Buffalo News

'Alumni Plaza has been untouched for a more than a decade, since the French Connection statue was unveiled in 2012. Where’s the statues for Dominik Hasek and Rick Jeanneret? The fire-ravaged Cobblestone district should be developed. The DL&W Railway Station behind the arena has felt like a missed opportunity since the building opened in 1996. Now, developer Douglas Jemal has … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Hurricanes unveil development plan around arena, a trend that intrigues Sabres

'"I honestly think this is a better position for me than it was in Edmonton," said Tullio, a 2020 fifth-round draft pick. "Obviously the Oilers are looking to win the Cup every year now and here is a place they’re looking to develop guys and uplift their careers. I think if I have a really good camp that I can show the staff and management that I’m a real player. ... I just … [Read more...] about Tyler Tullio, a forgotten player in the Matt Savoie trade, excited about reset with Sabres

'We’re not there yet, but they are going to be approaching the point of diminishing returns in the AHL soon and they will need to be challenged in the NHL. Kulich and Rosen got eight games combined with Buffalo last season, posting nary a point. That needs to change. Especially for Kulich, who looks closest to the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Big picks from Sabres’ big deals looking to make their impact

'“Probably be more physical,” Kulich said of his offseason goal. “With my strength coach, we had probably the best workouts this summer. And I was working on the net-front and (other on-ice drills to improve physicality) because I thought I’m just a shooter from the (one-timer) spot,” said Kulich. “I have to do the right things to be more physical, go net-front, don’t be scared … [Read more...] about Jiri Kulich focused on playing more physical as he vies for spot with Sabres

'Both can strengthen their cases this week during rookie camp practices and the Sabres’ three games in the Prospects Challenge, beginning Friday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kulich and Rosen may have been given the weekend off in a normal year because they’ve previously appeared in the showcase and both are important depth pieces for the Sabres, but the unusual … [Read more...] about Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen among Sabres who can benefit from Prospects Challenge

'Kulich and Rosen headline a roster dotted with high draft picks, most notably 2024 first-round selection Konsta Helenius, a Finnish center who is expected to be their teammate in Rochester at the start of the season. Helenius’ skill tantalized during development camp in July, and he decided to forgo the final year of his contract in Liiga to pursue his dream of becoming a … [Read more...] about Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich headline Sabres’ roster for Prospects Challenge

'“It makes you really cherish the time that you have with your family,” Tuch said Saturday in Sahlen Field after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Buffalo Bisons’ game against Lehigh Valley. “The last time I talked to Johnny was at the faceoff circle (on Feb. 23), the day after Johnny Junior was born. Just congratulated him, and we had a quick conversation right … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: As camp nears, Sabres winger Alex Tuch reflects on his days with Gaudreau brothers

'“The roof and the scoreboard are just Phase I. That’s all. I’ve not even been here six months yet, but we’re in the mode where everything’s on the table,” Guelli said in a chat with The Buffalo News last week. “We want to evaluate the building, listen to fan feedback and strategically determine what’s next. Being candid, we’ve got a big appetite.”' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: As new scoreboard rises, Sabres COO Pete Guelli ponders what’s next for KeyBank Center

'Modeled after the primary uniforms the team wore from the arena’s 1996 opening through the 2005-06 season, the black and red design resurfaced as an alternate jersey in 2022 with fanfare off the ice and great success on it. The Sabres are 18-7-2 while wearing the jerseys the last two seasons, scoring five or more goals in 14 of those games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres announce home jersey schedule, with goatheads making 15 appearances

'For the first time at this event, the Bisons will be wearing Sabres-style “goathead” jerseys for their 1:05 p.m. game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Featuring the Hockey Day standing Bisons logo in a baseball, the black jerseys will have a grey-red-white striping pattern on the sleeves and a retro Bisons ‘B’ logo with a puck flying out from behind the letter.' … [Read more...] about First pitch by Sabres’ Alex Tuch, goatheads, autographs highlight Bisons ‘Hockey Day’

'Zadina, 24, has never come close to reaching the huge potential he showed with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, where he collected 44 goals and 82 points in 57 games during the 2017-18 season. In 262 NHL games, Zadina has 41 goals and 50 assists.' … [Read more...] about Czech report of Sabres PTO for former No. 6 overall pick Filip Zadina is disputed by agent

'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