Buffalo News

'Eichel reportedly wants an artificial disc replacement, a procedure that’s never been done before on a professional hockey player. The Sabres and their team doctors won’t approve the surgery. The standoff may lead Adams to trade Eichel with five years remaining on a contract that carries a $10 million annual salary cap hit.' … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Evaluating 5 possible landing spots for Jack Eichel

'“His game probably is the least flashy of the three, but as a defenseman, that's probably what you'd expect,” Mann said of Power. “He's just so efficient with everything he does. He's got so much detail to his game. … He’s definitely a guy that would be staying out there after practice, putting in the extra work with his skating and his skills because really, he likes … [Read more...] about Why should Sabres consider Owen Power, Matthew Beniers and Kent Johnson? Their goalies weigh in

'This provided a development opportunity to a few young Sabres, while General Manager Kevyn Adams and his staff were able to evaluate two candidates for the No. 1 draft pick. Though one Buffalo player had his tournament cut short because of injury, the franchise had a few impressive performances overseas.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tage Thompson, Arttu Ruotsalainen medal at IIHF World Championship

'“I enjoyed my time in Buffalo. The only reason I left was because the WHA was doubling my salary.”' … [Read more...] about Erik Brady: Ex-Sabre Larry Hillman’s hex remains on Maple Leafs

'The Sabres need goals. And just imagine how many they might need if they're actually pondering a trade of Jack Eichel or Sam Reinhart. Or even both.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres need to be forward-thinking with this top pick

'The 51 games on MSG averaged a 4.27 rating, the four games on cable’s NBCSN a 5.0 (one was simulcast) and the two games on NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV averaged a 5.8 rating. That is a huge decline from the 7.05 rating for the first 50 games of the abbreviated 2019-2020 season. The average for the entire 69-game season is unavailable but bound to have declined from the 7 rating.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Sabres slip to No. 4 in NHL ratings; announcers not getting full Sahlen Field experience

'Defenseman Owen Power, a 6-foot-6 18-year-old, is regarded as the top prize in a draft that will include 32 teams with the arrival of the expansion Seattle Kraken, who will pick second. The Anaheim Ducks will select third, followed by the New Jersey Devils at No. 4 and the Columbus Blue Jackets at No. 5.' … [Read more...] about Sabres own first overall pick in NHL draft after winning lottery again

'“There will be for me a lot of information gathering over the next few days,” Adams said. “Speaking with our doctors, speaking with Jack’s camp and just kind of where we go from here. So, I don’t really have an update, but it’s going to be coming here in terms of information I get in the coming days. I think it is important just to mention our doctors, their expertise, they … [Read more...] about Next steps for Jack Eichel, Sabres uncertain with 12-week period of rest complete

'”It’s challenging, but I equate it to bad ice for a hockey game,” said Sabres associate general manager Jason Karmanos. “Everyone is playing under the same conditions. So, it is very different than usual. I feel badly for the kids that haven't been able to play this year. … It’s been a difficult situation for everyone to deal with and certainly, from a scouting point of view, … [Read more...] about With best odds to draft No. 1, Sabres have chance to secure a top player

'Injuries and underperformance have prevented Davidsson from producing in Sweden’s top professional league the past two seasons.' … [Read more...] about Sabres opt to not sign center Marcus Davidsson, a second-round draft choice in 2017

'Prediction: McCabe returns on a short-term contract.' … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Predicting which unrestricted free agents return to Buffalo

'Returning to the ice was a feat in and of itself. Huglen, a fourth-round draft choice of the Sabres in 2019, surpassed even his own loftiest expectations this season by earning co-MVP honors for the USHL’s Fargo Force, helping his team reach the league’s championship series.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Aaron Huglen’s ‘surreal’ comeback from back surgery

'The formula to restore the 21-year-old defenseman’s confidence and tantalizing skills was revealed in the weeks after Ralph Krueger was fired on March 17. Krueger’s replacement, Don Granato, implemented a system that gave defensemen the freedom to take risks to contribute offensively, and he challenged Dahlin to embrace a top-pairing role.' … [Read more...] about How playing the Swedish way restored Rasmus Dahlin’s confidence late in Sabres’ season

'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