SabreSpace

'If the Sabres stand firm at No. 9, here is a look at five potential prospects who participated in the combine and went through physical testing Saturday at LECOM Harborcenter, and what they could bring to the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Sabres get look at potential picks as the NHL draft approaches

'Aitcheson is as tough as he is effervescent, and is as willing to stand up for himself or a teammate as he is to carry on a conversation with someone. The 6-foot-1½ defenseman from Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League tied with teammate Riley Patterson, a center, for the Colts’ scoring lead this season. Aitcheson scored 26 goals with 33 assists in 64 games, including nine … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Here’s two defensemen Sabres should consider with their top pick

'“He was a good decision-maker on the ice,” Raeder said of Kekalainen, a left wing for Clarkson from 1987-89. “He was solid, and he thought through the game well. Coming from Europe and adjusting to the North American game, back in those days, was a pretty good test. If you could do that, you were pretty hockey savvy – and Jarmo, he’s tremendously motivated.”' … [Read more...] about Jarmo Kekalainen brings an always-evolving, ever-competitive presence as Sabres senior advisor

'The Amerks had a 92-point season and made it to the ultimate Game 5 of the North Division finals before losing to Laval, and the 5-foot-11 Helenius wasn’t out of place, even though he was the youngest player in the AHL and didn’t turn 19 until May 11.' … [Read more...] about From combine week through Calder Cup playoffs, Sabres got a big year from Konsta Helenius

'We haven’t seen the same two teams get to hockey’s ultimate series since 2009, when the Pittsburgh Penguins used a Marc-Andre Fleury save in the final second to hold off the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena. The Wings had won the Cup in 2008 in Game 6 at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena. (From the Time Moves On Dept.: Both of those arenas, which were classic NHL barns, … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Another long season later, it’s Panthers and Oilers in a rare Stanley Cup rematch

'The key to this series will come in the goal crease. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky, long portrayed as an overpaid sieve at $10 million per season, has become the best playoff goalie of this generation. Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner is a hot-and-cold enigma. But they have both been money since the middle of Round 2. Since May 11, Bobrovsky is 7-2, 1.34/.944, and Skinner is 6-1, … [Read more...] about Top 5 reasons to watch Stanley Cup Final: Connor McDavid, Canadian drought, more from Mike Harrington

'So, it is conceivable that the seeds of trades and free agent deals that are often planted at the draft may get pushed up into the week in Buffalo. Some general managers routinely skip the combine and merely send their amateur scouting and strength staffs, but it is likely every GM may be in Buffalo, except Edmonton’s Stan Bowman and Florida’s Bill Zito, whose teams will open … [Read more...] about NHL Scouting Combine’s annual trip to Buffalo means more in a remote draft year