Buffalo drafted Viktor Neuchev in 2022. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

After slow start, Sabres prospect Viktor Neuchev thriving in Rochester

ROCHESTER – In early November, Seth Appert decided rookie winger Viktor Neuchev needed a bit of a wake-up call. So the Americans coach typed some thoughts into Google Translate and handed the Buffalo Sabres prospect a two-page note in Russian.

Appert wanted Neuchev, 20, to understand the commitment and daily habits it takes to become a great AHL player. Early last season, Appert had a similar meeting with center Jiri Kulich, who would score 24 ... Read the full article

Lukas Rousek leads Rochester in points this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Tenacity helping Sabres prospect Lukas Rousek pile up points in Rochester

BUFFALO – Seth Appert kept talking, going into detail to explain how aggressive play fueled Buffalo Sabres prospect Lukas Rousek’s recent 13-game point streak.

“On the puck, competitiveness, forechecking, puck battles,” the Americans coach said late last month in Blue Cross Arena in Rochester before the winger’s streak ended. “His battle level is dramatically higher right now than it was at any time he’s been in North America. He’s playing more competitively, he’s hunting the ... Read the full article

Eric Robinson has spent time in the minors this season. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres acquire Eric Robinson in trade with Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – In Eric Robinson, the Sabres on Wednesday traded for a third- or fourth-line winger capable of killing penalties and providing some much-needed energy.

Having lost four straight games and five of their last six, the reeling Sabres needed to make a move, and while the 6-foot-2, 201-pound Robinson is hardly a star, he can certainly help.

In recent games, they’ve looked soft, regularly losing battles and showcasing little pushback. With veteran winger Zemgus ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich made his NHL debut Saturday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres make recall, send prospect Jiri Kulich back to Rochester Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Wednesday recalled winger Brandon Biro from the Rochester Americans and sent rookie winger Jiri Kulich back to the AHL club.

Kulich’s assignment means winger Jordan Greenway, who has missed the last three games because of personal reasons, will likely return for tonight’s road contest against the St. Louis Blues.

Biro, Kulich and Greenway all practiced Wednesday.... Read the full article

Alex Tuch has missed two games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Injured Alex Tuch could play this week; Sabres send prospect to Amerks

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Alex Tuch, who has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, could return for Friday’s road game against the Winnipeg Jets, coach Don Granato said.

“I mentioned from the outset, he’s day to day so the issue he’s dealing with could have resolved in, say, 48 hours,” Granato said following Monday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “… He is waiting for the results so he has full mobility and full ... Read the full article

Matt Savoie played one game with Buffalo. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres send prospect Matt Savoie back to junior team

PITTSBURGH – With a full roster a week or two ago, coach Don Granato said the Buffalo Sabres figured only an injury would create a spot for forward prospect Matt Savoie.

When forward Brandon Biro went on injured reserve Monday, the Sabres had a place for Savoie, who had just completed his 14-day conditioning loan in the minors.

Savoie, 19, made his NHL debut in Friday’s 3-2 home win over the Minnesota Wild, skating just ... Read the full article

Matt Savoie played six games for Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

After strong stint with Rochester, Matt Savoie rejoins Sabres, could play soon; Dylan Cozens close to returning

BUFFALO – Having just returned from a conditioning loan, Sabres prospect Matt Savoie won’t make his NHL debut tonight in Carolina. Coach Don Granato wants to put him into positions he will succeed, so he doesn’t feel comfortable playing him against the Hurricanes after one practice.

In the near future, however, the Sabres will likely give Savoie, 19, a chance to showcase his talents. The slick forward stood out in the AHL, scoring two goals ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch scored twice Saturday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Alex Tuch breaks loose late in Sabres’ win over Maple Leafs; Dylan Cozens misses game with injury

TORONTO – No, it wasn’t quite a piano off Alex Tuch’s back. The Sabres winger had scored this season before his two third-period goals Saturday secured a 6-4 win over the Maple Leafs. He said he believes he had been skating well.

Piano’s too heavy for the expression.

“Monkey more than piano,” said Tuch, bringing the weight he was carrying early this season down about 700 pounds.

Fresh off a breakout 36-goal campaign, Tuch hadn’t ... Read the full article

Ryan Johnson has played nine games with Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres hear ‘good news’ about Mattias Samuelsson’s injury; Ryan Johnson recalled from Amerks

TORONTO – Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson’s lower-body injury won’t sideline him long-term, Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato said.

“We got good news … but he’s going to be out for a little bit,” Granato said prior to tonight’s game against the Maple Leafs in Scotiabank Arena.

Samuelsson, 23, has been placed on injured reserved, meaning he will miss at least a week. He left Friday’s 5-1 home loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.... Read the full article

Matt Savoie has fit in well in Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres prospect Matt Savoie excelling with Amerks during conditioning loan

BUFFALO – By about 9:30 tonight, Sabres prospect Matt Savoie will have completed his sixth game with the Rochester Americans and his 14-day AHL conditioning loan will be over.

Savoie, 19, has fit in nicely, establishing himself as one of the Amerks’ top scoring threats while showcasing the talents that made him the ninth overall pick in 2022. Staying in Rochester would likely buoy the forward’s development.

But as a teenager whose rights are owned ... Read the full article