Buffalo News

'As horrible as the O’Reilly trade looked four years ago this month, it feels a wee bit better now that Thompson is a 47-goal scorer and a first-line center putting up more goals and points than Eichel ever did here. And ask any Sabres fan you find: Heading into next season, would you rather have Eichel or Tuch? You know the answer.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Jack Eichel’s Stanley Cup is no reason for Sabres to feel any shame

'A source familiar with the situation told The Buffalo News on Thursday that an agreement hasn’t been reached between the Sabres and defensemen Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power, both of whom are eligible to sign contract extensions July 1, but both players have expressed a desire to remain in Buffalo long-term. There’s excitement and optimism on both sides of the negotiations that … [Read more...] about Sabres continue to grind through negotiations to sign Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power

'The ECHL affiliate is also an important place to stash goaltending depth, as the Sabres learned during the abbreviated 2020-21 season when they used their sixth goalie, Michael Houser, who hadn’t appeared in more than six games above the ECHL in any season since 2014-15. The Sabres had to turn to Houser four times in the spring of 2021 and, remarkably, the minor-league … [Read more...] about Sabres to have a new ECHL affiliate next season after agreement ends with Cincinnati

'“The Sabres have done a good job of changing the team from one that is wondering what it is all about to one that, I think, is on the cusp of being really, really good,” Meehan said Wednesday at Buffalo Riverworks during the unveiling of the Class of 2023 for the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabres captain/GM Gerry Meehan sees better days ahead for his old team

'Olofsson expressed his frustration during end-of-season exit interviews. He never requested a trade, according to sources, but he doesn’t want to be put in a similar situation during the final season of his contract. Sitting Olofsson was a risk ahead of an offseason when he could be moved because it might cause teams to think twice about acquiring the 2014 seventh-round draft … [Read more...] about Victor Olofsson and his camp expect a trade from Sabres, but it could take a while

'Ain’t missing this for anything. One more win and Eichel can reach championship status ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, the player drafted one spot ahead of him in 2015 and the one he’s most-commonly linked to. But first up is closing out the Panthers.' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Halloran: ‘Driver’ of Vegas offense, Jack Eichel is one win from Stanley Cup glory

'Wood, like Thompson during his draft year, is viewed as an average skater. It might be enough to cause Wood to slip out of the top 10 because this class is filled with fast, exceptionally skilled forwards. Thompson improved his speed through physical maturation. He eventually grew into his frame, a process that continued once he arrived in Buffalo in a blockbuster trade, and … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson comparisons make Matthew Wood an intriguing possible Sabres pick

'But there’s one growing thought this corner has had and it’s shared among those who run this event: What happens to the combine if the Sabres (finally) get good and are playing hockey into early June?' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Alternate plans for scouting combine might be needed if Sabres’ rise continues

'The group, which will also feature the Sabres' latest draft choices, will participate in three practices before the 3-on-3 tournament. Each on-ice session will be open to the public in LECOM Harborcenter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ development camp featuring 3-on-3 prospect tournament set for July 2-6

'This draft class is considered one of the best in several years, led by soon-to-be No. 1 pick Connor Bedard, and Adams will have numerous intriguing options to consider when he’s on the clock at 13 in Nashville on June 28.' … [Read more...] about Potential fits for the Sabres with the 13th pick in NHL draft

'Peterka was named the winner of the IIHF Directorate Award for best forward of the Worlds as well as earning a slot on the media all-star team. He tied for second in the tournament with 12 points (six goals, six assists) and led his team with 29 shots on goal.' … [Read more...] about Sabres forward JJ Peterka one of seven nominees for IIHF Male Player of the Year

'Kulich had 24 goals and 22 assists in 62 games for the Amerks and then was white-hot in the playoffs after sitting out the first two games of Rochester's opening-round series against Syracuse. Kulich returned to the lineup and scored in six straight games as Rochester wiped out an 0-2 deficit against the Crunch to win that series in five games and then swept Toronto in three … [Read more...] about Amerks standout Jiri Kulich named to AHL’s inaugural Top Prospects Team

'Pilut was going to be an unrestricted free agent July 1, but the Sabres have a plethora of options on defense for Buffalo and Rochester next season.' … [Read more...] about Lawrence Pilut joins Swiss club after second stint with Sabres, Amerks

'Ostlund, 19, told reporters at the draft last June that he planned to spend two years in Sweden before making the move to North America. He wanted to help Djurgardens IF earn promotion from the second-tier league to the Swedish Hockey League, then win an SHL championship. Djurgardens IF lost in the championship series to fall short of promotion, allowing Ostlund to field … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund to play with SHL’s Vaxjo Lakers next season

'"Until a kid is put in that position, he doesn't feel it for himself," Karmanos said. "So we think that'll pay dividends for him going forward. He's talented enough where it was a decision that we made to put him in and see what happened."' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: It was disservice to run out Matt Savoie for pro debut during Amerks’ showdown series