Niagara Gazette

'Krebs, the Sabres’ last restricted free agent, is officially back for his fourth season, having signed a two-year, $2.9 million contract on Tuesday. But as training camp opens today with the first on-ice sessions in KeyBank Center, it’s unclear where he fits. Right now, Krebs, who has enjoyed regular duty for more than two seasons, might be their 13th forward.' … [Read more...] about Roster battles, new captaincy lead storylines to watch as Sabres begin camp

'Having lived out of the area for five years, I was well aware of how the Buffalo Sabres’ on-ice product was in the gutter, but it was baffling that an area less than 30 years old was left to decay in such spectacular fashion. The next question became, “If the Sabres stink on the ice and the environment to watch the game isn’t any better, what’s the point of buying a ticket?” … [Read more...] about Sabato: Terry Pegula remains silent as Sabres, arena continue to decay

'Pegula has made renovations to the KeyBank Center in the past and is set to do so again, but more will be needed for the 28-year-old building owned by Erie County.' … [Read more...] about Pete Guelli set to tackle Bills PSLs, revitalizing Sabres arena experience as new COO

'Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti said Blue and four other dogs are getting their service training at the jail through a program in which incarcerated persons spend time training them. Blue has been in Niagara County for a month.' … [Read more...] about Sabres canine mascot serving through veterans program

'Jeanneret brought more excitement for a random game in February as most announcers would for a playoff game. There was palpable disappointment when you saw the television listings and saw the Sabres would be playing a nationally televised game and Jeanneret would not be on the call.' … [Read more...] about Sabato: An ode to Rick Jeanneret, the greatest Sabre of them all

'When news broke about the death of Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret on Thursday at age 81, tributes immediately began pouring in. Those continued Friday, as former players, colleagues and coaches offered their remembrances on X — formerly Twitter — of the legendary announcer, who called Sabres games for 51 years before retiring at the end of the 2021-22 season after the … [Read more...] about Reactions flood in after Rick Jeanneret’s death

'Buffalo sports fans have an uncanny way to be upbeat this time of the year, no matter what happened during the season. Whether it’s finishing the season strong, a coaching move or a big acquisition, Buffalo fans always find a way to say “next year.”' … [Read more...] about Sabato: There’s plenty of reason for Buffalo sports fans to be optimistic

'Granted, it’ll be tough to make it back in the postseason in the highly competitive Eastern Conference, where it took 100 points to claim the eighth spot. I’ve been properly skeptical about this team under Don Granato, but they won me over during that late-season run.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: No longer outlandish to think playoffs for Sabres next season

'Just think how many Buffalo fans grew up that way, tilting their heads toward the radio and thrilling to the French Connection, or Phil Housley or Pat LaFontaine. Jeanneret has been there almost from the start. For any fan under 60, he has been a lifelong companion, an echo from childhood.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Rick Jeanneret’s true gift? Bringing out every Sabres fan’s inner child

'You can’t blame people if they’re a bit dubious, if they’re not buying in this time. Buffalo fans are infinitely loyal and patient. But they’re not suckers. Even they have a limit, and the sorry attendance numbers reflect their alienation.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Sabres can’t help but remind fans just how far away they are

'Depending on who’s the opponent and where in the building you’re seated, it can cost up to $246 to attend a single Sabres game, although most games are available on cable television, and incidentally, what is the cost of watching television these days? Factor in parking, an overpriced beer to dull what is likely to be a disappointing outcome, and what have you?' … [Read more...] about Adamczyk: Two cheers for the upcoming season

'The truth is, the player holds the big cards in these scenarios. Eichel did the team no favors by asking for a trade with his health in question. That doesn’t mean it’ll be good for the team to have a disgruntled Eichel around a bunch of impressionable young guys in a transitional year.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Adams, Biles, Beasley miss the mark during busy week

'Hey, expectations are suitably modest in Buffalo. Set them low and you can see hope on the distant horizon, even when history tells you they can always get worse. Granato gets production out of some talented young players and looks like the next Scotty Bowman.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Same dreadful story, even as Sabres turn a page

'But from a larger perspective, the issue isn’t really Eichel’s health, but the chronic malaise that is the Buffalo Sabres under the stewardship of Terry and Kim Pegula.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Time for Sabres to hit the reset button — again

'Jeff Skinner got eight years, $72 million after a 40-goal season, right? Reinhart is a better hockey player. OK, but that doesn’t justify overpaying a player who had a good season for a horrible team. Opening the vault for Reinhart at this point would be repeating the same foolish mistake — which is this franchise's sad story.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: From the Sabres, to the Yanks and Knicks, there’s a lot to discuss in sports