'“Let’s get back to work, right away,” Kekalainen said. “Day 1, it’s a shorter camp than it has been before, so I think it’s more important we get right at it. Understanding that last season was last season. It’s in the past. By no means we’re satisfied. A lot of people are patting us on the back, saying that ‘you had a great season, pretty good.’ I said to the team, ‘Pretty … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen, coach Lindy Ruff address four key points ahead of training camp
Archives for September 17, 2026
As camp opens, Sabres don't kill all the Hellebuyck chatter | Mike Harrington
'Alex Lyon is 33 and playing on his fifth team, although he's always moved in free agency and has never been traded. Still, it doesn't seem like he's going to spend a lot of sleepless nights worrying about this kind of stuff. The same can't be said for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has been an organizational guy since he was drafted out of his native Finland in the second round in … [Read more...] about As camp opens, Sabres don’t kill all the Hellebuyck chatter | Mike Harrington
As Sabres fans return to arena, they'll have more choices
'They are doing that through a new grab-and-go market, and self-checkout technology at the Sabres Store. The team is also expanding its retail offerings because sales of merchandise and apparel rose significantly last season.' … [Read more...] about As Sabres fans return to arena, they’ll have more choices
Golisano’s Sabres ownership an example for new business students
'In all that time, Golisano has never accepted hearing. "This is the way something is because that is the way it has always been done."' … [Read more...] about Golisano’s Sabres ownership an example for new business students
Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen on start of season, different expectations, Connor Hellebuyck trade speculation and more
'For the first time in, well, what feels like forever – perhaps as long as 14 or 15 years – the Sabres have real expectations as they begin the season with a target on their back.' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen on start of season, different expectations, Connor Hellebuyck trade speculation and more
Sabres notes: Eric Staal takes on new role as coach; Buffalo has early injuries
'“He won’t be here daily, but he’s going to be here for a good part of every month, and it’s going to be an area he’s excited with helping out,” Ruff said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Eric Staal takes on new role as coach; Buffalo has early injuries
Sabres forward Jason Zucker expected to miss start of season after having sports hernia surgery
'General manager Jarmo Kekäläinen announced the injury on Wednesday as Sabres players reported for the start of training camp. Kekäläinen did not provide an exact timeline, but said Zucker could potentially miss the first two weeks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres forward Jason Zucker expected to miss start of season after having sports hernia surgery
Kekalainen: Last year is done; it's Day 1 all over again
'"Let's get back to work, right away, Day 1," Kekalainen said as he addressed reporters on Wednesday in Buffalo. "It's a shorter camp than it has been before, so it's important we get right at, it understanding that last season was last season. It's in the past. By no means we're satisfied, even though a lot of people are patting us on the back saying that we had a great … [Read more...] about Kekalainen: Last year is done; it’s Day 1 all over again
Ruff obsessed with winning it all for Sabres fans
'“To remain where we're at, we know, is a difficult task," said Ruff with reporters as the team reported for training camp on Wednesday. "A lot of teams got better, a lot of teams are back healthy now. Nobody will take us for granted, but knowing we've got an incredible amount of work to do ahead of us.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff obsessed with winning it all for Sabres fans
Sabres announce changes at KeyBank Center, Aud Club rebrand
'One that's caught a lot of fans off-guard: the removal of the Aud Club on the 100 Level, which has been transformed into the Michelob Ultra Lounge, including a large bar and new food options.' … [Read more...] about Sabres announce changes at KeyBank Center, Aud Club rebrand
Sabres forward Jason Zucker to miss start of season
'Kekäläinen did not provide an exact timeline, but said Zucker could potentially miss the first two week.' … [Read more...] about Sabres forward Jason Zucker to miss start of season
Sabres look to turn breakthrough season into the standard, not a peak
'"The expectations aren't going to win us games," coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday. "How hard we work and how hard we compete will be the difference."' … [Read more...] about Sabres look to turn breakthrough season into the standard, not a peak
Sabres have ‘itch for more’ this season after ending playoff drought
'“Sure, we can build off that, especially with what we went through,” forward Tage Thompson said last week at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour in Las Vegas. “Most of the guys from that team are still here. These are guys that you go to war with, you go to battle with every day, and we all respect each other and love each other in that room. That's just what you … [Read more...] about Sabres have ‘itch for more’ this season after ending playoff drought
‘Pretty good's not good enough’ | Kekäläinen, Ruff set standard for 2026-27 Sabres
'“Complacency is the biggest pitfall right now for our team, thinking that we were pretty good last year – pretty good's not good enough,” general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen said Wednesday, pointing out that a Game 7 win over Montreal would’ve gotten the Sabres only halfway to their ultimate goal. Last season was last season. Now, we move forward, and if we, for one second, think … [Read more...] about ‘Pretty good’s not good enough’ | Kekäläinen, Ruff set standard for 2026-27 Sabres
‘I felt like a ghost’ | Inside Jiri Kulich’s road to recovery
'A CT scan revealed a blood clot, unexpected and rare for someone his age. Most likely, it stemmed from a March 15, 2025, hit by Vegas’ Brett Howden – Kulich entered concussion protocol at the time – and was exacerbated during August 2025 offseason training. Symptoms emerged after a hit during one of his skates that summer.' … [Read more...] about ‘I felt like a ghost’ | Inside Jiri Kulich’s road to recovery