarmo Kekalainen made some minor signings which will likely benefit the Rochester Americans. Two former Sabres were signed in Dennis Gilbert and Conor Sheary. Both got one-year contracts for $850.000. Jason Polin got the same deal. He played four games for the Colorado Avalanche last season and 46 in the AHL for the Colorado Eagles. The winger had 10 goals and 11 assists for … [Read more...] about Sabres have a few minor signings in Day 1 of free agency
Sabres resign newly acquired Olen Zellweger to 3-year deal
'The 3-year contract will pay the 22-year-old defenseman around $3 million dollars until the 2028-2029 season. He was set to become a restricted free agent if he had been left unsigned, the Sabres gave him a qualifying offer of around $875K as part of the process.' … [Read more...] about Sabres resign newly acquired Olen Zellweger to 3-year deal