Buffalo News

'It's too soon to predict where Savoie will play next season. One option would be for the Sabres to carry him on the NHL roster long enough that he can go on a conditioning assignment to Rochester. He could receive valuable experience with the Amerks before heading to the IIHF World Junior Championship. The Sabres would then have Savoie finish the regular season in junior … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Matt Savoie will have opportunity to earn spot in Amerks’ lineup

'Veteran Pittsburgh beat writer Josh Yohe of the Athletic went so far as to call Botterill a "no-brainer" for the job in a column last week, while admitting that Botterill's spotty record here could bring pause to the process. "Things didn’t go so well for Botterill in Buffalo," Yohe wrote. "Though, in retrospect, he made some moves that are helping the Sabres turn the corner … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: As Penguins continue to ponder new GM, return of Jason Botterill seems like a fit

'Novikov is the seventh player the Sabres have signed from their 2021 draft class. Fellow Russian Aleksandr Kisakov, a second-rounder in '21, is playing this season in Rochester, but has been a scratch during the Amerks' Calder Cup playoff run.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Russian defenseman Nikita Novikov to entry-level contract

'This means a lot for the Sabres. The last time the Amerks got to this point, they lost to Milwaukee in five games in a series that saw them drop two "home" games in then-HSBC Arena as Blue Cross was taken up by a circus. Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Paul Gaustad, Derek Roy were on that team and Thomas Vanek and Daniel Paille joined the next season while the NHL lockout was … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Last time Amerks got this far, Sabres closed in on Stanley Cup

'At this point, the best player in those two trades left Buffalo and went elsewhere. But those labels can change over time, and even if that result comes to pass, there's hardly going to be egg on Adams' face. Among his acquisitions in these deals were a franchise cornerstone (Alex Tuch), perhaps his future No. 1 goalie (Devon Levi) and a star prospect up front (Jiri Kulich).' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Even as former stars close in on Stanley Cup, Sabres’ big deals show both sides can be happy

'That's part of our setup here that we're really proud of. Nick Craven, our strength and conditioning coach here in Rochester, is really great. He does a tremendous job. It's a big part of what we tried to do. I'm kind of a broken record on this, but it's worth saying over and over and over again, both up top with Donny Granato and down here with Seth Appert, we have two … [Read more...] about Q&A: Sabres’ Jason Karmanos on how Rochester Amerks have won while developing players

'"It's definitely a good feeling," he said. "To know the goals I set all season for myself individually that I met and surpassed is nice. Now, it just gives me another bar to chase for next year, and to continue to push and see how much better I can get."' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson’s season was another big step forward, but Sabres’ No. 1 center insists there’s more to come

'But the best thing, the most entertaining thing – and, frankly, the most hilarious thing – happened Friday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs are toast again, sent packing in overtime of Game 5 by the Panthers in a series that saw them fail miserably after oddsmakers had branded them the Cup favorite following the triumph over Tampa that gave them a first-round win for the first … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Leafs’ demise is latest Atlantic Division news item that has to leave Sabres smirking

'"That's something that I’m really proud to say is this is going to be the first time that my brother and I are going to play on the same hockey team together," Alex, an alternate captain for Team USA, told reporters in Buffalo on locker cleanout day last month. "We’re six years apart. We’re very close, but who knows if we’ll ever be able to do it again? The opportunity … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch, Devon Levi among Sabres competing at World Championships

'Tuch's AT9 Foundation, a nonprofit organization the Baldwinsville native established during his time with the Vegas Golden Knights, assists children facing challenges in all areas of life with a focus on supporting research to end pediatric cancer. He purchased 20 tickets to 10 games this season and donated them to various charities, meeting with each of the groups afterward.' … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch chosen as Sabres nominee for King Clancy Memorial Trophy

'Tuch is competing in the worlds for the first time and is joined on the roster by his younger brother, Luke. Luke Tuch played on Boston University's Frozen Four team and is a former member of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Alex Tuch named alternate captain for Team USA at world championship

'The Amerks would no longer be filled with expensive veterans blocking prospects from ice time. Adams challenged Appert to transform Rochester into an organization that resembles the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where Appert coached before accepting the job. Later, he was joined by Peca and assistant coach Mike Weber. Jason Karmanos, who joined the Sabres as … [Read more...] about Rochester’s improbable playoff series win another sign of progress for Sabres

'Holding the 13th-best odds, Adams could select no higher than third overall and, unlike many teams, the Sabres’ roster and prospect pipeline are flush with talented young players.' … [Read more...] about Sabres own 13th pick in first round of NHL draft; Chicago in line to land Connor Bedard

'The Sabres are in the lottery but can't get Bedard under the current rules. Repeating: The Sabres can't get Bedard. They're No. 13 with a 2% chance of "winning" the lottery – but a victory would only allow them to move up 10 spots to No. 3 under changes passed in 2021. That means only the top 11 teams in the lottery can get No. 1. Ottawa (2.5%), Pittsburgh (1.5%), Nashville … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Where do the Sabres want Connor Bedard to land (or not land)?

'The Sabres need another option, particularly one who can skate on the first or second defense pair. They went 9-15-3 without Samuelsson in the lineup, compared to 33-18-4 when he played.' … [Read more...] about Can the Sabres add an impactful, top-four defenseman this summer?