Buffalo News

'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

'The Sabres will have a decision to make with Murray. He must clear waivers to join the Amerks if he doesn't earn a spot on the NHL roster during training camp. One opened recently with Jack Quinn suffering an Achilles injury that's expected to keep him out of the lineup until around late December. Murray is going to have to win that spot over several other prospects, including … [Read more...] about Brett Murray returns to Sabres with one-year, $775,000 contract

'The Swedish National Team didn't consider Wahlberg a top prospect until he earned their attention last fall. He was a dynamic center for Malmo's team in the country's Under-20 league, producing 14 goals and 27 points in 32 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign forward Anton Wahlberg to three-year, entry-level contract

'Sources told The Buffalo News the Sabres have completed an affiliation agreement with the Jacksonville Icemen, who were part of the New York Rangers’ organization the past two seasons. A news conference announcing the partnership is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday. The Icemen replace the Cincinnati Cyclones, who operated as the Sabres’ ECHL affiliate from 2017 until this month … [Read more...] about Sources: Sabres complete affiliation agreement with ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen

'Two games against the Anaheim Ducks next season suddenly got more interesting for Tage Thompson.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson’s dad, Brent, named assistant coach for Anaheim Ducks

'The Sabres’ locker room culture in the era of Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart was far too toxic at times, with a top-down approach. It’s already different now with the change to the core, as multiple players have their say. Johnson will add yet another prominent voice and can bring his experience from Colorado with him.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Erik Johnson signing is as much a culture move for Sabres as it is about the defense