Buffalo News

‘In filing the suit, the team had said Citizenship and Immigration Services made an “unlawful, arbitrary” decision to deny Gannon’s application. The team said he was worthy of more consideration by the agency “as an individual of extraordinary ability.”‘

‘McFarlane has 22 years of finance and business administration experience. He will oversee the Buffalo Sabres’ day-to-day business operations, along with the financial operations of PSE entities. He previously served as chief financial officer of Petri Baking Products, Inc. He oversaw the financing of three major facility expansions at Petri, and the Silver Creek-based company grew in size, employment and profitability during each year of his tenure as CFO.’

‘With coach Ralph Krueger likely having more say on how this roster is constructed, it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which the Sabres don’t make a strong push to retain Zemgus Girgensons and Johan Larsson. Does either player want to return, though? While both had an outstanding season under Krueger, they are pending unrestricted free agents and endured plenty of losing during their time in Buffalo. Girgensons may have priced himself out of Buffalo, but Adams needs to recognize that Larsson is more valuable than a typical fourth-line center.’

‘Neither Adams nor Krueger is tied to Mittelstadt, the first player selected by Botterill at the 2017 draft. Mittelstadt, 21, earned valuable experience in Rochester by playing 36 games with the Amerks this season. He totaled only nine goals with 16 assists while playing in every situation, but questions remain whether he is strong enough defensively to play center in the NHL. Mittelstadt will need a strong camp to avoid being assigned to Rochester, where the organization is expected to implement a new development model.’

‘It was bitter for the players to accept they didn’t get to go to South Korea in 2018. Big names such as Patrick Kane and Sidney Crosby were openly disappointed about the decision and wondered if they had their last chance ripped away from them. Now, provided there’s an agreement with the International Olympic Committee on insurance and other matters, the players will be going. Good news for veterans and potential newbies such as the Sabres’ Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin.’

‘This would provide new Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams with some clarity during his first offseason on the job. According to CapFriendly.com, Adams would have approximately $34.4 million in salary-cap space for 2020-21, although an overage created by performance bonuses will cut into that total.’

‘The Sabres will pay out a combined $19.1 million to center Jack Eichel ($7.5 milion), winger Jeff Skinner ($7.5 million), winger Kyle Okposo ($3 million), defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen ($1 million), defenseman Rasmus Dahlin ($92,500) and defenseman Henri Jokiharju ($92,500).’

‘Murray drafted Jack Eichel and his wild trading spree to fast-forward a rebuild included the acquisitions of Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian, Ryan O’Reilly and Robin Lehner. He traded Ryan Miller, Tyler Myers, Brayden McNabb, Nikita Zadorov, Drew Stafford and Steve Ott. He burned through prospects and drafted haphazardly (Alex Nylander at No. 8?) because he said five-year rebuilds weren’t part of his plan.’

‘”If I had luck, good fortune and success in my life, it always involved Buffalo,” Dudley said earlier this month. “I’ve had an attachment to the Sabres and I’m not going to deny that. This area has been my home for a long time.”‘

‘LaMattina previously worked for the Sabres as corporate controller (1997-2000), director of business and administration (2004-11) and vice president of finance and business operations (2011-14). He also served as treasurer for the Buffalo Sabres Foundation and his latest position included the oversight of financial management and operations.’