'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
The Sabres Report - Jun 9, 2025
Inside the NHL: Here's two defensemen Sabres should consider with their top pick
'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
The Sabres Report - Jun 8, 2025
Comments at the Combine | Draft prospects discuss Sabres meetings, player comps, NHL futures
'Mrtka spoke highly of Sabres goaltending prospect Scott Ratzlaff, his teammate in Seattle during 2024-25 season, calling him “one of the best goalies in the league.”' … [Read more...] about Comments at the Combine | Draft prospects discuss Sabres meetings, player comps, NHL futures
The Sabres Report - Jun 7, 2025
Jarmo Kekalainen brings an always-evolving, ever-competitive presence as Sabres senior advisor
'“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
Sabres might be hoping Anton Frondell or Victor Eklund last until ninth pick at NHL Draft
'The 18-year-old Swedes enjoyed strong chemistry over the final months of their first full pro seasons, illustrating why they will likely be picked early in the draft June 27.' … [Read more...] about Sabres might be hoping Anton Frondell or Victor Eklund last until ninth pick at NHL Draft
Before joining Sabres, Jarmo Kekalainen took some time to decide what was next for him
'"I was very interested in the position that he was offering. I was interested in the situation and the challenge with Buffalo, and the opportunity and the potential on the team. But also the roll is important to me, because I didn’t want to be looked at as somebody who's retiring or who doesn’t want to do work. I want to be 100% in, 24/7, doing everything I can to help Kevyn … [Read more...] about Before joining Sabres, Jarmo Kekalainen took some time to decide what was next for him
3 takeaways | Kekalainen talks front-office philosophies during Sabres Live appearance
'"... I’ve been in the hockey business since 1995 non-stop and never had this opportunity to take some time off and learn and just be better. I’m a big believer that the day you think you have nothing else to learn or nothing more to learn, that’s the day you’ve got to retire. I’m definitely not there yet, so it was a great year and three months.”' … [Read more...] about 3 takeaways | Kekalainen talks front-office philosophies during Sabres Live appearance
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Scott Metcalfe, Amerks Hall of Famer who played for Sabres, dies at 58 (Olean Times herald) Rochester Americans Hall of Famer, former Sabre Scott Metcalfe dies at age 58 (WGRZ-TV) Scott Metcalfe, Amerks Hall of Famer and Calder Cup champion, dies at 58 (WROC-TV) Scott Metcalfe, Rochester Amerks legend, dies at age 58 (WHEC-TV) Amerks mourn the loss of Scott Metcalfe … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Jun 6, 2025
From combine week through Calder Cup playoffs, Sabres got a big year from Konsta Helenius
'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
The Sabres Report - Jun 4, 2025
Mike Harrington: Another long season later, it's Panthers and Oilers in a rare Stanley Cup rematch
'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
Top 5 reasons to watch Stanley Cup Final: Connor McDavid, Canadian drought, more from Mike Harrington
'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
Jarmo Kekalainen joins Kevyn Adams with Buffalo Sabres in NHL merging of the downtrodden
'It’s my understanding that Kekalainen took the job in part because he, too, likes and respects Adams. Kekalainen, soon to turn 59, has served in different capacities in NHL front offices since 1999. He was the Jackets' GM for 12 years and made it to the playoffs five times. He has a reputation for drafting and developing talent. Adams, 50, has had five rocky years as Sabres … [Read more...] about Jarmo Kekalainen joins Kevyn Adams with Buffalo Sabres in NHL merging of the downtrodden
Draft Preview | Sabres' picks, key dates, and more
'The NHL Scouting Combine is currently being held right here in Buffalo through Saturday, June 7. Representatives from all 32 clubs will spend the week meeting with prospects on the KeyBank Center suite level. The fitness testing portion of the combine – and the ensuing media interviews – will take place on Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Draft Preview | Sabres’ picks, key dates, and more
The Sabres Report - Jun 3, 2025
NHL Scouting Combine's annual trip to Buffalo means more in a remote draft year
'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
Sabres relinquish rights to draft pick Ethan Miedema, two others
'In addition to Miedema, the Sabres did not sign forwards Viljami Marjala and William von Barnekow to contracts before Sunday’s deadline.' … [Read more...] about Sabres relinquish rights to draft pick Ethan Miedema, two others