SabreSpace

'"We're really going to handicapped this summer," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, who lectured Sunday at Roger Neilson's annual coaching clinic at the University of Windsor. "We really won't be able to do anything. We don't know what'll happen, if the league will have to step in and at what point. I think you can look at baseball for … [Read more...] about Buffalo's woes bode ill for NHL

'Hasek never played as well as he did in 1999. Worse, he seemed to become more selfish. It wasn't about leading the Sabres to a title. It was about winning one for himself.' … [Read more...] about Hard to feel happy for Hasek

'Representatives of a Western New York investment consortium met with NHL officials in recent days to talk about the possibility of acquiring the Sabres in a package that would also include HSBC Arena, the Empire Sports Network and WNSA-FM. All are owned by separate partnerships with direct ties to the Rigas family, founders of Adelphia who ran the cable company until one … [Read more...] about Investors positioned for Sabres deal

'You know what the Sabres received from the organization when they went to the Stanley Cup finals in 1999? A $100 gift certificate to a shopping mall, a toy car, a yo-yo and an Adelphia Communications fishing hat. Teams usually reward their players with vacations or cash. The Sabres were so insulted it became laughable. It's one reason many in the organization have … [Read more...] about Sabres may have to pay out big bucks

'Even if the hockey team stays in Buffalo, the Rigas family's greed will probably cost every taxpayer in Erie County, and quite possibly all of New York, a fistful of dollars as tens of millions in state loans that helped build HSBC Arena are either written off or reduced.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo to suffer for the greed of the Rigas family

'Sources have said that the potential legal and financial complications for anyone buying the team from Rigas could force the NHL to take over the franchise for a short time, to "cleanse" the franchise for eventual sale to a new owner.' … [Read more...] about Deal taking shape to keep Sabres here

'Donner said he would use any connections he has to help the Sabres, but doesn't have enough financial clout himself to lead an effort.' … [Read more...] about Donner just an observer of Sabres

'Amerks owner Steve Donner says he'll act as a middleman to try to bring together Rochester and Buffalo businessmen to buy the Sabres. A spokesman tells News 8 Now Donner may even consider a small investment.' … [Read more...] about Amerks Owner Wants Area Businessmen to Buy Sabres

'Donner said that during the past two weeks he has had discussions with Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister -- whom he referred to as the "catalyst" of bringing an ownership group together. Hamister is chairman and founder of the Buffalo-based National Health Care Affiliates and owns the Arena Football League Buffalo Destroyers.' … [Read more...] about Americans owner Donner hopes to help Sabres

'The owner of Buffalo's minor league baseball team says it's too early to discuss whether he would join a new ownership group that could buy the city's professional hockey franchise.' … [Read more...] about Rich says talk of joining new ownership group is 'premature'

'Hasek tired of playing the role of savior. The Sabres had become overly dependent on his magic and unwilling, or financially unable, to adequately compliment his skills. His value to them was as a drawing card capable of performing the miraculous and fostering a thinly stretched sense of hope.' … [Read more...] about Hasek takes driver's seat in Cup win

'Although few details of the meeting were made available, NHL spokeswoman Bernadette Mansur referred to it as "a very good session." "There's no hard news coming out of it, but it was an update to all parties and an agreement to continue in communication," said Mansur, adding she was not aware of any further meetings scheduled between the two … [Read more...] about NHL favors Sabres stay in Buffalo

'Bill Savino's advice to the Rigases: "That team's not worth $200 hundred million. There's nothing there for you. Let the NHL take it over, sell it, and you worry about your other problems because you've got plenty."' … [Read more...] about NHL, Adelphia to discuss future of Sabres

'While Bettman would prefer not to have the league take over the franchise, such a takeover may be the most feasible way of finding new owners, sources close to the Sabres' situation say. Otherwise, any potential investors in the Sabres would have to buy the team directly from John J. Rigas and sidestep all the financial and legal land mines - including expected … [Read more...] about NHL may take over Sabres

'Sources also told FOXSports.com that the league has been active behind the scenes in moving to protect the league's interest in this matter and that the league does not want to be put in a position of having to operate the team while a buyer is sought or while the club or the parent company might be in bankruptcy proceedings. The best way to go about accomplishing … [Read more...] about NHL to look into Sabres mess