Buffalo News

'Mittelstadt was the Sabres' top player during training camp, emerging as the club's first-line center and asserting himself as a potential replacement for Jack Eichel on the first power-play unit. Mittelstadt has become a leader in the dressing room and appeared ready to provide consistent offense for Granato.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt undergoes surgery, expected to return this season

'“Tage has progressed through the season and continues to progress,” Granato said after practice Thursday. “That’s a positive. Dylan has been on a surge. … He’s been on a seven- or eight-game surge here to a new career-high level for him. It’s nice that those two are still trending very well in the right direction. You’re not going to replace Mittsy, because Mittsy’s on our … [Read more...] about Sabres to lean on Dylan Cozens, Tage Thompson at center with Casey Mittelstadt out

'“For me, the culture in the locker room that we build is really important,” Adams told The Buffalo News last week. “The young core that we’re excited about and that we’re building moving forward, they have to be guided, too. They have to have people they can turn to and, ‘OK, here’s an experience he can share with me.’ It’s really powerful. Maybe it doesn’t, right away, pay … [Read more...] about How GM Kevyn Adams’ plan for the Sabres was shaped by his time in Carolina

'Rochester winger Jack Quinn, Buffalo's No. 1 draft choice in 2020, entered the Amerks' game Wednesday against Utica tied for the AHL lead with 24 points and second in goals with 11, but sat out the game with a non-Covid illness. Winger JJ Peterka, taken in the second round last year, was just outside the top 10 with 18 points and had a team-high 14 assists. Forward Peyton … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Marquee callup is a thought if Casey Mittelstadt is out long termc

'While the Sabres’ typically fast-paced attack moved at a snail’s pace at times Tuesday night in KeyBank Center, their 22-year-old goaltender provided stability in net.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen steady in goal, Sabres still lose to Ducks

'The Sabres know where their issues are and how they're going to fix them. Alex Tuch's return is just a few weeks away. Jack Quinn, J.J. Peterka and Peyton Krebs will be here next year and probably get a taste of things this season. Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson will be instant upgrades on defense whenever they arrive, too.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Don Granato’s work-in-progress season remains tough to figure

'The Sabres' goaltending situation is in tatters through a combination of injury, illness and ineffective play. Luukkonen isn't going to be any panacea for one of the NHL's most porous defenses and, in fact, might only be here for a couple of days.' … [Read more...] about With goaltending situation a mess, Sabres can get free look at Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

'Levi recorded a school-record sixth shutout of the season Friday night against Providence College and finished the back-to-back series with 71 saves on 72 shots. He’s 5-0-1 over his last six starts and, among goalies with at least 16 games played, sits atop the NCAA in two prominent statistics: goals-against average (1.32) and save percentage (.953). Levi has a 13-4-1 record … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Devon Levi’s hot streak continues with record-setting weekend

'The club’s latest loss to Carolina (16-6-1) – the Sabres are winless in 11 straight against the Hurricanes, a streak of futility dating back to March 22, 2016 – is a reminder to temper expectations and that goaltending isn’t this club’s only issue.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres cap road trip with another difficult defensive performance

'“I was really excited to just be around the guys,” Tuch told The Buffalo News. “I started skating with the team, so I knew there was a chance. Then Kevyn told me he wanted me on the trip. I was really excited to get back on the road. It’s good to get around the guys. You get to know the guys a little bit at home, but on the road, you’re next to them. You’re shoulder to … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch using first road trip with Sabres to build relationships with teammates

'A warm welcome awaited Subban in North Carolina. He’s reunited with five former teammates – Alex Tuch, Colin Miller, Cody Eakin, Drake Caggiula and Vinnie Hinostroza – and was greeted by a coach eager to add an experienced goaltender who fits with the Sabres’ plan on and off the ice.' … [Read more...] about With opportunity to seize starting role, Malcolm Subban eager to help Sabres

'Another round of testing for the Sabres’ traveling party cleared everyone else on the roster and the Sabres overcame that encounter with adversity to build a three-goal lead, only to fall apart in the final 40 minutes and lose to the Panthers 7-4.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ goalie situation looms large after another brutal loss

'When Reinhart learned of the trade at approximately 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, the conversation with Adams was brief. But once the deal was official and Reinhart processed the news that he was leaving Buffalo after seven seasons, he called Adams back to express his gratitude and wish the Sabres luck. The interaction was captured by the Sabres in their Beyond Blue and Gold video … [Read more...] about A key player in Panthers’ hot start, Sam Reinhart ‘excited’ to face Sabres

'His six even-strength goals in November were tied for sixth in the National Hockey League, and he has nine points in his last nine games. With eight goals and 15 points in 22 games this season, he’s already surpassed his totals from 2020-21.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner says he’s only a ‘piece of the puzzle,’ but he’s so much more to Sabres

'Mittelstadt's return comes during a time of need for the Sabres, who have gone 3-10-2 in their last 15 games and allowed a league-worst 60 goals in November.' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt set to return for Sabres in Florida; Christian Wolanin claimed