Buffalo News

'Leaman seems to be the top college name on the minds of most NHL observers, particularly since he directed Team USA to the gold medal at the World Junior Championships in January with a shutout of Dylan Cozens-led Canada in the gold medal game in Edmonton. He coached Providence to a national championship in 2015, beating Jack Eichel-led Boston University in the championship … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: NCAA bracket announcement could mark start of Sabres coach search

'The news of the latest postponement was alarming to Granato and his players, as this is the Sabres’ second encounter with the virus this season. Nine players entered the protocols following a two-game series against the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 30-31. Former coach Ralph Krueger tested positive for Covid-19 and most Sabres on the list also tested positive. This led to the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ game Saturday postponed as 4 more Bruins enter Covid-19 protocols

'Sources say the completion of a trade was delayed because the Sabres were waiting to hear how they will be impacted by the news that their opponent Thursday, the Boston Bruins, had four players added to the NHL's Covid protocol list Friday.' … [Read more...] about Sources: Sabres on the verge of trading goalie Jonas Johansson

'This creates another vacancy in the Sabres’ hockey operations department, which was gutted by 22 firings in June, including General Manager Jason Botterill.' … [Read more...] about Charlie Mendola is latest departure from Sabres’ hockey operations department

'“Donnie did the best he could with the time he had, as far as trying some different things and implementing some different things that he wanted to see,” center Eric Staal said. “Clearly, we can get better in some of the areas he’s talking about. It wasn’t good enough today.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ next step is to implement Don Granato’s vision as coach

'That's a 13-game winless streak, one shy of the franchise record set by the 2015 tankers. But hey, at least this baker's dozen wasn't another doughnut. The Sabres got a fluke goal from Kyle Okposo – his first in over a year – to score on home ice for the first time in more than eight periods.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: You can’t always control results, but you can control how hard you play

'The game was a microcosm of all interim coach Don Granato will have to fix over the Sabres’ final 27 games. Their winless streak reached 13 games – Buffalo’s longest skid since it lost 14 in a row in 2014-15 – and they have scored two or fewer goals in 11 of their past 12 games.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Don Granato’s Sabres coaching debut ends with 4-1 loss to Bruins

'"Just obviously a feeling of sadness," Hall said a couple hours before the Sabres faced off Thursday against the Boston Bruins. "I guess a little bit of guilt on the fact that we weren't able to get a job done for Ralph. Me coming here this summer, he was one of the big reasons. He was the first person to call and reach out during free agency. We still have a great … [Read more...] about Sadness, guilt among Taylor Hall’s emotions after firing of Ralph Krueger

'Adams would not outline specific characteristics he’s seeking in his first permanent head coaching hire, though he mentioned the importance of building relationships and holding players accountable. Bruce Boudreau, Gerard Gallant and Claude Julien are among the experienced coaches currently out of work that will be sought after by teams this summer, including the expansion … [Read more...] about What’s next for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams? Hire a coach, forge a team identity.

'"There has to be a pride that goes with putting on a Buffalo Sabres jersey," Adams said. "There has to be a pride of showing up every day and being a National Hockey League player, of looking around and saying, 'I'm one of the 700, 800, or whatever it is in the league, to get to do this every day.' And that has to be something that just is inside you and drives you to be … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Another coach got fired. It’s time for Sabres players to show some pride

'Granato, who came to the Sabres a month after Krueger was hired in 2019, had been an assistant the previous two seasons in Chicago but has lots of experience as a head coach at lower levels, including seven years as St. Louis' AHL head coach in Worcester (2000-2005) and Chicago (2008-2010), and five seasons leading the United States National Team Development Program.' … [Read more...] about The GM on the Sabres’ new staff: Lots of new roles under Don Granato

'Missed the start of last season with pneumonia and ensuing complications that have been described as a near-death experience. He needed a ventilator and had a blood infection.' … [Read more...] about 5 things about new interim Sabres coach Don Granato

'Karmanos, 46, worked under former Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford in Carolina and Pittsburgh from 1998 through the 2019-20 season. The two won three Stanley Cups together, including one in Carolina in 2006 when Adams was a veteran forward for the Hurricanes. Karmanos’ father, Peter, was principal owner of the Hurricanes and Hartford Whalers from 1994 through 2018.' … [Read more...] about Sources: Ex-Penguins, Hurricanes exec Jason Karmanos on Sabres’ radar for assistant GM

'Ruff was in his 13th season as Sabres coach when the Pegulas purchased the team in February 2011. The Sabres went 43-29-10 that season and made the playoffs, the last time the organization qualified for the postseason. The Sabres were 39-32-11 the following season and Ruff was fired after a 6-10-1 start to the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.' … [Read more...] about A look at Sabres’ coaching carousel during Pegula era

'Sirius XM NHL Network Radio in Toronto played "Sabres Bingo" on its morning show, predicting the date of the next Buffalo victory. Veteran NHL Network host E.J. Hradek predicted later in the day that the club's winless streak could stretch to 20 games before it ends. Hockey Heaven, that is not.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Ralph Krueger’s status shakier than ever after loss to Devils