Buffalo News

'This was a bounce-back year for Laaksonen after he posted only 12 points in 46 games with Ilves of Finland's Liiga last season. Laaksonen signed his entry-level contract with the Sabres in June 2020. With the AHL season facing a late start, Laaksonen opened this season with Liiga's Lahden Pelicans. He had 12 points in 20 games before he left for North America.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Oskari Laaksonen named to AHL North Division all-star team

'Five months after Regier's "suffering" statement, Pegula determined he was not fit to lead the Sabres through their transformation. Ownership made the same determination about general managers Tim Murray in 2017 and Jason Botterill in 2020. Regier’s declaration preceded back-to-back tank seasons that allowed the Sabres to draft Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart second overall in … [Read more...] about From ‘suffering’ to ‘tanking,’ Sabres’ shifting visions imperiled roster build

'Development does not end once a player reaches the NHL. Though the Sabres employ coaches to work with their prospects from the moment they are drafted, these players must continue to improve upon reaching Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Regime changes, impatience impede Sabres’ player development efforts

'The hands-on management structure and leadership style are the Pegulas’ prerogatives as owners, but that opens them up to credit and, more often, criticism, depending on how each team performs.' … [Read more...] about How have the Pegulas gotten things right with the Bills, but so, so wrong with the Sabres?

'Since then? Six coaches (it will be seven if they don't retain Don Granato) and three GMs. Four last-place finishes overall and no playoff appearances. The stability they've built with coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane of the Bills is a pipe dream for their hockey team.' … [Read more...] about How ‘drill another well’ morphed into just a deep hole for Sabres

'Botterill let the 2018-19 season go to waste, rendering the Sabres the second team in history to miss the playoffs in a year they had a 10-game winning streak. He told ownership he trusted his players and they believed him. Big mistakes on both sides.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ bad luck extends beyond just poor hiring

'The Sabres are 291-381-99 in the regular season with no division titles and one playoff appearance under the Pegulas. That includes the portion of the 2010-11 season after the Pegulas bought the team in February.' … [Read more...] about How Bills and Sabres have fared under the Pegulas’ ownership

'For as difficult as some days were for the typically ever-beaming Ullmark, he was outstanding when on the ice and positioned himself to likely receive raise as an unrestricted free agent this summer. It’s unclear, though, if he signs his next contract with Buffalo or one of the NHL’s 31 other teams.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will prioritize goaltending in offseason whether Linus Ullmark stays or goes

'Hockey being played overseas by current Sabres is not inconsequential, though. Five of their players – including a recent draft pick and a defenseman whose NHL rights they hold – will represent their respective country in the IIHF World Championship, which begins Friday in Latvia and ends June 6.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can evaluate their players, draft-eligible prospects at world championships

'In a flat-cap world, how do the Sabres get more than seven goals for the $9 million a season Jeff Skinner takes of their cap? And remember, they're on the hook for him for six more seasons. Skinner turned 29 Sunday, and will be 34 when the contract runs out at the end of 2026-27. The Pegulas, in fact, owe Skinner another $52 million of the eight-year, $72-million deal he … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: At this price, Sabres need Jeff Skinner to find a shred of his game

'Under new rules this year, the lottery selects only the top two choices, meaning a team can only drop two spots. That ensures the Sabres of no worse than the No. 3 pick and the Kraken no worse than No. 5.' … [Read more...] about NHL announces June 2 as date for draft lottery; Sabres have top odds at 16.6%

'The first-place finisher will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of their choice. Former Sabres center Ryan O'Reilly was the St. Louis Blues' nominee.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel is Sabres’ nominee for NHL’s leadership, humanitarian award

'You can try to solve this problem by offering Reinhart more money than any other team would match, but that’s the sort of mistake that’s hurt this organization for years. Adams should approach Reinhart with a realistic long-term contract offer. If the answer is no, then you must consider a trade. Remember, Reinhart’s value has never been higher. Offers including … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Would trading Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart trigger a rebuild?

'"It has been coming really fast at me. I guess it hasn't all really sunk in quite yet," Houser said Monday on the Amerks' breakup day. "Just because it was eight games in two weeks, I just tried to stay in the moment as best I could just because it's been so much hockey. Two months ago, I would have taken a week or two like this over not playing any time. So I'm never going to … [Read more...] about After memorable Sabres stint, Michael Houser finishes strong in Rochester

'Peterka, meanwhile, is coming off a season in which he had nine goals and 20 points in 30 regular-season games for EHC Red Bull Munchen of Germany's top professional league. Drafted in the second round by General Manager Kevyn Adams, Peterka also played for Germany at the IIHF World Junior Championship and exceled in 12 games for EC Red Bull Salzburg of Austria's top league.' … [Read more...] about World Championships: Arttu Ruotsalainen to play for Finland, JJ Peterka for Germany