'“Being able to put on this NHL jersey is so exciting. Being in this rink again is an amazing feeling," McCarthy said. "It’s the National Hockey League. Kind of what we dream of and what I grew up watching.”' … [Read more...] about Clarence native Gavin McCarthy soaking in his “dream come true” moment at Buffalo Sabres development camp
The Sabres Report - Jul 5, 2023
Sabres face dilemma with surplus of defensemen
'In fact, the Sabres now have nine defensemen with NHL contracts — three more than can dress on a given night and will have to shed one or two in the near future.' … [Read more...] about Sabres face dilemma with surplus of defensemen
The Sabres Report - Jul 4, 2023
Ryan Johnson focused on growing with Sabres after 'big life decision' to sign
'“One thing I want to note that I’m really proud of is he graduated,” Paetsch, a former defenseman with the Sabres and Rochester Americans, said following a development camp practice Monday in LECOM Harborcenter. “I don’t think a lot of people know that, but it was important to him. He sent me pictures with him and his family, and that was pretty special to see.”' … [Read more...] about Ryan Johnson focused on growing with Sabres after ‘big life decision’ to sign
Mike Harrington: The Sabres are comfortable with their goaltending, but the fans are not. We'll see who's right
'There’s hysteria from fans, and in some quarters of the media, about going with a Levi-UPL tandem in goal. It’s understandable. It’s a risk. Luukkonen has played 46 NHL games and Levi only seven. Even Comrie has only played 47.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Sabres are comfortable with their goaltending, but the fans are not. We’ll see who’s right
Sabres notes: Amerks close to hiring assistant coaches; Buffalo open to adding another forward
'“I’m going to make sure it’s someone that fits our culture of our organization that’s set by Kevyn (Adams) that fits what we’re trying to build in Rochester but also is a great role model for our prospects, whether that’s his playing career, his coaching experience or who they are as a human being, because we need to have great role models for our prospects,” he said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Amerks close to hiring assistant coaches; Buffalo open to adding another forward
Sabres sign two defensemen, re-sign F Jost, lose Quinn to injury
'“It’s exciting,” said Adams leading up to the start of the Sabres’ development camp. “As we went through (the offseason), we identified an upgrade to our defense core would be critical for us to take the next step.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign two defensemen, re-sign F Jost, lose Quinn to injury
Ryan Johnson glad to get Sabres career going after four years of college hockey
'"It’s been a gift to be around this team and the other prospects, and it was cool going to Rochester for one week too (the final week of the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final). It’s special being a part of the organization officially."' … [Read more...] about Ryan Johnson glad to get Sabres career going after four years of college hockey
Introducing the Sabres way of hockey remains focal point at midway point of development camp
'This camp is supposed to bring out the best in every skater. But it’s not meant to be an “evaluation” in its entirety. More so, what this opportunity presents is a chance for the entire organization to get to know these guys on a personal level.' … [Read more...] about Introducing the Sabres way of hockey remains focal point at midway point of development camp
Zach Benson, Gavin McCarthy garner attention at Sabres development camp
'“For me personally, I want to get better every day,” Benson said Monday. “It depends on the drill. If it's a technique shooting drill, obviously you got to slow down a bit, but for two-on-two battles or one-on-ones, you're obviously going full out. You're trying to make yourself a better hockey player, but you also want to make your teammates better hockey players.”' … [Read more...] about Zach Benson, Gavin McCarthy garner attention at Sabres development camp
Off-ice relationships a priority for Sabres at development camp
'"We're not really making judgements in terms of their playing ability at this point," Sabres associate general manager Jason Karmanos said. "It's more of an introduction to the organization for most of them. Getting to know staff better, getting to know the city. Making them feel more comfortable when they come to training camp, that's the primary purpose."' … [Read more...] about Off-ice relationships a priority for Sabres at development camp
The Sabres Report - Jul 3, 2023
Why Connor Clifton emerged as Sabres' choice after long pursuit for defenseman
'The connection with Granato wasn’t the reason why Clifton was the Sabres’ preferred target in free agency. His self-described “two-way, abrasive” style on the ice complements the gifts that made Dahlin and Power the first overall pick in their respective drafts. At 28 years old, Clifton is someone who Granato and his staff believe can reach another level with more opportunity … [Read more...] about Why Connor Clifton emerged as Sabres’ choice after long pursuit for defenseman
Erik Johnson after leaving Avalanche for Buffalo: 'People know the Sabres are coming'
'“Whether it’s this year, next year – I don’t know how soon it’s going to be – I just feel it’s a team that’s going to contend for a long time. I think I can help that process, hopefully this year. You’ve just got to get into the playoffs. Anything can happen. ... It’s a contending team. Guys around the league know that, and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to sign here. I … [Read more...] about Erik Johnson after leaving Avalanche for Buffalo: ‘People know the Sabres are coming’
Mike Harrington: Opting for the Sabres is now an actual choice in free agency
'Now, you can take the draft with a grain of salt because 18-year-olds are generally “super stoked” to get taken by any NHL team. But those were the words used by first-round pick Zach Benson on Wednesday in Nashville about being picked by the Sabres and they were no exaggeration. Benson spent all year in Winnipeg playing with 2022 first-rounder Matt Savoie, and has been … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Opting for the Sabres is now an actual choice in free agency
In Connor Clifton, Sabres hope they’ve added missing piece on defense
'“I challenge him on a lot of things and ask questions and try to help my own mind understand what he sees,” Adams said Sunday prior to the start of development camp in LECOM Harborcenter. “It certainly didn’t take much. I’ve been watching Clifton for years and he’s a player I’ve always liked a lot.”' … [Read more...] about In Connor Clifton, Sabres hope they’ve added missing piece on defense
Veteran Erik Johnson believes Sabres will ‘contend for a long time’
'“All of them really said Buffalo’s a team on the rise,” said Johnson, who signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Sabres shortly after the market opened Saturday. “That’s not a secret anymore. People know that the Sabres are coming. Whether it’s this year, next year – I don’t know how soon it’s going to be – I just feel it’s a team that’s going to contend for a long … [Read more...] about Veteran Erik Johnson believes Sabres will ‘contend for a long time’