Buffalo News

'Redmond’s new role will have him traveling across the globe to work with the Sabres’ defense prospects, a group headlined by recent draft picks Max Strabak and Gavin McCarthy.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire former Amerks defenseman Zach Redmond as development coach

'“It’s been a very good experience with the draft, combine and everything,” Strbak told The News after a recent development camp practice in LECOM Harborcenter. “I was here in Buffalo for the combine two weeks ago, not knowing where I’ll be. To be here and seeing everything again, I’m still in shock. I’m just very excited to be part of this organization and excited for the … [Read more...] about Max Strbak carrying global experiences in quest to ‘earn everything’ with Sabres

'To some fans’ dismay, the Sabres are going young in goal this season. Levi enters camp as the favorite to start on opening night, while Luukkonen is in position to earn the No. 2 job in training camp. Levi made an immediate impact upon arriving from Northeastern University, posting a 5-2 record with a .905 save percentage. He earned the coaching staff’s trust and started five … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Revisiting depth chart following free-agent additions

'The Sabres are building through drafting and development and have carefully chosen players in the trade and free agent market who were willing to come to Buffalo to be part of the solution in the post-Jack Eichel era. The playoff drought is at an NHL-record 12 years and simply has to end in the spring of 2024. Yzerman has gone a vastly different route in Detroit. The Red Wings … [Read more...] about Atlantic Division summer outlook: Are Sabres at the top of the ‘rebuilders’ group?

'You might be surprised to realize the Sabres finished just seven points behind Tampa Bay last season after the gap was 35 points in 2021-22. And Buffalo won the last two head-to-head games after going 1-9-2 in its previous 12 matchups with the Lightning. The Sabres don’t figure to finish ahead of the Leafs this season. But does Tampa Bay’s core have more runs left or are the … [Read more...] about Atlantic Division summer outlook: Leafs will try it again, Tampa Bay looking for one more Lightning strike

'The Buffalo Sabres’ path to finally making the playoffs after a 12-year drought is tough enough going through the Atlantic Division. Getting deep in the playoffs will be another story entirely. For five consecutive seasons, the Eastern Conference representative in the Stanley Cup final has come out of the Atlantic.' … [Read more...] about Atlantic Division summer outlook: Huge questions surround Bruins, Panthers after their big seasons

'Benson established career highs in every offensive category for the Winnipeg Ice last season while playing on a line with Matt Savoie, Buffalo’s 2022 first-round choice. Benson led the team with 98 points – three more than Savoie – by totaling 36 goals and 62 assists. He finished third in the Western Hockey League in points and second in plus-minus at plus-68.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign first-round pick Zach Benson to his entry-level contract

'Connor Clifton will have the opportunity to earn that assignment in training camp. He was signed to a three-year contract because Adams and coach Don Granato view Clifton as a perfect stylistic fit with more upside. The competition can extend into the regular season, though. Granato can give Erik Johnson a look with Power and Rasmus Dahlin. Will Mattias Samuelsson remain next … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Is Connor Clifton the right fit for Owen Power?

'Roth will be knee-deep in the business workings of an NFL team and the construction process of a $1.54 billion football stadium. That sure makes it seem as though the Sabres are being treated like second-class citizens.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Surprise shakeup of Bills’ front office will impact Sabres, too

'On June 10, 2022, the Sabres acquired the 6-foot-7 Bishop in what was essentially a paper move from the Stars. Buffalo took on his cap hit, helping to get above the cap floor while giving Dallas some salary relief. The Sabres also got a 2022 seventh-round pick as part of the transaction and used it to take Swedish center Linus Sjodin at No. 211 overall.' … [Read more...] about Now off Sabres payroll, retired goalie Ben Bishop working player development role with Stars

'Barring injury or poor performance, Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be the Sabres’ goalies to start the season. It is a tandem that lacks experience, but has significant upside compared to some depth charts around the league. The roster spot created by forward Jack Quinn’s Achilles injury won’t be used to carry three goalies. Eric Comrie and his $1.8 million … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres mailbag: Sorting through glaring roster questions after free agency

'The Sabres have three games scheduled for the eighth annual event, beginning at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 against the Canadiens, followed by a matchup with the Devils’ prospects at 7 p.m. Sept. 16. The event concludes at 5 p.m. Sept. 18 with the Sabres’ game against the Penguins.' … [Read more...] about Sabres unveil schedule for Prospects Challenge in September

'“I think this year is going to be a big year for him,” said Kelly Guard, Ratzlaff’s offseason goalie coach who worked with the Sabres prospect at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. “He’s going to carry a lot of the mail with Seattle … but I think we’re going to see some good stuff from him coming up. When you can string together four or five games in a row, you can really get into … [Read more...] about Scott Ratzlaff using ‘swagger’ to try to realize potential as Sabres goalie prospect

'Across a span of 18 months, Weissbach became a physical and fearless winger with a tendency to get to the net to try to score goals. He spent less time around the perimeter and made a consistent impact on the forecheck. Weissbach was also one of the Amerks’ top penalty-killers and played a reliable defensive game at 5-on-5. It was an impressive transformation after his four … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign winger Linus Weissbach to one-year, two-way contract

'“To be invited to this organization and see just how first class and how welcoming it’s been, I’d say, pretty surreal,” Walkland said. “I keep having to pinch myself when I kind of look around and take it all in.”' … [Read more...] about Women’s hockey coaches at Sabres development camp highlight NHL’s initiative