Buffalo News

'Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson notched a hat trick Wednesday, capped by the game-winning goal on a power play in overtime, as Team USA blew a big lead but pulled out a 6-5 win over Norway at the IIHF World Championships in Herning, Denmark.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson’s hat trick goal in OT averts Team USA collapse vs. Norway

'Levi hasn’t treated the Rochester Americans as a pit stop on the way to a career in Buffalo, even though he was one of the rare goalie prospects to jump immediately from a record-setting NCAA career to the NHL. He endeared himself to Amerks teammates with an authenticity and humility that aren’t always present in young, talented athletes who have performed under a spotlight … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Devon Levi relishing playoff run with Rochester Americans

'Lots of ex-Sabres, including the departed Kyle Okposo and Brandon Montour, have gotten their postseason chance in Florida. Talking last week in Toronto to former Buffalo forward Evan Rodrigues, who also has played in Colorado and Pittsburgh, he peeled back the curtain on the Panthers’ day-to-day approach.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: A look at ex-Sabres around the playoffs

'The Sabres' strength and conditioning program became a talking point during the second half of the season, with coach Lindy Ruff openly questioning the conditioning of his players following a January loss in Seattle.' … [Read more...] about Sabres name USA Hockey’s Brian Galivan as director of performance

'“As I looked for ways to enhance our existing staff, I wanted to add somebody to our group that has a fresh perspective and the direct experience of winning at all levels of hockey,” Adams said in a news release. “Eric was one of the first people I thought of when I originally became general manager, so it is fitting that he is the first addition to our organization this … [Read more...] about Why the Sabres hired former player Eric Staal as special assistant to the GM

'Just in the Eastern Conference, this is a pretty common model. Ex-players working in a similar special assistant role include Roberto Luongo (Florida), Shane Doan (Toronto), Vincent Lecavalier (Montreal), Justin Williams (Carolina), John LeClair and Patrick Sharp (Philadelphia) and Jason Spezza (Pittsburgh). Spezza, in particular, seems to be in line for a long front-office … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Eric Staal’s hiring is a good step, but Sabres have lots more to do

'It is the 11th time in 13 years that Buffalo has owned a top 10 draft pick. Previously, the Sabres selected Rasmus Ristolainen (2013), Sam Reinhart (2014), Jack Eichel (2015), Alex Nylander (2016), Casey Mittelstadt (2017), Rasmus Dahlin (2018), Dylan Cozens (2019), Jack Quinn (2020), Owen Power (2021) and Matt Savoie (2022).' … [Read more...] about Sabres own the ninth pick in a draft filled with talented forwards

'The grinding Panthers and the wondrously talented Leafs are the two remaining Atlantic teams, and Buffalo’s record against them this season was a combined 1-5-1. And the lone win, an October matinee against Florida, came with a big asterisk: The Panthers were without forwards Matthew Tkachuk (illness) and injured captain Aleksander Barkov, and played then-backup Spencer Knight … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres need to learn from consistency of Atlantic’s elite finalists

'The Sabres aren’t going to bring Helenius to the NHL anytime soon. It was a surprise that he didn’t play another season in Finland’s top pro league, Liiga. He’s a talented prospect who has the potential to become a reliable, two-way, middle-six center. Helenius had 14 goals with 35 points in 65 regular-season games as the youngest player in the American Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospects to watch in the Rochester Americans’ next playoff round

'The Sabres have failed to give Power a steady, veteran right-handed defense partner who can mentor and complement the 2021 No. 1 draft pick. Adams acknowledged the misstep during his end-of-season news conference with Lindy Ruff and revealed that Power downplayed the importance of such a player.' … [Read more...] about Lance Lysowski: Sabres must finally find the right partner for Owen Power

'As soon as Ruff finished his thought, Adams added that his “huge amount of faith in UPL” won’t prevent the Sabres from trying to upgrade their goaltending following a 14th consecutive season out of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The statement raised questions about Luukkonen’s future in Buffalo less than 12 months after he signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract that cemented … [Read more...] about UPL or Devon Levi may be Sabres’ most realistic goalie options with few available

'Ruff’s influence has grown since his return in April 2024, and he’ll have a say on how the Sabres use the approximately $21.4 million available in salary-cap space for next season. Defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Connor Clifton may be on the hot seat. Jack Quinn’s status may also be uncertain as Buffalo tries to snap a 14-year playoff drought. He will need to earn a spot in … [Read more...] about Which Sabres are staying? Who may be leaving? 5 players to watch this offseason

'In 2019, old friend Lindy Ruff wanted the Sabres job back six years after he was fired. But Botterill wasn’t interested. Instead, he was at the world championships in Slovakia getting sold a bill of goods by quick-talking Ralph Krueger. We’ll never know how Sabres history would have been different if Botterill and the Pegulas hadn’t succumbed to the charade of the worst coach … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: As his second chance comes in Seattle, reflections on Jason Botterill’s time as Sabres GM

'“I think ‘Kuli’ is an unbelievable player, and he’s going to be for a long time in this league, and I think the Sabre fans should be extremely excited about him and his game,” said Zucker. “I think the one thing that I think gets overlooked with him more than anything else is just, like, the matchups he had this year.' … [Read more...] about How can Sabres center Jiri Kulich improve in the playoffs with Rochester?

'Vernon will oversee ticketing and sponsorship operations for the Sabres, as well as the team’s business intelligence department. He spent the past 12 seasons with the Timberwolves and Lynx, most recently serving as chief sales officer. Vernon led all initiatives related to ticketing, membership service, premium sales, fan experience, group events and concession partnerships. … [Read more...] about Jake Vernon joins Sabres as CCO after 12 seasons with Minnesota Timberwolves