Buffalo News

'Helenius played virtually all of the season as an 18-year-old before turning 19 on May 11. He had 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points in 65 regular-season games, and added three goals and three assists in eight playoff games as the Amerks pushed their season to Game 5 of the North Division finals before losing to Laval.' … [Read more...] about Sabres first-round pick Konsta Helenius named to AHL’s Top Prospects team

'Drafting hasn’t been a weakness of this front office. Identifying and acquiring current NHL talent has. And that’s why you bring in a longtime former NHL GM to augment this hockey department. It’s why one was needed a long time ago, but ownership’s “efficiency” concerns prevented it.' … [Read more...] about Sabres roundtable: Potential additions at forward, Jarmo Kekalainen’s initial impact

'“It seems like a super-cool place,” said Jackson Smith, a a defenseman from Tri-City of the Western Hockey League, who is projected as a first-round pick. “I walked around a little bit and went to get a bite to eat. And on an Uber ride, when I went to dinner, out with Vancouver, the Uber driver gave us, basically, a whole rundown of the city, so I got to learn a little bit … [Read more...] about Does Buffalo get first-round billing? NHL combine participants make their picks

'If the Sabres stand firm at No. 9, here is a look at five potential prospects who participated in the combine and went through physical testing Saturday at LECOM Harborcenter, and what they could bring to the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Sabres get look at potential picks as the NHL draft approaches

'Aitcheson is as tough as he is effervescent, and is as willing to stand up for himself or a teammate as he is to carry on a conversation with someone. The 6-foot-1½ defenseman from Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League tied with teammate Riley Patterson, a center, for the Colts’ scoring lead this season. Aitcheson scored 26 goals with 33 assists in 64 games, including nine … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Here’s two defensemen Sabres should consider with their top pick

'“He was a good decision-maker on the ice,” Raeder said of Kekalainen, a left wing for Clarkson from 1987-89. “He was solid, and he thought through the game well. Coming from Europe and adjusting to the North American game, back in those days, was a pretty good test. If you could do that, you were pretty hockey savvy – and Jarmo, he’s tremendously motivated.”' … [Read more...] about Jarmo Kekalainen brings an always-evolving, ever-competitive presence as Sabres senior advisor

'The Amerks had a 92-point season and made it to the ultimate Game 5 of the North Division finals before losing to Laval, and the 5-foot-11 Helenius wasn’t out of place, even though he was the youngest player in the AHL and didn’t turn 19 until May 11.' … [Read more...] about From combine week through Calder Cup playoffs, Sabres got a big year from Konsta Helenius

'We haven’t seen the same two teams get to hockey’s ultimate series since 2009, when the Pittsburgh Penguins used a Marc-Andre Fleury save in the final second to hold off the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena. The Wings had won the Cup in 2008 in Game 6 at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena. (From the Time Moves On Dept.: Both of those arenas, which were classic NHL barns, … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Another long season later, it’s Panthers and Oilers in a rare Stanley Cup rematch

'The key to this series will come in the goal crease. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky, long portrayed as an overpaid sieve at $10 million per season, has become the best playoff goalie of this generation. Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner is a hot-and-cold enigma. But they have both been money since the middle of Round 2. Since May 11, Bobrovsky is 7-2, 1.34/.944, and Skinner is 6-1, … [Read more...] about Top 5 reasons to watch Stanley Cup Final: Connor McDavid, Canadian drought, more from Mike Harrington

'So, it is conceivable that the seeds of trades and free agent deals that are often planted at the draft may get pushed up into the week in Buffalo. Some general managers routinely skip the combine and merely send their amateur scouting and strength staffs, but it is likely every GM may be in Buffalo, except Edmonton’s Stan Bowman and Florida’s Bill Zito, whose teams will open … [Read more...] about NHL Scouting Combine’s annual trip to Buffalo means more in a remote draft year

'The Buffalo Sabres, however, have opted for a unique approach: The team announced Sunday it is going to run its draft at Highmark Stadium out of the Bills’ war room that is specifically designed for the NFL’s annual selection of college players.' … [Read more...] about With no central NHL draft location this year, Sabres are going to Highmark Stadium

'Adams and coach Lindy Ruff, both in the final years of their contracts, could stay on. Kekalainen could ascend to a more official title in the organization (president of hockey operations?) and improve his profile even more for another shot at a GM job.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Jarmo Kekalainen is here to win, not just automatically replace Kevyn Adams

'Kekalainen, who is from Finland, became the first European-born general manager in NHL history when he was hired by the Blue Jackets in 2013 and led the team to its four highest point totals in franchise history and five of its six playoff appearances during an 11-year run. Included was a stunning 2019 first-round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who had rolled through the … [Read more...] about Sabres hire former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as senior advisor

'But Laval eliminated the Buffalo Sabres’ top affiliate with Sunday’s 5-0 victory in Game 5 of the North Division finals. The Amerks had legitimate hopes to grab their first Calder Cup since 1996, as evidenced by their 92-point season that put them tied for fifth in the 32-team league., before finally succumbing to the waves of pressure from the AHL’s top team.' … [Read more...] about Takeaways: There were lots of positives to glean from Amerks’ big season

'“I’m super grateful for this year, and I’m excited for next year,” Levi said Tuesday on a video call during Amerks breakup day in Blue Cross Arena. “I feel like I’m ready to play in the NHL, but, obviously, it’s out of my control, and I leave that up to the people in charge, people paid to make that decision. It takes time as a goalie. ... All I can focus on is being the best … [Read more...] about After a big year in Rochester net, Devon Levi hopes his NHL shot is coming