Buffalo News

'“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

'My prediction is that the Sabres will grant Eichel permission to talk to teams that are interested in trading for him. This dialogue will be necessary because any team acquiring Eichel must feel comfortable with his preference to have the particular surgery he is seeking to repair his injured neck. Allowing those sides to talk is a sign of good faith, and the Sabres also … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: How will the stalemate with Jack Eichel end?

'Peterka, 19, had an exceptional first season after his selection 34th overall by Buffalo. He spent the bulk of his time with EHC Red Bull Munchen of Germany's top professional league, totaling nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points in 30 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign winger J-J Peterka, a second-round draft pick in 2020

'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