The Hockey News

'This is not a complete team, but it is a team that is being assembled nicely. Botterill is on the right track and this summer should be deemed a success already – and we haven’t even seen what Dahlin and Mittelstadt can do over an 82-game schedule.' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill has Buffalo on the right track

'Let’s flip this analysis on its head a bit, too, and tackle Buffalo first. This isn’t sunk money for the Sabres. Sure, it’s a big spend, but after the transaction, the Sabres are spending that money on two players — and quite possibly three — who are sure to make their roster better as early as next season. Losing O’Reilly is difficult, but with Jack Eichel and Casey … [Read more...] about Blues acquire O’Reilly, upgrade down the middle in blockbuster deal with Sabres

'To give up that kind of talent for a conditional fourth-round pick clearly indicates the Pittsburgh Penguins are clearing the decks for a big acquisition, either during the free agent frenzy or in an off-season trade. The Sabres, meanwhile, get two legitimate NHL players, a commodity that has been in short supply for this organization in the past couple of seasons. And maybe, … [Read more...] about Help on the way: Sabres add depth, experience with acquisition of Sheary, Hunwick

'“He’s a little like a Peter Forsberg character. He gets really mean. He has a high temper. That gives him a competitive edge at practices and especially in games. He doesn’t lose his head, but he competes. He’s going to have more dirty tricks than people think. He’s not going to take anything for granted, and he’s going to battle for everything."' … [Read more...] about Sabres savior: Meet do-it-all defender Rasmus Dahlin

'I know Buffalo has been burned by the stove of history often, but Dahlin could really help turn around this franchise in a meaningful way. With Eichel and Mittelstadt already there, the Sabres have an excellent young core. Sure, there are still pieces missing (a proven starting netminder, for one), but at least the most important elements of a champion are within the … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres win the Rasmus Dahlin draft lottery

'All of which makes the return for Kane that much more head-scratching. In getting a conditional first-rounder in 2019, a conditional fourth-rounder in 2020 and middling prospect Dan O’Regan, there’s a real possibility the Sabres will ultimately have nothing to show for Kane. The Sabres got zero certainty in terms of a draft pick or a player.' … [Read more...] about Sharks acquire Kane from Sabres – and the price wasn’t nearly as high as advertised

'Barring the ability to win games singlehandedly for the Sabres, Eichel has been everything Buffalo could have asked for this season. After two seasons of playing second fiddle to Ryan O’Reilly as the Sabres’ top center, Eichel has taken the mantle this season. He has a higher average ice time than any other Buffalo forward, skates more even-strength ice time than any other … [Read more...] about Eichel’s dominance is a beacon of light in another dark season for Sabres

'Despite knowing he’ll never blend in physically or figuratively, that he’ll never resist speaking his mind, Kane has found in Buffalo an environment where he seems to thrive. Reinhart summarizes the team’s attitude toward Kane best by explaining that it’s not Kane’s fault most of the hockey world doesn’t act the way he does toward the media or in public. Just because he’s … [Read more...] about Kane at home in Buffalo, with trade deadline and free agency looming

'The big question from this now is why his numbers at 5-on-5 stink, because it’s not just who he faces or who he plays with. The NHL doesn’t really track numbers that tell us any answers in that regard, but dedicated hobbyists do. One of the big findings from the last few years is that carrying the puck over the line instead of dumping and chasing led to more than twice as many … [Read more...] about The curious case of Rasmus Ristolainen: What role is Sabres D-man best suited for?

'The Sabres have been in a perpetual rebuild for a number of years now, but they’re looking as though they might have something special on their hands in a couple of seasons. If their young players continue to develop as they have, the Sabres should be selling playoff tickets in the near future.' … [Read more...] about 2020 Vision: What the Buffalo Sabres roster will look like in three years

'So, where would that put Eichel? Well, with a $75-million cap for the coming campaign, Eichel’s deal would be worth $8.25 million per season, which seems like a fitting starting point for a new contract for Eichel. He hasn’t yet earned his way into 16 percent-plus category that McDavid has now created, but, given his ceiling, Eichel is certainly worth more than the roughly $6 … [Read more...] about Eichel won’t make McDavid money, but what will a long-term extension cost Sabres?

'Botterill’s strengths cater to what the Buffalo Sabres need most. Their scuffling farm club, the Rochester Americans, hasn’t made the playoffs for three seasons. The Americans’ imprint on the NHL roster isn’t significant, either. The only hidden-gem forward to emerge after significant AHL development time is Marcus Foligno, drafted 104th in 2009, and the only impact blueliner … [Read more...] about Sabres make a brilliant GM hire in Jason Botterill

'The real answer lies somewhere in between the two extremes. The Sabres will likely be better than projected here, but they’re still not ready for primetime. Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart have real first line potential and a big breakout from one or both should push this team up the standings. The top six is decent, it’s the bottom that needs work though, especially the fourth … [Read more...] about THN’s 2016-17 NHL Season Preview: Buffalo Sabres