Buffalo News

'The players will feel the heat when they arrive this fall. There will be at least 21 forwards fighting for 12 starting jobs. There will be 12 defensemen who want a spot in the top six. The crease will be crowded, too, after Saturday’s return of goalie Chad Johnson.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have something to prove as Botterill creates competition everywhere

'“I think the fans really embraced me by the end of the season. They got to see what kind of goalie I was. I won a lot of games and had good numbers. To be able to come back and be a part of the organization again and have that drive to win and get back in playoffs is special for me.' … [Read more...] about Chad Johnson ready to finish the job with Sabres; Wilcox added for depth

'“I fit right into the system that he wants to play,” Pouliot said. “It’s mostly about speed and forecheck and putting pressure on the D, turning pucks over. Last year, I had my fair share of penalty killing, which I never had before, which was very good personally and as a team.' … [Read more...] about Pouliot sees Sabres as right team for him to re-establish scoring touch

'You can easily make the case the Sabres and Colorado, which had 28th-place San Antonio in the AHL, were the two most pathetic organizations in hockey last season. Blame injuries all you want. The numbers are the numbers. There was no excuse for them.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The organization means more than just the NHL

'The most intriguing signings are Seth Griffith and Kyle Criscuolo.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Amerks get help; no seven for Shattenkirk; Petersen to Kings

'The 27-year-old Scandella is the centerpiece of the deal for Buffalo. The left-handed shot had 11 goals and 23 points in 64 games in 2014-15. He has been up and down the past two seasons. Scandella had four goals and 13 points in 71 games last year.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Scandella, Pominville from Wild for Ennis, Foligno

'“I’m excited about this year, and I think we can make strides,” said Pominville, who spent his first 11 seasons in the organization. “Every team is competitive. Every team wants to be in the playoffs. It’s not easy to do. If you look at the squad and the team and the depth that is on paper, I think we can get in. That’s the goal.”' … [Read more...] about Pominville eager to raise excitement level in Buffalo after trade to Sabres

'The primary goal of the captain, who is an unrestricted free agent, is to re-sign with the Sabres. He’s been contacted by other teams during this week’s interview process, but he was waiting to see if a fit could be found with Buffalo. At the moment, it’s hard to find one.' … [Read more...] about All signs point to new captain for Sabres, exit for Gionta

'“I'm excited to get a fresh start,” Ennis said Friday after being traded to the Wild with Foligno in exchange for Jason Pominville and defenseman Marco Scandella. “Obviously, I just want to thank Buffalo for giving me a chance to play in the NHL. I've had so many good memories there, right from being drafted in 2008. I want to thank the Pegulas for what they've done for me and … [Read more...] about Ennis, Foligno ready to get Wild after making memories with Sabres

'"Obviously, it still continues to be a feeling-out process for myself and Robin trying to get to know each other, but we’ve had a good couple conversations, and Craig Oster and I have a very good relationship. We’ve worked on many a deal together, and I certainly have a firm belief that we’ll get something done here over the next month or so."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Talking contracts with Eichel, Lehner; Taylor hired for Amerks

'And Scandella was the big acquisition in Friday's blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Wild that also marked the return of former Buffalo captain Jason Pominville. Scandella is a 27-year-old with a $4 million cap hit poised to perhaps be Rasmus Ristolainen's sidekick on the top pair. He can help with the transition game, make the first pass out of the defensive zone, move the … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Good vibes continue around Botterill after first big deal

'Scandella could slide right to the top pair alongside Rasmus Ristolainen. He can take lots of pressure off others, notably Antipin's adjustment to the NHL or the overuse of Zach Bogosian. It also allows Botterill to start Brendan Guhle in the AHL without the pressure of pushing the 19-year-old immediately to the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington’s Hot Read: Botterill getting the job done rebuilding the defense

'It's an understatement to say that Buffalo Sabres fans were excited at the news that Jason Pominville is returning to the team. So much so that fans recreated a 2007 stunt, changing the "Welcome to Buffalo" sign on the Kensington Expressway to say "Welcome to Pominville."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo says welcome (back) to Pominville

'Here’s a look at the unrestricted free agents, starting with the Sabres’ biggest need.' … [Read more...] about Biggest name in NHL free agency would help Sabres’ defense

'Here’s a look at the players with a realistic shot to be in the opening-night lineup Oct. 5, plus their salary cap number (asterisks represent the qualifying offers for unsigned restricted free agents)...'. … [Read more...] about Botterill will need creativity to improve Sabres’ roster this week