NHL.com

'Okposo, who did not speak to media, gave a wave when the announcer drew the attention of fans during his first shift in the 4-on-4 game. He smiled before skating the puck down the ice with linemates Stu Bickel and Riley Tufte, and taking a shot that went just wide.' … [Read more...] about Okposo plays in game for first time since illness

'"Our conversations with Jack have gone extremely well," Botterill said. "We'll continue those throughout the summer here … and see if we can find a common ground, because from our standpoint we certainly want to get something done and the only thing we've heard from Jack and his agents is they want to get something done too."' … [Read more...] about Sabres want to sign Jack Eichel to contract extension

'Botterill went to work on the roster with some major trades and a minor splash into the free agent market on July 1. The question now is do the Sabres have enough to climb the standings to get into the playoffs for the first time since 2011?' … [Read more...] about Sabres rebuild begins with new coach, general manager

'"As NHL general managers we're always looking for more; we're very greedy," Botterill said. "You always want to have more defense out there. Is our defense a finished product? Not at all, but it's a scenario where we like the style and some of the assets that these players can bring. We have veteran leadership back there, we have young players from a puck mobility standpoint. … [Read more...] about Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville traded by Wild to Sabres

'"Coming in in May, you don't have the relationships with the scouting staff, you don't know how things have gone at the mid-season meetings and the discussions there," said Botterill, who spent the past 10 seasons with the Penguins in a variety of roles. "It was a learning process. I think next year, they are going to have a familiarity of what we are looking for from players, … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill pleased with first draft as Sabres GM

'"This is the finale," he said of his time with the Penguins, "and a pretty good way to go out."' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM ready for new challenges after tenure with Penguins

'"Obviously, the last two years, Tim and Dan have been nothing but great to me. I can't say anything bad. They treated me well and took care of me. I've got to thank Tim for drafting me and Dan for being my first coach in the NHL. I learned a lot from him."' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel says hiring of Sabres coach ‘out of my control:’ report

'"I thought it would be done quicker if it was to happen. That was my mindset," he said. "I was more focused on my own game and what I could've really done differently. It wasn't the year I wanted to have. Leadership-wise I wasn't in the spot. I could've made some changes and been the guy. That's what I'm really focused on."' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly wants more from himself, Sabres

'"What you hear about that, from the trainers and staff that were around for it, is it's an amazing time," said O'Reilly, who has played two seasons with the Sabres after starting his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche. "To do it in New York around that time will be amazing. Everyone I talk to is really pumped for it. It's great. It sells the game a lot. To get the chance … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly of Sabres already primed for 2018 Winter Classic

'"I have some opinions on what happened here from afar, but it'll be imperative that I talk to a lot of the players," Botterill said. "What are we doing well here, and let's continue in that aspect, but what do we have to improve on and just get a better feel from that perspective."' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill hired as Sabres general manager

'Both the Sabres and Rangers will be making their second appearance in the NHL Winter Classic®. Buffalo hosted the first-ever NHL Winter Classic® against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a 2-1 shootout loss in front of 71,217 fans at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Jan. 1, 2008. New York defeated the hometown Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park at the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® … [Read more...] about NHL Winter Classic to feature Rangers, Sabres at Citi Field

'"We as members of the Sabres organization are all responsible for our success but accountability starts with me," said Pegula, the Sabres owner since 2011. "We are not happy with our season this year and there are no excuses. Six years ago I stood here and told Buffalo Sabres fans that the reason for existence is to win a Stanley Cup. That is still the truth. One team wins the … [Read more...] about Sabres looking for experienced general manager

'The Sabres improved by 27 points (54 to 81) in Bylsma's first season but did not make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they dropped to 78 points this season. They have not made the playoffs since 2011.' … [Read more...] about Coach Dan Bylsma, GM Tim Murray fired by Sabres

'"I think from a playoff standpoint it's disappointing, and I guess it stalled," he said. "But I think from an individual-player-development standpoint, that's what I'm a big part of and believe in, I think (center) Jack Eichel took big steps. I think (center) Sam [Reinhart] took steps. I think [defenseman Jake] McCabe and [defenseman Rasmus] Ristolainen in the first half of … [Read more...] about Sabres GM, coach part of ‘top to bottom’ review

'Point's game-winning goal came with 1:24 left in the third period. His centering pass deflected off of Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and caught Ullmark out of position to give the Lightning a 3-2 lead.' … [Read more...] about Lightning end season with third straight win