WGR

'Smith was hired by Phil Housley before last season after coaching in Carolina.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Ralph Krueger retains Steve Smith on his staff

'Bales spent two seasons coaching the Hurricanes goalies. Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney did not have great regular season numbers, but Carolina did make the playoffs and got to the Eastern Conference Finals.' … [Read more...] about The Sabres to hire Mike Bales as goalie coach

'In April Skinner said that it’s going to be a long process for him as he needed to think about everything. He was true to that and said, “I think there’s a number of things. When you go through this process you try to weigh what’s important to you and then you weigh the pros and cons and for me, the top things on my list were all the positive things about Buffalo and right at … [Read more...] about Sabres Skinner didn’t see the need to talk to other teams

'“The other element that gave us comfort in going to a deal with Jeff, is just how we fit in with our group. I thought he was a great influence on our young players. The relationship with some of our elite players such as Jack and Sam, but going out of his way to have an impact on Rasmus Dahlin, Casey Mittelstadt and just his professionalism off the ice.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill never wavered in his belief that Skinner would remain a Sabre

'The numbers and stats smart guys seem to like this deal. There’s always some sticker shock when shelling out that kind of cash and cap space, but it just goes as the price to play poker. I don’t worry too much about these big deals. If Skinner continues to produce at the same level he has to this point in his career, then the Sabres will be fine. If he gives them that rate … [Read more...] about The Skinner Bet

'Skinner, who just turned 27 scored a career high 40 goals this season, but averages 30 goals over 82 games. Buffalo acquired him last August from Carolina for Cliff Pu, a second round pick, a third round pick and sixth round pick.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner agrees to a new contract with the Sabres

'According to multiple reports over the last couple of weeks, talks between both sides continue to remain positive with the hopes that an extension can be signed before the start of free agency. However, TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie reported on Thursday that negotiations are starting to come down to crunch time, and that he will either sign an extension with the Sabres in … [Read more...] about Dreger: Negotiations between the Sabres and Skinner are ‘reaching a breaking point’

'"His tone and his voice, when it came to the past and the future, he was comfortable on that line. I initiated the call in that way and it never went another direction. Jeff had the opportunity to change direction if he wanted to, it was the flow of the conversation that made me feel comfortable."' … [Read more...] about Krueger – “I work on the basis that Jeff Skinner is a Buffalo Sabre”

'Many fans feel there’s no chance that Skinner is coming back because the process has taken so long. Botterill said, “People always want a deal done as of yesterday, but both sides have understood that we wanted to get the head coach in place and then we could ramp up our discussions and we’ve certainly done that and I feel good where it’s at right now and hopefully we can … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill is still confident he’ll come to an agreement with Jeff Skinner

'I’ve felt all along that Skinner would be re-signed for a few reasons including the eighth year that other teams won’t be able to offer and the ability to play with Jack Eichel who played a key role in Skinner’s career best 40 goal season. I know we are talking about a lot of money and a contract that will take Skinner to age 35 but I think Botterill knows how important … [Read more...] about Relax Sabres fans

'Should they sign Skinner? Yeah probably. I get the fear mixed in… but I think we should all TAKE five years of success and six, seven, and eight being a train wreck. Heck, it’d more than DOUBLE the returns of the last few runs at this.' … [Read more...] about The 3-2-1

'"Things have definitely progressed this week. That was as expected. [General manager] Jason Botterill just got back from the World Championships. Obviously with the NHL Combine in Buffalo, he knew he'd have an opportunity to connect with Newport Sports, who represent Jeff Skinner, and that's happened. It sounds like they're having progressive conversation, but to say that … [Read more...] about Dreger: “I’d be surprised if a Jeff Skinner deal wasn’t announced in the near future”

'"It's a very crucial time," McKenzie said. "There's been dialogue all week long between Skinner's representatives and Buffalo general manager Jason Botterill. The NHL Combine is in Buffalo, so agents, players, prospects, general managers of all teams are descending on Buffalo. The sense seems to be is that there's optimism, but not to the point where either side is entirely … [Read more...] about Report: Dialogue between Sabres and Skinner starting to intensify

'The center had no goals and one assist in his first 16 games with the Amerks. When the Sabres moved up to get Asplund in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft, they talked about what a smart player he was. That came through as Asplund found his game and had 10 goals and 31 assists for 41 points in 75 games. Asplund said there were many factors that helped him get better, “I … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Asplund thinks he’s ready to live his NHL dream

'"Eager, excited, good hockey IQ, and a very good attention to detail person. It was unfortunate with how things fell in Edmonton for his sake. Obviously it was the lockout year, but he did a good job with what he was given there. He's a great person, a great communicator, and he just loves the players."' … [Read more...] about Smyth: Krueger will do ‘an excellent job’ with the Sabres