WIVB

'It is unclear on how money from the deal will be used. The lease on the building is set to expire in September 2026. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said earlier this year that he wants to get the county out of the arena business. The county owns the shell of the building, the city of Buffalo owns the land, and the Sabres are responsible for the interior upkeep of the … [Read more...] about KeyBank naming rights extended for Buffalo’s downtown arena

'All-time scoring leader Alex Ovechkin will play in Buffalo with the Presidents Trophy-winning Washington Capitals on Nov. 1 and March 12. The Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers and star Connor McDavid come to KeyBank Center on Nov. 17, and former Sabres captain Jack Eichel returns with the Vegas Golden Knights on March 3. Recently traded JJ Peterka and the Utah … [Read more...] about Sabres 25-26 schedule: Home opener Oct. 9, Maple Leafs visit twice, long December trip

'Byram was acquired by the Sabres from the Colorado Avalanche in March 2024 in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt. He posted career highs in several categories for the Sabres last season — including points (38), assists (31), shot blocks (116) and average ice time (22:42) — but was the subject of trade speculation in recent weeks as a restricted free agent.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign D Byram to 2-year deal

'There is still much intrigue about what the Sabres will do with restricted free agent Bowen Byram. “Things are percolating,” one league insider reported, and general manager Kevyn Adams said Wednesday the Sabres have engaged in trade discussions but remain open to bringing back Byram.' … [Read more...] about 4 check: What’s brewing with Bowen Byram, Sabres free agent activity and lack thereof?

'Mrtka, a 6-foot-6 native of Czechia who played junior hockey with Seattle in the Western Hockey League, was the second defenseman off the board following top pick Matthew Schaefer. He joins No. 1 overall selections Rasmus Dahlin in 2018 and Owen Power in 2021 as blue-line players Buffalo has drafted with its first pick over the past dozen years.' … [Read more...] about 4 check: Sabres draft D-man Radim Mrtka

'The project continues with this weekend’s NHL draft, which could include more trades. Buffalo holds the No. 9 pick in Friday’s first round, it’s 11th time drafting in the top 10 over the past dozen years. Assistant GM Jerry Forton indicated the Sabres believe there to be about seven prospects better than the rest, which depending on how quickly they come off the board, could … [Read more...] about 4 prospects for Sabres with No. 9 pick in 1st round of NHL draft

'“But I don’t think you want to go into it saying, hey, I’m just moving this pick no matter what,” Adams cautioned. “These are valuable picks. But you’re open to everything. And trust me, the league knows that I’m absolutely open to moving pick nine if it’s the right deal for us.”' … [Read more...] about 4 check: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams previews NHL draft, free agency, potential trades

'Kekalainen served as the general manager of the Blue Jackets from 2013 until 2024. In his time in Columbus the team made the playoffs five times, including four seasons in a row between 2017 and 2020. Before being in the GM chair in Columbus, he spent time in the front office for both the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues, where he served as assistant general manager.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add longtime Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as senior advisor

'“Although it was short, I loved my time in Buffalo and as a player I was lucky to get a small glimpse of what makes the city such a special place and a terrific sports town,” Staal said. “Throughout my career I was fortunate to be on so many successful teams and I hope I can lean on some of those experiences to help the organization moving forward. I’m thankful to Kevyn for … [Read more...] about Sabres hire NHL veteran Eric Staal as special assistant to GM Kevyn Adams

'Buffalo had a 6.5% chance of winning the drawing for the No. 1 pick, and 6.7% chance at No. 2. The New York Islanders won the lottery for the top pick with the 10th-best odds (3.5%). The San Jose Sharks had the best lottery chances (18.5%) and will pick second after the Utah Hockey Club won the drawing with the 14th-best odds (1.5%). Teams can’t move up more than 10 slots in … [Read more...] about Sabres drop 2 spots in draft lottery, will pick 9th

'“I’ve been looking to add to our leadership structure on the business side of the organization and after a lengthy search, we have found the right fit for our organization in Jake,” Guelli stated in a news release. “Jake has extensive experience in the sports industry and has been thriving in an arena model for the last two decades. I’m excited to see what he can add to our … [Read more...] about Sabres add to business staff, hiring Jake Vernon to oversee ticketing, sponsorships

'“It’s not good enough,” Adams said Saturday at an almost hourlong news conference after the Sabres extended the longest postseason absence in NHL history to 14 seasons. “That would be the first thing I would say,” the fifth-year GM explained in a preview of his season-ending message to owner owner Terry Pegula. “I believe we should be a playoff team right now. And we failed.”' … [Read more...] about 4 check: Sabres acknowledge their failures

'Ryan McLeod had a goal and two assists, Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka each added a goal and an assist, Peyton Krebs and Jack Quinn also scored, and James Reimer made 22 saves as the Sabres beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in the regular season finale Thursday night at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff gets 900th victory in Sabres finale

'Anthony Stolarz made 36 saves in his eighth consecutive victory, Steven Lorentz scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, Mitch Marner tallied his 100th point with a goal in the third, Auston Matthews scored the 400th of his career and 32nd this season into the empty net, and Toronto clinched the Atlantic Division while sweeping the season series with the Sabres by … [Read more...] about Sabres on 4-game skid, Lindy Ruff stuck on 299 wins

'“Politicians belong in the penalty box,” said St. Catherine native Carm LaVigna.' … [Read more...] about Canadians flock to Sabres game despite political tensions