'This was one of the most boring chapters of the Sabres-Maple Leafs rivalry in recent years.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Unusual Sabres game day includes blockbuster deal, loss in OT
The Sabres Report - Mar 7, 2024
Sabres' addition of Bowen Byram raises questions about future of defense
'Byram’s eventual price tag could impact the team’s negotiations with Henri Jokiharju, who is currently on the top pair next to Dahlin and reaches restricted free agency this summer. If the Sabres are able to retain Jokiharju – likely on a short-term, bridge contract – their blue line next season could include him, Byram, Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, Connor Clifton and Ryan … [Read more...] about Sabres’ addition of Bowen Byram raises questions about future of defense
Mike Harrington: The Casey Mittelstadt trade is Kevyn Adams' first move for next season
'Moving Mittelstadt is a tough thing both on the ice and in the dressing room. The Sabres’ No. 1 pick in 2017 had developed into a bull down low and along the wall, even if he should have been shooting to score more and not had such a preference for passing. It was going to cost at least $6 million to keep him on a long-term deal, maybe north of $7 million. You simply can’t pay … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Casey Mittelstadt trade is Kevyn Adams’ first move for next season
Sabres sad, surprised Casey Mittelstadt traded, excited for Bowen Byram
'But Mittelstadt, who participated in the Sabres’ optional skate prior to Wednesday’s game at Scotiabank Arena, likely priced himself out of Buffalo. As a restricted free agent following the season, he might command a hefty contract worth more than $6 million a season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sad, surprised Casey Mittelstadt traded, excited for Bowen Byram
Erik Johnson set to join list of notable veterans traded by Sabres
'“His wealth of experience at this level and … he’s had lots and lots of challenges in his career and lots of learning experiences,” he said. “For him to be able to share them with our players in situations, whether it be five-on-five or penalty kill. I’ve pointed out on the penalty kill he’s really helped the group’s confidence grow.' … [Read more...] about Erik Johnson set to join list of notable veterans traded by Sabres
Sabres deal former No. 8 overall pick Mittelstadt to Avalanche for former No. 4 overall pick Byram
'Mittelstadt, 25, is set to become a restricted free agent at season’s end and has 14 goals and 33 assists in 62 games during his seventh NHL season. The former Buffalo forward has recorded 62 goals and 124 assists in 339 career games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres deal former No. 8 overall pick Mittelstadt to Avalanche for former No. 4 overall pick Byram
Thursday's Toronto Coverage
Samsonov's swagger on display as Leafs outlast Sabres in OT (Toronto Sun) Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov took a beating the last time he faced Buffalo. This night was different (Toronto Star) Maple Leafs win a more subdued match against Buffalo Sabres by 2-1 in OT (Toronto Globe and Mail) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Toronto Coverage
Thursday's Colorado Coverage
Avalanche trades Bo Byram to Sabres for center Casey Mittelstadt in big roster shakeup (Denver Post) Ex-Avalanche defenseman Bo Byram on trade to Buffalo: “It’s obviously a shock” (Denver Post) Avalanche analysis: Colorado better after two big trades, but play for another Stanley Cup comes at significant cost (Denver Post) Avalanche trade Bowen Byram to Sabres for Casey … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Colorado Coverage
Matthews scores NHL-leading 54th goal, Samsonov shines as Leafs down Sabres 2-1 in OT
'The Sabres, who beat Toronto at Scotiabank Arena on Nov. 4 and thumped the Leafs at home Dec. 21 when Samsonov allowed five goals on 19 shots before getting the hook, are nine points adrift of the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot.' … [Read more...] about Matthews scores NHL-leading 54th goal, Samsonov shines as Leafs down Sabres 2-1 in OT
Avalanche acquire Casey Mittelstadt, Sean Walker in trades
'For Byram, the trade to Buffalo is a fresh start. Drafted fourth overall in 2019 by the Avalanche, Byram, 22, has dealt with injuries and inconsistencies that slowed his overall progress. He has tallied 23 goals and 63 points in 146 NHL games thus far and will now join a Sabres' blue line filled with up-and-coming talents such as Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson.' … [Read more...] about Avalanche acquire Casey Mittelstadt, Sean Walker in trades
NHL trade grades: Avalanche, Sabres get creative with deal sending Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado
'Mittelstadt has become a key member of Buffalo's lineup, so parting with him couldn't have been an easy decision for general manager Kevyn Adams, but Byram is more than a worthwhile gamble. If Byram winds up finding his groove in Buffalo, the Sabres will have Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Byram patrolling the blue line. That could be the start of a championship-caliber … [Read more...] about NHL trade grades: Avalanche, Sabres get creative with deal sending Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado
Casey Mittelstadt-Bowen Byram trade grades: Avs get second-line center; Sabres boost blue line in win-win deal
'Why would the Avalanche give up on him? Outside of the fact that they already are paying a number of blue-liners, concussions are the big concern for Byram. The No. 4 pick from 2019 hasn't played a full NHL season yet despite being in his fourth. Multiple head injuries have prohibited him from getting a full campaign in, and the long-term effects of those ailments are … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt-Bowen Byram trade grades: Avs get second-line center; Sabres boost blue line in win-win deal
Reaction: Sabres Trade Casey Mittelstadt to Avalanche for Bowen Byram
'Buffalo takes a bit of a hit on offense, while Colorado takes a bit of a hit on defense, but this had to be a talent-in, talent-out deal rather than a trade for draft picks and prospects.' … [Read more...] about Reaction: Sabres Trade Casey Mittelstadt to Avalanche for Bowen Byram
Sabres fall to Maple Leafs in overtime
'Both sides had their chances in the extra frame, but it was Auston Matthews dropping the curtain on the Sabres with his 54th goal of the 2023-24 season. Forward Mitch Marner found the league's leading goal-scorer with a centering pass from behind the net, and Matthews did the rest.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fall to Maple Leafs in overtime
Sabres pick up one point in Toronto and are 2-0-1 against them this season
'The worst was the overtime goal. The Sabres held Auston Matthews to absolutely nothing for 60 minutes and with less than a minute left in overtime, Don Granato learned what many coaches before him have learned, you don’t put Skinner out in overtime because he is probably the Sabres worst 3-on-3 player.' … [Read more...] about Sabres pick up one point in Toronto and are 2-0-1 against them this season