The Hockey News

'Buffalo’s challenge now is to grow organically without getting discouraged, or pressured into making panic moves – because that’s how you become a constant rebuilder like Edmonton.' … [Read more...] about The Buffalo Sabres have a daunting road ahead of them in the Atlantic

'That’s a great addition for Buffalo, too. Barring a subsequent deal that sends recently rumored trade chip Rasmus Ristolainen packing, the Sabres will now trot out a top-four that includes Ristolainen, Mountour, Jake McCabe and rookie standout Rasmus Dahlin. Already with a defense that was 16th-ranked in the NHL in terms of goals against and had mid-range underlying metrics, … [Read more...] about Wild-card contending Sabres don’t stand pat, acquire Montour from Ducks for Guhle, first-round pick

'Some may call that foolish or cry asset mismanagement. Some will inevitably compare it to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ situation with Panarin, another star winger set to become a free agent this summer, and list myriad reasons why it makes sense to trade Skinner, not keep him when the assets have potential to help the cause down the road. The difference, however, is that there’s … [Read more...] about Keeping Skinner through deadline will be a gamble for the Sabres — but it’s a risk worth taking

'Do the Sabres make the post-season? It’s no guarantee. But the real Buffalo lies somewhere between the 10-game winning streak and the league bottom feeder that has struggled ever since, and if they can find that middle before it’s too late, the Sabres may very well be able to sneak in and snap their seven-year drought.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres are sliding in aftermath of their early season winning streak, but don’t count Buffalo out

'Having the additional spending room gives the Sabres the ability and flexibility, should they so choose, to go dollar-for-dollar with any other suitor for Skinner’s services. Sure, engaging in a bidding war could lead to potential overpayment, but having additional cap space lessens the immediate and likely the long-term cause for concern.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can make best of bad situation with Berglund contract termination

'“It’s different, for sure,” said right winger Kyle Okposo. “We have a belief in ourselves and everyone in this room trusts each other and knows they’re going to do the right thing. If a guy makes a mistake, he’s the first one to do the right thing next time; everyone is holding each other accountable and holding themselves accountable. It’s a lot better.”' … [Read more...] about After some lean years, it’s fun to be the Buffalo Sabres again

'Carter Hutton played over his head last year. He wasn’t going to post a .931 save percentage again. But he was a sensible, short-term veteran signing by GM Jason Botterill to pair with riser Linus Ullmark. They’ve combined for a .919 SP as a tandem so far this season. Last season, Sabres goalies posted an aggregate SP of .904. Hutton and Ullmark haven’t been … [Read more...] about Five reasons the 2018-19 Buffalo Sabres are for real

'Skinner has done more than score, too. His underlying numbers have all been positive, which indicates he’s had a positive impact even in the games he’s not scoring. His possession numbers at five-a-side are all positive when compared to those of his teammates, and he’s driving scoring chances and high-danger attempts as well as any other Sabre. The added bonus in all of this … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner is making the most of his contract year in Buffalo

'It’d be foolish to assert Eichel isn’t ready. Battling through a second straight injury-shortened campaign, Eichel fell three points shy of posting point-per-game scoring numbers in 2017-18 and his 25 goals and 64 points were both career-best marks. He was an unstoppable force for the Sabres in the second half of the season despite missing more than a handful of games, too, … [Read more...] about The Sabres picked the perfect time to name Jack Eichel captain

'6th in the Atlantic Division. Buffalo is on its way to a brighter future, but the Sabres aren’t quite there yet. Look for great seasons out of Eichel and some real promise from Mittelstadt. And don’t count out the possibility that Buffalo battles for a wild-card berth.' … [Read more...] about The Hockey News’ 2018-19 season preview: Buffalo Sabres

'As it pertains to Reinhart, though, the bridge contract gives him every opportunity to prove that he was and is every bit the player he portrayed himself as over the back half of last season. To be sure, Reinhart was excellent, too. In fact, on offense alone, he was among the best in the league. From Jan. 7 onward, a span of 41 games for the Sabres, Reinhart was not only the … [Read more...] about RFA roundup: Sabres re-sign Reinhart, so who’s left?

'“Just figuring out everything off the ice,” he said. “Like getting to the plane, how guys get ready for games, when the meetings are – that was the biggest part for me.”' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt sees a strong group in Buffalo

'One aspect of the deal that could be holding up matters is that Reinhart, a player who may have once been perceived as a safe bet for a bridge contract, now seems a better bet on a long-term pact. While a short-term deal would have made sense prior, the benefits of a long-term deal, particularly with Reinhart seemingly unlocking his offense, are much greater. In saying that, … [Read more...] about Sabres’ best bet with Reinhart would be to lock him up long term

'The only real caveat in the deal from Buffalo’s perspective is that Skinner is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2018-19 season, meaning the Sabres could hypothetically lose him after just one year of service. But it is worth noting that Skinner’s contract with Carolina contained a no-move clause, so obviously he approved the move to Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres acquire Jeff Skinner from Carolina

'But for those lamenting Eichel’s new number, be it for jersey-accuracy reasons or otherwise, rest assured that you’re not alone. Eichel is far from the first young gun to switch up his number after a few successful seasons wearing a different digit. Here are six notable skaters from the post-lockout era who spent at least two campaigns wearing one number before switching … [Read more...] about Eichel switches to no. 9, but he’s not first young star to make early change