Buffalo News

'How does this group of players – whether they’re veterans or not – respond to Ruff’s inevitable button-pushing? Ruff has learned during his time in Dallas and especially in New Jersey that today’s athletes require a softer approach but he’s still going to drive this team with more demands than they’ve had in the NHL, whether they’ve played for Phil Housley, Ralph Krueger or … [Read more...] about Sabres roundtable, Part 2: How will camp be different under Lindy Ruff?

'Malenstyn led the Capitals in hits with 241, no small accomplishment on a club with a roster that includes agitator extraordinaire Tom Wilson. Among last year’s Sabres, only Connor Clifton (204) and Rasmus Dahlin (195) got more than 190 hits, and the leading total by a forward was just 141, set by Girgensons and Jordan Greenway. Fellow newcomer Nicolas Aube-Kubel also played … [Read more...] about Sabres roundtable, Part 1: Which offseason addition will make biggest impact?

'I still can’t figure why CEO/acting general manager Jeff Jackson seemed to go rogue in free agency, paying $4 million to Viktor Arvidsson and $3 million to bought-out Sabres forward Jeff Skinner, when he could have used some of that money to get his young restricted free agents signed.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Oilers felt sting of offer sheets in wake of signing of Jeff Skinner

'There were challenging moments last season, though, and historical data illustrates Levi would benefit from more time in Rochester. But the Sabres’ plan to have a young goaltending tandem will force Ruff to balance team success with individual development during a season in which the Sabres must return to the postseason.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ plan for young goalie Devon Levi raises compelling questions for Lindy Ruff. Here’s the lowdown

Any conversation about the defense begins with the prominent question of who will skate next to Dahlin on the top defense pair? Data from the past two seasons illustrates that Ruff will have a few options. … [Read more...] about Sorting through the Sabres’ defense depth chart and who fits next to Rasmus Dahlin

'Detroit is one of the Atlantic Division opponents Buffalo must fend off to earn a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs and break a postseason drought that dates to 2011. However, the Red Wings and Ottawa Senators spent the past few months retooling their rosters with high-end difference-makers.' … [Read more...] about Can Sabres surpass Patrick Kane, Red Wings? Peek at the rest of the Atlantic Division offseasons

'To take a step, though, Buffalo has to surpass a contender in the Atlantic Division, where the Sabres have never finished higher than fifth. They were 11-12-3 against divisional opponents last season, and Kevyn Adams wasn’t the only general manager to improve his roster in recent weeks.' … [Read more...] about What’s up with the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rivals? Here’s a look at their offseason moves

'Helenius’ team in Finland, Tappara, announced the decision on its social media accounts. The move was expected once the Sabres used the 14th pick of the draft on Helenius in Las Vegas. General manager Kevyn Adams told reporters that he and his staff were eager to get Helenius to the United States sooner than later. His talent tantalized at Sabres development camp the following … [Read more...] about Konsta Helenius leaving Finland to join Sabres or Rochester Americans

'Such a scenario would require the Sabres to avoid any prominent injuries, receive top-notch goaltending from their young tandem and develop a No. 1 defense pair that can shut down top lines in various situations. I don’t see it happening. This team is still too young and inexperienced. Does it have the potential to get there in future seasons if Ruff remains and the foundation … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Can Lindy Ruff make Buffalo one of NHL’s top defensive teams?

'There doesn’t appear to be a spot on the Sabres’ roster for Kulich after they added Ryan McLeod, Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty, Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. However, general manager Kevyn Adams and associate general manager Jason Karmanos ensured this offseason that every prospect in Rochester, including Kulich, is surrounded by enough talent to develop into an NHL … [Read more...] about Jiri Kulich must ‘tear up the league’ with Amerks before his Sabres call comes

'The Sabres spent more than $10 million in unrestricted free agency on forwards Jason Zucker, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Sam Lafferty, defenseman Dennis Gilbert and goaltender James Reimer. Their revamped bottom six was formed using the extra salary cap space Adams created with one of his boldest moves to date, buying out Jeff Skinner when the six-time 30-goal scorer had three … [Read more...] about Sabres’ top players must shine for offseason additions to bring playoff berth

'Buffalo will face Columbus that night at 7, then the Sabres play the Devils at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 and finish the event against the Penguins at 7 p.m. Sept. 16. The Montreal Canadiens used to participate, but they were replaced by the Blue Jackets, who previously sent their prospects to the Red Wings’ rookie tournament in Traverse City, Michigan.' … [Read more...] about Sabres announce dates, teams for annual Prospects Challenge

'Luukkonen and the Sabres avoided an arbitration hearing that was scheduled for Monday with a deal that has a cap hit of $4.75 million per season. It leaves center Peyton Krebs as Buffalo’s only remaining unsigned restricted free agent.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to five-year, $23.75 million deal

'Malenstyn agreed to a deal with a $1.35 million cap hit, as first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and then confirmed by the team. Malenstyn was a restricted free agent and his cap hit the last two years with Washington was $762,500.' … [Read more...] about Sabres settle on two-year deal with Beck Malenstyn to avoid arbitration

'According to PuckPedia.com, Buffalo has just over $14.5 million in cap space remaining. That is the sixth-highest figure away from 2024-25’s new cap figure of $88 million. But before you can say Nikolaj Ehlers, it is easy to see where a lot of that money can quickly get soaked up.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: A summer look at the Sabres’ cap situation, for now and into the future