Buffalo News

'Montreal won the lottery and will pick first overall when it hosts the draft at Bell Centre. The rest of the top five, in order, is New Jersey, Arizona, Seattle and Philadelphia.' … [Read more...] about Sabres stand pat at lottery, will pick 9th, 16th in first round of NHL draft

'If Vegas defies the odds and picks in the top 10, they will retain the pick and send their 2023 first-round selection to the Sabres, no matter the outcome of next season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will learn at NHL Draft Lottery if they’ll own two early picks in first round

'The defense is full and it seems like Johnson is the one who probably should play out his eligibility. The Sabres might be best advised to trade his rights and get something for him now.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: College players studying their situations, not just giving Sabres cold shoulder

'“When I reflect back, that’s what I look at,” said Granato. “Like, the rewards these guys got is phenomenal for me. … Those are special for me, personally. … We felt like we just kept moving up and up and up. And I feel like, OK, the exciting thing for me is – we’ve gotten to this level – is the next level. Figuring it out and then targeting it and moving on it. The offseason … [Read more...] about Don Granato relishes Sabres’ feats in Year 1, but his mind is always on what’s next

'“If you're looking at individual growth and you're not mentioning Rasmus Dahlin, I think it's folly,” Okposo said. “He took some steps this year, some giant ones. Just the way he figured out how to play on both sides of the puck this year. I think his defensive game was what gave him so much confidence offensively."' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin emerged as leader, top defenseman in fourth season with Sabres

'"It's nice just knowing that you won't have all that stuff (next year)," Power said after the Sabres' season ended. "Training wise, it's not much different. You just still go in there every day and try and get better. So I feel like it's definitely a little bit more relaxing knowing kind of what's coming instead of just having all those thoughts and possibilities. It will be … [Read more...] about Owen Power’s crazy whirlwind of a season ended with a sparkling NHL debut

'Craig Anderson, Dustin Tokarski and Malcolm Subban are unrestricted free agents. Injuries have prevented Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from seizing a full-time job in Buffalo. Devon Levi and Erik Portillo opted to return to college rather than signing with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Takeaways: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams to look outside for a goalie this summer

'But now it's time to get real after the season-ending kumbayas. Never has there been more happiness around a 75-point, non-playoff season, but it's fair and important to say there's no satisfaction in it either. This was a classic bridge year, from the disgrace of the Ralph Krueger teams and the end of the Eichel-Reinhart era to a new feel.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Sabres’ culture is transformed, but GM Kevyn Adams has plenty more work to do

'The ratings for the Sabres picked up for the season’s final eight games as the play of Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch and other young players gave fans renewed hope that next year’s team will break the 11-year playoff drought. Six of the team’s last seven games averaged a 4.5 rating or higher.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Despite Jeanneret’s late-season assist, Sabres’ ratings down 10% from year ago

'"I was getting lots of chances the second half, they just weren't quite finding the back of the net for me," Cozens said Sunday in KeyBank Center. "As frustrating as it was, I tried to focus on the positive things. I think the second half I really kind of stepped up my defensive game and reliability. That's something as a young guy, I want to be reliable and trusted in the … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The goals stopped coming but Dylan Cozens kept pushing and can be a breakout player

'Everyone on both benches – Subban was a member of the Blackhawks before the trade – smiled and laughed when they realized this wasn't a video recording. Subban belted out every note, including those he didn't think his voice could ever reach again. The crowd roared in approval and people across the NHL lauded the remarkable performance.' … [Read more...] about Malcolm Subban surprises the Sabres and himself by singing national anthem

'Olofsson is arbitration-eligible and acknowledged that a resolution won’t come anytime soon. He waited almost eight months for a contract following the 2019-20 season because of the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the NHL offseason.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Victor Olofsson prepared to wait awhile for contract

'“Obviously there were going to be mixed opinions from the fan base and from the city, and I just saw nothing but overwhelming support,” Tuch, 25, told the media during his end-of-season press conference Saturday. “I have to say thank you for that. It made my job a lot easier and my family’s life a lot more enjoyable in that regard."' … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch’s ‘dream come true’ brightened Sabres’ outlook, sparked change

'This is the first season through this entire playoff drought that players, coaches, fans and even media are bummed we've hit a finish line and aren't saying good riddance to it all.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres carry a good vibe into the offseason but have to keep pushing forward

'On the ice, he delivered 17 wins – including victories over Toronto, Vegas, Minnesota, Nashville and Carolina – across 31 games in Buffalo’s net. In the dressing room, and between stoppages in play, he provided words of wisdom. He exemplified the professionalism, dedication and perseverance that coaches and management want in the organization.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson views Sabres as ‘ideal situation’ if he decides to continue playing