Buffalo News

'"The more experience you get, the easier everything else gets," he said. "I've only played my second (full) season now with the Sabres after last year. I'm fairly new to this NHL hockey. For every game that goes by, it's not going to be easier but some things are going to fall into place, both mentally and physically, how to read the game and act in the game."' … [Read more...] about Column: Linus Ullmark is a project Sabres are ready to take on

'If Quinn does not make the Sabres’ roster, the 19-year-old right wing will have the option to rejoin the Ottawa 67’s if the Ontario Hockey League is able to follow through on a plan it approved Wednesday to begin a 40-game season on Feb. 4. Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported the OHL's tentative start date, as well as a league calendar.' … [Read more...] about OHL’s reported plan to hold season provides clarity for Sabres, Jack Quinn

'Ruotsalainen, a 22-year-old who signed with the Sabres in 2019, leads Liiga with nine goals in 10 games. He also leads the league in total faceoffs, and has won 47.4% of his draws, while averaging 20:58 of ice time. Ruotsalainen, who is listed at 5 feet, 8 inches, is expected to compete for a roster spot with Buffalo when NHL camp begins.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect report: Arttu Ruotsalainen off to strong start in Finland

'Though Reinhart did not receive a long-term extension, this deal sets him up for another potential raise next offseason before he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2022. Potentially playing alongside Hall and Jack Eichel on the Sabres’ top line could increase the price tag on a long-term extension for Reinhart.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign forward Sam Reinhart to one-year contract worth $5.2 million

'While upgrades are unlikely, I do envision a scenario in which the Sabres part with a player for a draft pick – possibly Colin Miller or Brandon Montour to recoup a third-rounder – and give a prospect such as Will Borgen an opportunity to make this team. Adding a goalie will be difficult given the cap situation, other teams’ asking price for a starter and Carter Hutton’s $2.75 … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Is GM Kevyn Adams done adding to the roster?

'According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Ullmark and the Sabres submitted arbitration figures of $4.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, ahead of their hearing Monday. An arbitrator typically splits the difference, which would result in Ullmark receiving a salary of around $3 million for the 2020-21 season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark reportedly seeking $4.1 million in arbitration

'Taylor had the Amerks on pace for a third consecutive playoff appearance when the season was halted in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic. He and the Sabres verbally agreed to a contract extension before former General Manager Jason Botterill was fired in June.' … [Read more...] about Ex-Amerks coach Chris Taylor joining Lindy Ruff’s staff in New Jersey

'Cody Eakin, Tobias Rieder and Matt Irwin, all of whom signed before Hall joined the Sabres on a one-year, $8 million contract, are expected, to varying degrees, help coach Ralph Krueger fix a penalty-killing unit that plummeted from 12th to 30th in the NHL from 2018-19 to 2019-20.' … [Read more...] about Cody Eakin, Tobias Rieder aim to help fix Sabres’ penalty-killing woes

'Reinhart's propensity to get to the front of the net, and ability to hold onto pucks down low, would fit well with Eichel and Hall, both of whom can find space in the offensive zone. Reinhart, who was drafted second overall in 2014, has also improved his defense enough to take some pressure off his linemates. He has a track record of capitalizing on scoring chances, totaling … [Read more...] about How will the Sabres’ lines look with Taylor Hall on Jack Eichel’s left wing?

'“I will depend on how it unfolds,” he said. “I can’t say one way or another because I don’t know if there is going to be a season yet. I know they are very optimistic that they are going to get something underway. And that is going to happen preferably in the month of January.' … [Read more...] about Rick Jeanneret lauds retiring Doc Emrick, but says he plans on returning amid NHL uncertainty

'“I think in 2020, a coach like him has the greatest chance of connecting with athletes and really making people better,” said Hall, the 28-year-old who stunned many across the NHL by signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sabres. “We talk about hockey and how it’s all statistics and stuff like that, but really it’s a bunch of people, and I feel like he can get the … [Read more...] about Can Sabres coach Ralph Krueger get ‘most’ out of Taylor Hall again?

'Reinhart has wrapped up a two-year, $7.3 million deal he signed during training camp in 2018 that carried a $3.65 million cap hit. It was reasonable to think the Sabres were looking at $6 million and up in an arbitration award. In the wake of the latest deals, you have to wonder now how close that figure might get to $7 million.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: As Sam Reinhart’s arbitration award climbs, how much is too much?

'Everyone is waiting for an upgrade but it sure seems like the Sabres may just put Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton in the crease again and hope for better results.' … [Read more...] about Column: Sabres risk derailing huge Taylor Hall signing without an upgrade in goal

'Hall’s salary would appear low for a 28-year-old left wing whose resume includes five NHL All-Star Game selections, six 20-goal seasons and a league MVP, but he acknowledged Monday that he had a subpar year in 2019-20. Rehabbing from a knee injury the previous summer, as well as a midseason trade to the defensive-minded Arizona Coyotes, contributed to his 16 goals and 36 … [Read more...] about Can the Sabres afford to sign Taylor Hall to a long-term contract?

'“I think when you break it down and you have an open mind about things and you’re able to maybe look past the smoke that has surrounded the Sabres the past couple years, I think you see a team that has elite players, ownership that’s really committed to building a winner – I’ve seen what they’ve done with the Bills – and a coach that I feel can get a lot out of his players,” … [Read more...] about Taylor Hall eager to join Sabres’ ‘elite players’ in quest to snap playoff drought