WGR

‘However, it may be time now to accept the cruel fate of this COVID-19 world and realize that what was once thought to be fair value for Ristolainen is now no longer available.’

‘The Buffalo Sabres have three restricted free agents that are scheduled to meet with a league arbiter this fall, which includes forwards Sam Reinhart and Victor Olofsson, as well as goalie Linus Ullmark.’

‘”We knew it was going to be a unique marketplace coming into free agency,” Hall said on Monday while meeting with the Buffalo media on a Zoom conference call. “It went from wanting to get a six- or seven-year contract to thinking maybe a one-year deal might be best for me financially and personally. Then we can see what the landscape of the NHL and, really, the whole U.S. and Canada looks like after that.”‘

‘”We both made it clear to each other that this could turn into something long term. We were both comfortable starting the way we did. I do think it’s really important that this signing underlines the commitment that Terry and Kim have always showed, since the day they became owners.”‘

‘”Going into our planning leading up to free agency, obviously starting with the conversations with Terry and Kim [Pegula], we begun to put together what we would love to see this roster look like,” Adams said. “I think the fact that we did this signing with Taylor underlines ownership’s commitment. They have proven that over and over again in this city, and what they have done for this organization is incredible, and this is another example of that.”‘

‘”It’s a trust level that Taylor and I have out of the past, and over the past decade here. [I thought] that we had a chance emotionally, but where his mind was at and what his options were you never know in a process like this. We’re extremely pleased that he’s committed to us, and although it’s a one-year deal, he’s planning for a run here with Buffalo and this is a good way to start it.”‘

‘Where the Sabres may have had an advantage with attracting Hall is with head coach Ralph Krueger. Hall spoke highly of his former head coach in Edmonton when speaking with Lance Lysowski from The Buffalo News back in December, saying that he really enjoyed playing for him with the Oilers.’

‘Just because a player has filed for salary arbitration does not mean that they will officially meet with a league arbiter when scheduled. The team and the players can negotiate a contract and sign a new deal at any point beforehand.’

‘Montour could have been the fourth Sabres player to file for arbitration on Saturday along with forwards Sam Reinhart and Victor Olofsson, as well as goalie Linus Ullmark. However, he has signed a new one-year deal worth $3.85 million.’

‘Standing at 6-foot and 183 pounds, Eakin is a strong two-way presence down the middle who can be a solid third- or fourth-line center. He does not have a high offensive upside, but he can be a solid penalty killer and useful in the defensive end.’