Buffalo News

'That group includes a possible franchise goalie, several talented defensemen and high-upside forwards. Here is a look at how each performed during the 2018-19 season...'. … [Read more...] about Look into the future: How Sabres prospects fared

'"I’ll tell you what will happen the minute you trade Rasmus Ristolainen: you’ll be looking for a player like Rasmus Ristolainen," TSN analyst Craig Button, a former NHL general manager, said during a phone interview. "You’re going to go try to replace a top-three defenseman that can do a lot of different things with a winger?' … [Read more...] about Could different usage, support help Rasmus Ristolainen succeed with Sabres?

'“She was the glue who held everything together,” said John Sinclair, a longtime friend and the team’s director of ticket operations. He was a witness in recent years to Wojcik's enduring appeal, to the way excited young employees still greeted her with hugs at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about ‘She was the glue’: Wistful Sabres say farewell to their hockey mom

'"It was something that built over time," Lukkonen said. "There were a lot of games this season and it was something we couldn’t do much about. It was just building up and right now, Buffalo took care of all the things, took really good care of me and the rehab is going really fine. In summer time, the main point of focus is getting the rehab done and to be ready to skate as … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played through hip injury

'The Sabres will receive the first-round draft pick of whichever team wins the seven-game series between Kane's San Jose Sharks and O'Reilly's St. Louis Blues. The loser's first-round pick will be sent to the Anaheim Ducks to complete the Sabres' pretrade deadline acquisition of Brandon Montour.' … [Read more...] about Western Conference Final to determine Sabres’ draft pick

'"He plays the game the right way," Jokke Nevalainen, a Finnish scout and associate editor for DobberProspects.com said during a phone interview Wednesday. "He doesn't back away despite his size. He's willing to go into any situation, play in all situations. He doesn't play like a small guy."' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Finnish forward Arttu Ruotsalainen

'Eichel wants to be viewed as one of the best players in the world. However, his career-high 82 points this season ranked 24th in the NHL and his 28 goals were 23 fewer than Washington's Alex Ovechkin's league-leading 51.' … [Read more...] about Five reasons Sabres fans should watch IIHF World Championship

'Botterill acted after he sensed progress stalled. Though he shouldered responsibility, the fundamental flaws that led to an NHL-worst eight-season playoff drought can be traced back to more than a decade's worth of poor drafting by his predecessors, mishandled player development, and failed attempts at quick fixes through irresponsible free-agent signings and trades.' … [Read more...] about How they got here: Impatience, attempts at quick fixes haunt Sabres

'Tippett, 57, has not coached in the NHL the past two seasons, most recently serving as a senior adviser for Seattle's ownership group. Following a fifth consecutive nonplayoff season, Tippett agreed to part ways with the Arizona Coyotes in 2017, only one year after he signed a five-year contract extension.' … [Read more...] about Report: Dave Tippett interviews for Sabres’ coaching vacancy

'After its ownership group paid a record $650 million expansion fee, Seattle will benefit from the same rules Vegas General Manager George McPhee leveraged to build a Stanley Cup contending roster.' … [Read more...] about How Seattle’s expansion draft in 2021 could affect the Sabres

'The Sabres likely will be the favorite to sign Skinner if a deal is not struck before the calendar flips to July. They have $23 million in cap space and are in the best position to pay a long-term contract with an average annual value between $7 million and $9 million, a significant raise from the $5.75 million Skinner counted against the cap this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will have competition if Jeff Skinner reaches free agency

'Sam Reinhart won't be the only Buffalo Sabres player representing Canada at next month's IIHF World Championship in Slovakia.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Brandon Montour joining Sam Reinhart at World Championships

'The winner will be revealed June 19, during the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Dahlin is the first Sabres player voted a Calder finalist since defenseman Tyler Myers won the award in 2009-10 and could join Myers, Tom Barrasso (1983-84) and Gilbert Perreault (1970-71) as the fourth rookie of the year winner in franchise history.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin among finalists for Calder Trophy

'"To be honest, I just knew I had a very good young goalie against me who had a great season and was tough to beat in that series. But I had no idea what would happen and it's amazing to think we would both be in the Hall of Fame."' … [Read more...] about 25 years later, Dominik Hasek and Dave Hannan still marvel at Sabres’ 4-OT win over Devils

'The Sabres need a coach who can hold players accountable while implementing a defensive structure that can help win one-goal games during a playoff push. That is why you're seeing names such as Martin mentioned as candidates.' … [Read more...] about Lance Lysowski’s Sabres mailbag: Why hire a retread coach?