'Karmanos says they were looking for somebody that had the ability to build relationships, and continue building on the winning culture in place in Rochester for the players to develop in.' … [Read more...] about Amerks introduce Mike Leone as new head coach
The Sabres Report - Jun 11, 2024
Marek: Sabres know 'this drought has to end'
'"I think everybody in the organization understands if there's not playoffs next year for the Buffalo Sabres, it's going to be ugly. It's going to be a bloodletting, and a lot of people are going to be loading up the fax machine with pink paper. I think everybody understands that with the Buffalo Sabres organization. There is so much riding on next season, so many careers, so … [Read more...] about Marek: Sabres know ‘this drought has to end’
'An exciting time for the organization' | Buffalo's talented prospects drew Leone to Amerks head coaching opportunity
'“Proud to see so many people really interested in this job,” Karmanos said during Leone’s introductory press conference on Monday. “We took a wide lens to the process. We didn’t pigeonhole ourselves into thinking that the next coach of the Amerks had to be someone with a certain background. Couldn’t be more excited about the person that we’re bringing in.”' … [Read more...] about ‘An exciting time for the organization’ | Buffalo’s talented prospects drew Leone to Amerks head coaching opportunity
The Sabres Report - Jun 10, 2024
Mike Harrington: Max Plante hopes to follow the NHL road his father traveled
'“This was the favorite place to play for my dad,” Max Plante said of Buffalo. “Unfortunately, he got traded and then beat them in the Stanley Cup Final with Dallas, but he loved it here. It was kind of his starting ground in the NHL.”' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Max Plante hopes to follow the NHL road his father traveled
Another NHL Scouting Combine wraps up in downtown Buffalo
'The Buffalo Sabres, with eight total picks, will start their night at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas later this month with the 11th overall selection. Buffalo could certainly decide to trade its first-round pick or stick with the more traditional approach and seek out another top-rated prospect. In that case, Canadian junior hockey center for the Spokane Chiefs of the … [Read more...] about Another NHL Scouting Combine wraps up in downtown Buffalo
The Sabres Report - Jun 9, 2024
Sabres GM for a Day: Patrick Kane headlines series of bold offseason moves
'Luukkonen’s agent, Markus Lehto, likely will use Thatcher Demko’s most recent contract with the Vancouver Canucks as a comparable. Demko signed a five-year, $25 million contract in March 2021. The Sabres may not want to give Luukkonen a longer-term deal though since they still have Devon Levi, who will be a restricted free agent next summer. To compromise, we’ll give Luukkonen … [Read more...] about Sabres GM for a Day: Patrick Kane headlines series of bold offseason moves
Buffalo Sabres have plenty to ask fans in post-season survey
'The approximately 10-minute survey, with an option to stay on to provide even more information, is intended to provide the team with a better understanding of the fan experience at the downtown arena on many levels. It covers subjects such as concessions and retail offerings, the importance of theme nights, promotions and giveaways, energy in the building, the identity of the … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres have plenty to ask fans in post-season survey
NHL Draft: Rochester Amerks coach Michael Leone made impact on prospect Artyom Levshunov
'“He helped me a lot, actually, when I came (the) first time to America, yeah,” the prospect said Saturday following fitness testing in LECOM Harborcenter. “I mean, it was everything new to me. I came to a new country and I didn’t speak a lot of English, I didn’t speak very much. But still I think he helped me on the ice. He helped me outside the ice, and we’re still in … [Read more...] about NHL Draft: Rochester Amerks coach Michael Leone made impact on prospect Artyom Levshunov
Combine Notebook | Catton on his growth, Sabres connections, and more
'“You know, you look at their kind of track record with Benson and Savoie – similar to myself, I think, in lots of ways,” he said. “So, talking with them about that and just being here obviously, chatting about the facilities and the people I met with the Sabres and stuff. We had a really good chat.”' … [Read more...] about Combine Notebook | Catton on his growth, Sabres connections, and more
The Sabres Report - Jun 8, 2024
Inside the NHL: Once former drought masters, Panthers and Oilers now meet for Stanley Cup
'We all know the Sabres have the longest postseason drought in NHL history at 13 years and counting. But on the league’s all-time list, do you know which franchises are tied for No. 2? The Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. Seriously. If you want some small sliver of hope for the Sabres, here it is:' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Once former drought masters, Panthers and Oilers now meet for Stanley Cup
Looking back on the Sabres' 1998-99 season 25 years later
'We had started that years before – that mentality that we’re the Buffalo Sabres, we’re gonna have to outwork teams. We had a group of guys that had the ability to work very hard. And the systems that they put in place and taught us were very, very valuable for us. Everybody was accountable to those systems.' … [Read more...] about Looking back on the Sabres’ 1998-99 season 25 years later
The Sabres Report - Jun 7, 2024
Erik Brady: Top reasons for Sabres fans to root for Edmonton to win Stanley Cup
'Don’t be fooled by the Panthers’ statewide name. They play in Sunrise, but they are really a Miami/Fort Lauderdale team. And you know how Buffalo sports fans feel about Miami: We’ve been hating on the Dolphins since they famously beat the Bills 20 consecutive times in the 1970s.' … [Read more...] about Erik Brady: Top reasons for Sabres fans to root for Edmonton to win Stanley Cup
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Sabres hire Michael Leone as head coach of Rochester Americans (Buffalo News) Mike Leone becomes 34th coach in Amerks’ 68-year history: What to know (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Sabres hire Michael Leone as Rochester Amerks’ new coach (Olean Times Herald) Amerks hire Michael Leone as 34th head coach in franchise history (WGR-AM) Michael Leone to replace Seth Appert as … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Jun 6, 2024
Henri Jokiharju's contract negotiation may set stage for Sabres' offseason
'The most glaring question of all is how Henri Jokiharju fits in the Sabres’ plans next season and beyond. He is a restricted free agent after he produced three goals with a career-high 20 points in 74 games. His 18:59 average time on ice per game was lower than each of the previous two seasons, but there were bouts with inconsistency as he gradually improved in the defensive … [Read more...] about Henri Jokiharju’s contract negotiation may set stage for Sabres’ offseason
New Sabres COO Pete Guelli says Terry Pegula's commitment to hockey 'pretty clear'
'“It’s obviously a different model than the NFL,” Guelli said. “(The Sabres) remind me of what I walked into when I went to the NBA. Having gone through that, I know you can mitigate the (financial) losses and move toward profitability, and it’s more than just the hockey team. The arena is an asset that has to be leveraged on as much of a year-round basis as possible. If you … [Read more...] about New Sabres COO Pete Guelli says Terry Pegula’s commitment to hockey ‘pretty clear’