Buffalo News

'The issue isn’t about losing Pilut for nothing to the KHL. It’s the culmination of misses that led to a once-intriguing asset's falling by the wayside. And that’s simple organizational failure.' … [Read more...] about Losing Pilut for nothing shows Sabres’ poor asset management

'"For myself, I want to be back more than anything," Lazar told told The News by phone Wednesday from his home in Kelowna, B.C. "After the season I had, I want to carry some of that momentum and really grow with this team. I love the foundation that [coach Ralph Krueger) has put into place. It makes me excited for the Sabres' future. I know people are frustrated with the lack … [Read more...] about As Masterton nominee, Curtis Lazar wants to be part of Sabres’ future

'Reinhart has credited his offseason training regimen with helping him miss only six games over the past five years, and he has appeared in every Sabres regular season game since 2016-17. Despite Reinhart's reliability and durability, he has yet to receive a long-term contract from the franchise that drafted him second overall in 2014.' … [Read more...] about How much will a long-term contract for Sam Reinhart cost the Sabres?

'Lazar had five goals, five assists and 10 points in 38 games for the Sabres but his numbers were dwarfed by his multiple roles -- including serving as one of the team's most prominent penalty killers as well as the designated faceoff man to start overtime. In that slot, he won three draws that directly led to immediate possessions and game-winning goals. The organization raved … [Read more...] about Curtis Lazar is Sabres’ nominee for Masterton Trophy

'A source told The Buffalo News last month that Pilut signed the contract and that the Sabres intended to retain his rights. However, it's unclear if Pilut would be able to return to Buffalo while under contract in the KHL. After all, the KHL does not typically have an NHL opt-out clause in its standard player contracts.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabre Lawrence Pilut’s two-year contract announced by Russian team

'Even routine practice shots were troubling, he said. A suggestion from Sabres goalie coach Mike Bales led Hutton to seek treatment on what a specialist discovered was convergence insufficiency, a disorder in which a person's eyes don't move at the same time. Therapy throughout the season corrected the issue and helped Hutton win six of eight starts in February, a stretch that … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Carter Hutton: ‘Frustrating’ vision problem complicated season

'Simmonds, a 31-year-old winger for the Buffalo Sabres, announced Monday on Twitter that he has partnered with six current and former NHL players to form the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which, according to a news release, plans to "promote diversity at all levels of the game through community outreach and engagement with youth."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Wayne Simmonds on committee to lead new Hockey Diversity Alliance

'Sinclair joined the Sabres organization in 1988 after graduating from SUNY Buffalo State the year before. His career with the Sabres spanned all of the franchise's ownership groups.' … [Read more...] about John Sinclair moves from Sabres to insurance

'But the Sabres' playoff drought is now at nine seasons, one shy of equaling the NHL record. That puts Eichel, the reward for the Sabres' infamous 2014-15 tank season, at 0-for-5. Not many star players in modern NHL times have endured that kind of start to their careers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jack Eichel should be frustrated, and history shows why

'According to Evolving-Hockey, among forward lines that skated at least 300 minutes together this season, the Sabres' trio of Okposo, Larsson and Girgensons recorded the second lowest expected goals allowed per 60 minutes, a statistic that measures shot quality. They were routinely tasked with defending against an opponent's top line, yet they allowed the seventh-fewest goals … [Read more...] about Sabres winger Kyle Okposo undergoes ‘successful’ surgery on his right knee

'It's time for a change, though. Ristolainen's play regressed in the season's second half, and he's better suited for a second or third pairing. A trade would help Botterill add scoring help, and the Sabres could use the cap savings to sign a free-agent defenseman such as Dylan DeMelo.' … [Read more...] about Which Sabres should stay, go during Jason Botterill’s fourth offseason?

'A source told The Buffalo News that employees scheduled to work the Sabres' final six home games will be paid Friday, providing financial relief for part-time workers in security, ticket takers, ushers and freelance broadcast workers.' … [Read more...] about KeyBank Center game-day workers to be paid Friday for canceled Sabres games

'Vesey, 27, the first Sabres player to release an extensive statement on the issue, began by acknowledging his affluent background. He "grew up in a largely white community" near Boston, attended a "largely white prep school," and received his post-secondary education at Harvard University. Vesey added he was either naive or ignorant to the "prevalence of racial crimes."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jimmy Vesey: ‘It’s clear that this country has a significant problem’

'Special teams derailed the Sabres, particularly a penalty kill that plummeted from 12th in the league in 2018-19 to 30th this season. Krueger revealed during a Zoom conference call Friday that his entire coaching staff, including Steve Smith, who coached the penalty-killing unit the past two seasons, will return in 2020-21.' … [Read more...] about Evaluating the penalty-kill problem that derailed Sabres’ season

'The statement in full reads, "We are saddened and angered by the actions of those involved in the senseless killing of George Floyd. We stand with and will continue to work with those dedicated to eradicating racism and inequality. We stand with those peacefully protesting. We stand against those who are motivated by hatred and violence. We pray for the victims and their … [Read more...] about In statement, Pegulas say they want to help eradicate ‘racism and inequality’