Buffalo News

'The 6-foot-2 Russian gave the Buffalo blueline some physical presence early in the season but that added oomph started to wane as the season went on due to a variety of injuries and inconsistent play.' … [Read more...] about Sabres start to loosen logjam on defense by trading Ilya Lyubushkin to Anaheim

'It seemed as if Jeanneret always had the right words for the big moments. It’s tough to put together words for this moment we all hoped would never come.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Rick Jeanneret was more than worthy as our voice for all time

'“We’re going to celebrate RJ every day,” General Manager Kevyn Adams said on a video call with reporters. “You walk into KeyBank Center and he’s part of the fabric of this organization. He’s part of the history, the legendary calls, the relationships. “I don’t think there’s a hockey fan in the world that doesn’t know that voice. You can close your eyes and that’s just the … [Read more...] about On franchise’s somber day, Sabres past and present remember Rick Jeanneret

'Jeanneret didn’t make every big goal as exciting as the birth of a child, but, at times, he came close.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Rick Jeanneret died with the priceless knowledge of how much WNY loved him

'“Rick Jeanneret’s unmistakable voice was the signature sound of Buffalo Sabres hockey for half a century,” the league said. “He brought the essence of our game into the homes of Western New Yorkers with passion and excitement and a remarkable flair for capturing the moment."' … [Read more...] about Tributes pour in as NHL and sports figures react to the death of Rick Jeanneret

'Pete Weber, voice of the Nashville Predators, knew them both. He got to know Scully in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Weber was the color analyst for the Los Angeles Kings. And he got to know Jeanneret during two stints in Buffalo, including a long run when both worked Sabres games. "Vin was lyrical. He took you gently by the hand and guided you," Weber says. "Rick was … [Read more...] about Erik Brady: With loss of Rick Jeanneret, August takes another beloved broadcaster

'Jeanneret, who formed a play-by-play pair for the ages with longtime voice of the Sabres Ted Darling, started his career as the analyst on the team’s radio broadcasts during the 1971-72 season, Buffalo’s second in the NHL. He moved full-time to television in 1995 and the team went to a simulcast in 1997, with Jeanneret calling the game on both radio and TV with partners Jim … [Read more...] about Rick Jeanneret, Sabres broadcasting legend, dies at 81

'Clifton and Johnson weren’t signed to be let go a few months later. Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson are cornerstone players. Someone else in the group will be the odd man out. Adams won’t be in a rush to solve the problem. Unexpected injuries occur. He doesn’t want to make a move too soon. But here’s a look at the rest of the defense depth chart, ranked from … [Read more...] about How the Sabres might solve their surplus on defense before the season begins

'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