Buffalo News

'William Eklund, a talented 18-year-old winger from Sweden regarded as the top European skater, is expected to speak to Sabres brass on Wednesday. Adams and his scouting staff, led by associate general manager Jason Karmanos, are casting a wide net as they decide who to select first overall.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to meet with presumed No. 1 pick Owen Power as draft prep intensifies

'Ventura’s independent, public analytics work caught the eye of current Sabres associate general manager Jason Karmanos, who hired Ventura as a consultant for the Penguins in 2015. Ventura eventually ascended to the Penguins’ director of analytics. He was promoted to his most recent role in 2020, which included responsibilities in player development and scouting. Ventura’s … [Read more...] about Sabres hiring Sam Ventura to lead GM Kevyn Adams’ analytics department

'The status of assistant coaches Matt Ellis, Dan Girardi and Mike Bales: "That’s something we will be discussing in the next week or coming weeks. The guys that were here, I have a tremendous amount of respect for and they were incredibly effective and efficient to work for, so they are obviously in the mix moving forward as we sort this out."' … [Read more...] about Seven takeaways from Don Granato’s first news conference as Sabres head coach

'One thing that was interesting about Don Granato's introductory presser was that you barely heard the words "Jack Eichel" uttered by either the GM or the new head coach.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s July and it seems like the Jack Eichel drama has to end soon

'Alerted by several people to the coach's nickname on Wednesday, Nick Pitillo, owner of Italian restaurant Osteria 166 in downtown Buffalo and founder of the Meatball Street Brawl, is sending a public invite to Granato to be a celebrity judge at the festival planned for Sept. 19 outside his restaurant at 166 Franklin St.' … [Read more...] about Don Granato’s ‘Donnie Meatballs’ nickname picks up steam, sparks invite to judge Street Brawl

;The choice of Granato was little surprise. He quickly won over his players, as future building blocks such as Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens and Casey Mittelstadt all progressed, and there was little speculation about the Sabres hiring another candidate.' … [Read more...] about Sabres make it official: Don Granato will be their head coach

'So Granato becomes coach No. 6 to occupy the head office since that stunning February day in 2013 when Lindy Ruff was told by Darcy Regier that he wasn't taking the bus to Toronto for the game the next night. The roll call of infamy goes from Ron Rolston to Ted Nolan to Bylsma to Housley to Krueger and now to Granato.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Don Granato the ‘right call’ for the Sabres right now

'"Rene was in good shape," Perreault said. "Every time I talked to him, he was doing bicycle 2-3 times a week and playing golf three times a week and was enjoying life. He was doing very well, so it was shocking news. Very shocking."' … [Read more...] about Memories of Rene Robert: Reactions to the death of the ‘Connection’ right winger

'Robert played eight of his 12 NHL seasons in Buffalo, collecting 222 goals, 330 assists and 552 points. He currently is ninth in franchise history in goals, fifth in assists and sixth in points. His best offensive season was the '74-'75 campaign, when he collected career highs in goals (40), assists (60) and points (100). It was the first 100-point season in franchise history … [Read more...] about Rene Robert, Sabres ‘French Connection’ right winger, dies at 72

'“Erik obviously came in and didn't play a ton off the bat, but he had a good work ethic in practice and it was fun to learn from him,” said Mann. “We're obviously two very different goalies and mostly just because of our size. I'm 6-foot and he is 6-6, so that on its own kind of leads to very different styles. But with that, it was cool to learn from him and see some things he … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie prospect Erik Portillo preparing to take over starting job at Michigan

'“There were so many different things that have happened over the last year in our organization in terms of the on-ice, off-ice, staffing, and you learn from every single one of those,” Adams said. “I'd say that, for me, I think that I approach every conversation I'm in trying to learn and grow. I also learned from the ups and downs, the emotion of the season and how to balance … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams applying lessons learned from difficult first year on the job

'The Pegulas’ plan – which was built around Adams working in lockstep with former coach Ralph Krueger – was an epic failure during its first calendar year. Krueger was fired in March amid a franchise-record 18-game losing streak that resulted in the Sabres’ fourth last-place finish in eight years and Adams is currently conducting a coaching search.' … [Read more...] about One year later, inside Jason Botterill’s final days as Sabres’ general manager

'“Our thoughts are with Sabres legend Rene Robert, who is recovering in Florida after suffering a heart attack,” the Sabres organization said in a statement Saturday. “Rene has been a fixture in our community since his days playing with the French Connection – a true legend on and off the ice. The entire organization is behind Rene and his family and we pray for a full … [Read more...] about Sabres send prayers for a full recovery for legend Rene Robert

'Sources confirmed Robert's situation to The News and said he is on life support systems awaiting further procedures on his heart.' … [Read more...] about Rene Robert, Sabres ‘French Connection’ right winger, suffers heart attack

'The Pegulas were anticipating having no fans or reduced crowds amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant blow to revenue in a league dependent on attendance. However, the Sabres owed Botterill, Sexton and Greeley their annual salaries for the next two years. All but two of the fired scouts were under contract through 2021-22.' … [Read more...] about Looking back at the Pegulas’ decision to fire 22 Sabres employees one year ago