Sabres to be broadcast nationally 15 times

BUFFALO – The Sabres will have 15 games broadcast nationally during the 2012-13 season.

The team has two games scheduled for NBC and 13 slated for NBC Sports Network, according to the NHL’s national television schedule, released Thursday. MSG will broadcast 70 Sabres games.

Of course, if the NHL locks out its players when the collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15, the schedule could change.... Read the full article

Rochester releases 2012-13 schedule

BUFFALO – Now you can start planning those trips to Rochester in the event of an NHL lockout, Sabres fans.

The Rochester Americans begin their 31st season as the Sabres’ AHL affiliate on Oct. 12 at the Blue Cross War Memorial against the Syracuse Crunch, a day before their parent club is scheduled to open its campaign at the First Niagara Center versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

But with collective bargaining agreement talks stalling, who ... Read the full article

Detroit cancels annual prospects tournament

BUFFALO – The growing potential for an NHL lockout has forced the Detroit Red Wings to cancel their annual NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, Mich., which the Sabres won last season.

The Sabres were one of eight teams slated to participate again in September.

The collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15. Little progress has been made during recent talks between the NHL and NHLPA.... Read the full article

Sabres re-sign defenseman Biega

BUFFALO – The Sabres have re-signed defenseman Alex Biega to a one-year, two-way contract.

The 24-year-old had five goals, 23 points, 47 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 65 games with Rochester last season. The former Harvard University captain has six goals, 41 points, 99 penalty minutes and a plus-28 rating in 126 AHL appearances over two seasons.

The Sabres selected Biega 147th overall in 2006.... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta has never shied away from contact. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Growth, maturity help Sabres’ Patrick Kaleta earn long contract

BUFFALO – Three years for a rugged, injury-prone winger who’s averaged only 55 games during his four full NHL seasons. Why did the Sabres give Patrick Kaleta, a 26-year-old short on durability, such a long contract?

The team sees growth and maturity seeping into Kaleta’s game. He’s started reigning in the ultra-aggressive, often reckless style he showcased for years.

The Angola native played a career-high 63 contests last season, eight more than his previous best. ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta played a career-high 63 games last season. ©2012, Janet Schultz, Olean Times Herald

Sabres re-sign agitator Patrick Kaleta to 3-year contract

BUFFALO – The Sabres re-signed restricted free agent winger Patrick Kaleta to a three-year contract on Tuesday.

The deal is worth $1.25 million a season, according to nhlnumbers.com.

The 26-year-old, the Sabres’ No. 1 pest and a ferocious hitter, has developed into a strong checker capable of playing big minutes. In the winter, he began playing 18 minutes some nights on a top checking line with Paul Gaustad and Nathan Gerbe.

The Angola native rarely ... Read the full article