SabreSpace

'The Storm open training camp Aug. 27 and the Sabres get things going on Sept. 12, but Paille's season begins Saturday when he arrives in Halifax with his hockey gear for the national junior team development camp.' … [Read more...] about No holiday from hockey

'About 100 more people are needed to help serve the hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and beer at the HSBC Arena, despite clouds of doubt surrounding the Buffalo Sabres ownership.' … [Read more...] about Filling 100 positions

'On top of all of that, the Sabres came dangerously close to losing budding talent Tim Connolly as a free agent when they failed to pay him his bonuses after the season. A check was sent just before a deadline that, if missed, would have made Connolly an unrestricted free agent.' … [Read more...] about Few things could make matters worse in Buffalo

'"I think more than anything, we're going to tell the people of this community and outside this community that we need their help," Regier said. "I think from a budgetary standpoint, we can be competitive with this hockey club."' … [Read more...] about Sabres preparing campaign to spark ticket sales

'"I think I made a case for the Sabres to play me on the first or second line," concluded Gratton. "We'll have to wait and see how things play out in training camp."' … [Read more...] about Trade rumours still swirling around Gratton

'The NHL rookie salary cap is $1.1 million a season, including a signing bonus, but not performance bonuses. If he plays in Rochester, his salary would be around $55,000-$70,000, but he could still collect a large signing bonus in the $300,000-$600,000 range.' … [Read more...] about No word yet from Miller

'Money, about $2 million, would make him realize his boys will be fine without him. "If Buffalo pays him and pays him really well, then he's gone," Michigan State assistant coach Dave McAuliffe said.' … [Read more...] about Goalie will sign if money is right

'This is a delicate moment in the Sabres' 33-year history. Fans may be frustrated and they may be uncertain, but with a money-losing team on the block, only they can ensure the Sabres' survival here.' … [Read more...] about Skating on thin ice

'For the club's sales and marketing department it could be a chicken and egg scenario. The Sabres can't start selling long-term confidence in the club until its ownership issues are answered. And one of the keys to the new ownership scenario is the long-term, financial viability of the club, based in no small part on season ticket sales, corporate support and … [Read more...] about Campaign to sell Sabres tickets meets with chilly response

'So why are five groups competing for the privilege of investing in a proven money loser? Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier may have provided some insight when he talked about the league's commitment to restore competitive balance to the NHL when the next labor agreement is negotiated with players in 2004.' … [Read more...] about Trying to compete in the NHL

'Approximately 6,500 season tickets have been sold for the approaching Sabres season. That might put the franchise in the top quarter of the American Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about If you want to keep the Sabres, stop your moping and pony up

'Gratton rumors lately involve the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets.' … [Read more...] about Gratton signing doesn't ensure he'll stay

'Instead, it is the Sabres' volatile ownership situation - the NHL is controlling the team while the Rigases are being forced to sell - that persuaded at least two restricted free agents to sign now.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Warrener, two others

'It's time to stop living in the past, to give the guy a break. Bettman's the best friend Buffalo hockey has at the moment, the main reason the team will be here this season and, in all likelihood, for many seasons to come.' … [Read more...] about Give Bettman a pat on back, not a punch

'Defenseman Rhett Warrener and forward Chris Gratton accepted qualifying offers from the Buffalo Sabres and agreed to one-year deals Wednesday. Defenseman Brian Campbell, who spent part of last season in the minors, also accepted his offer.' … [Read more...] about Warrener, Gratton re-sign with Sabres