WIVB

'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

'Rasmus Dahlin had a goal and an assist in staking a 2-0 lead for the Sabres in the first period. Buffalo’s captain now has 64 points in 69 games. JJ Peterka scored his 25th of the season. James Reimer made 27 saves, losing for the first time in eight starts. … [Read more...] about Sabres snap win streak in Columbus after taking lead into 3rd period

'Buffalo’s 14-year playoff drought is the longest in NHL history.' … [Read more...] about Sabres eliminated from playoffs while on 5-game win streak

'With victories in nine of the past 13 games, the Sabres have climbed out of last place and into 14th in the Eastern Conference standings, while staving off playoff elimination. With seven games remaining in the season, Buffalo now has 72 points, 11 below the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild-card playoff spot.' … [Read more...] about Sabres come back to beat Lightning in shootout

'Tuesday night’s 5-2 victory in Ottawa, the second on a three-game trip for the Sabres and seventh win in the past 10 games elevated Buffalo into 14th in the Eastern Conference with 70 standings points. The Sabres passed the Boston Bruins, who extended their winless skid to nine games with a 4-3 loss in Washington.' … [Read more...] about Sabres stride out of last place on winning road trip