Dan Bylmsa was all smiles this morning. ©2015, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Dan Bylsma excited about Sabres’ bold moves

SUNRISE, Fla. – Coach Dan Bylsma and general manager Tim Murray disagree over how much the Buffalo Sabres improved in about a whirlwind nine-hour span Friday.

Murray, in keeping with his personality, would only say the Sabres got a little bit better.

“I said, ‘Tim, I think we got more than a little bit better,’” Bylsma said this morning at the NHL Draft inside the BB&T Center. “He said, ‘No, we just got a ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel said Friday was emotional. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Jack Eichel thrilled to be drafted by Sabres: ‘I wanted to be a part of this’

SUNRISE, Fla. – For more than two months, Jack Eichel wouldn’t say much about his future. Of course, the 18-year-old knew the Buffalo Sabres would select him second overall at the NHL Draft. But the Boston University superstar played it cool, saying things like “if the Sabres draft him.”

But deep down, Eichel had a special feeling about the Sabres. He felt a warm welcome from the community and fans when the Sabres hosted the ... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly might get a new contract soon. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres send strong message with big trades at NHL Draft

SUNRISE, Fla. – If the Buffalo Sabres win the Stanley Cup someday, remember Friday as the perhaps one of the most pivotal days in the franchise’s 45-year history.

In addition to drafting center Jack Eichel second overall, the rebuilding team swung two significant trades, including a blockbuster deal with the Colorado Avalanche that brought center Ryan O’Reilly to Buffalo.

After two wretched seasons in which they finished 30th and became the NHL’s laughingstock, the ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner has a history with Tim Murray. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres believe goalie Robin Lehner worth high price

SUNRISE, Fla. – Parting with the 21st pick in a deep NHL Draft wasn’t easy for Tim Murray. With the Buffalo Sabres locked into picking Jack Eichel second overall Friday, the general manager recently told his scouts to focus on the team’s other first-round pick.

Murray wanted them to go deep and dig into those prospects.

But the Sabres desperately needed a goalie for next season. Murray had choices. Plenty of established ones – ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel talks after getting drafted. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Jack Eichel felt like he was part of Sabres for long time

SUNRISE, Fla. – For more than two months, Jack Eichel wouldn’t say much about his future. Of course, the 18-year-old knew the Buffalo Sabres would select him second overall at the NHL Draft. But the Boston University superstar played it cool, saying things like “if the Sabres draft him.”

But deep down, Eichel had a special feeling about the Sabres. He felt a warm welcome from the community and fans when the Sabres hosted the ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel must decide whether to turn pro or stay in college. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres draft Jack Eichel

SUNRISE, Fla. – After more than two months of waiting, Jack Eichel is officially property of the Buffalo Sabres.

The rebuilding team selected the 18-year-old Boston University center second overall tonight at the NHL Draft inside the BB&T Center.

Stay tuned for updates. Eichel could announce soon if he’ll turn pro or return to college.

... Read the full article
Tim Murray isn’t afraid to wheel and deal. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres pull off major trade, acquire Ryan O’Reilly from Avalanche

SUNRISE, Fla. – Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray has pulled off another blockbuster trade.

The Sabres tonight acquired center Ryan O’Reilly and winger Jamie McGinn from the Colorado Avalanche for center Mikhail Grigorenko, defenseman Nikita Zadorov, winger J.T. Compher and the 31st pick in this weekend’s NHL Draft.

Stay tuned for more updates.

... Read the full article
Robin Lehner suffered a concussion last season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres GM Tim Murray targeted goalie Robin Lehner

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Tim Murray had choices. Plenty of established goalies – perhaps five or six – are available this summer. But the general manager wanted Robin Lehner to fill the Buffalo Sabres’ vacancy.

“Robin was our target,” Murray said this morning after acquiring the 23-year-old from the Ottawa Senators. “He was the No. 1 goalie available from our estimation.”

Murray watched Lehner quickly rise through Ottawa’s organization when he served in the Senators’ ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner has played 86 NHL games. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres acquire goalie Robin Lehner from Senators

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Buffalo Sabres have a new goalie.

The rebuilding team acquired Robin Lehner and center David Legwand from the Ottawa Senators this morning for the 21st pick in tonight’s NHL Draft.

The trade is the first between Sabres general manager Tim Murray and his uncle and counterpart, Bryan Murray.

The 23-year-old Lehner is 30-36-13 with a 2.88 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 86 games. The emergence of ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel (left) with Chris Masters, his Jr. Bruins coach. ©2015, Chris Masters

Dedication helped Jack Eichel become elite talent

SUNRISE, Fla. – In the beginning, Jack Eichel’s development was slow. The greatest hockey prospect the United States has produced in perhaps a quarter century was simply a very talented child, one of the best around New England at 8 or 9 years old.

But he wasn’t a phenom.

“Since he was little, it’s been a slow progression from a very good player to an elite in his area, in New England and the USA ... Read the full article