Brian Gionta talks about being named captain Tuesday. ©2014, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald

New captain Brian Gionta ready to lead Sabres: ‘Everybody’s on board’

BUFFALO – For five years, Josh Gorges watched Brian Gionta closely. Gionta’s Stanley Cup ring offered him instant credibility in the Montreal dressing room. But Gorges quickly learned why Gionta won a championship.

Gorges noticed the professionalism Gionta exhibited, the strong habits that made him a leader and respected captain.

“I’ve said this all along, when you’re a young guy coming into a team … who do you look to in the room and say, ... Read the full article

Matt Moulson (26), Brian Gionta (12) and Josh Gorges (4) posed with their new letters this afternoon. ©2014, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ted Nolan on captain Brian Gionta and Sabres’ leadership group: ‘A new direction’

BUFFALO – For the first time in years, the Sabres have stability in their leadership group.

Captains Brian Gionta and alternates Josh Gorges and Matt Moulson have a combined 12 years left on their contracts. Each veteran chose to join the rebuilding Sabres this offseason.

Ted Nolan, who’s beginning his first full season as Sabres coach since 1996-97, believes the trio will fill the leadership void he noticed late last season.

“Coming in, going in ... Read the full article

Brian Gionta signed with the Sabres on July 1. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres name Brian Gionta captain

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Ted Nolan today named 35-year-old winger Brian Gionta the 19th full-season captain in franchise history.

Defenseman Josh Gorges and winger Matt Moulson have been named alternates.

The Sabres haven’t had a captain since Steve Ott left in February.

Check back for details and quotes later!... Read the full article

Mikhail Grigorenko skates this morning. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko must keep impressing to earn roster spot

BUFFALO – Two weeks into training camp, center Mikhail Grigorenko remains the Sabres’ biggest surprise. Two more impressive outings could earn the Russian prospect a roster spot.

“He’s been looking really good,” Sabres coach Ted Nolan said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “He’s strong on the puck. He’s been making some really good plays. So the biggest thing right now is keep seeing him do it.”

Grigorenko has two more preseason opportunities, tonight ... Read the full article

Teammates help Jordan Staal off the ice Tuesday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Josh Gorges explains play that injured Jordan Staal

BUFFALO – Late in the Sabres’ 2-0 preseason win Tuesday, defenseman Josh Gorges got tangled with Carolina’s Jordan Staal. A second later, the Hurricanes center fell to the ice.

Staal’s out indefinitely after breaking a bone in his right leg.

Gorges explained the play today following practice inside the First Niagara Center.

“The puck got moved up to him,” he said. “I stepped in front of him to try to separate him from the play. ... Read the full article

Jhonas Enroth stops Carolina’s Greg Nemisz on Tuesday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Jhonas Enroth, top line shine in Sabres’ preseason win against Hurricanes

BUFFALO – At one end, Jhonas Enroth thwarted the Carolina Hurricanes, stopping all 35 shots he faced. The diminutive Swede performed like a No. 1 goalie in the Sabres’ 2-0 exhibition win inside the First Niagara Center.

At the other end Tuesday, Tyler Ennis, Matt Moulson and Drew Stafford dominated for spells, creating both Sabres goals. The trio performed like a No. 1 line.

Plenty of jobs and roles are up for grabs this preseason. ... Read the full article

Brendan Lemieux’s father, Claude, enjoyed a long NHL career. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres prospect Brendan Lemieux ready for preseason debut

BUFFALO – Rookie Brendan Lemieux figures he has a chance. Sure, the Sabres have more experienced players fighting for the two or three open wing spots this training camp. But the 18-year-old believes a place in tonight’s preseason lineup means they want to evaluate him.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have a chance,” Lemieux, the 31st pick in June, said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “I don’t think they would’ve ... Read the full article

Matt Moulson (left) shares a laugh with Tyler Ennis on Saturday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Matt Moulson feels at home back in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Through all the losses last season, through all the stress and uncertainty, Matt Moulson kept envisioning the future here.

The high-scoring winger endured the toughest season of his career in 2013-14, skating for three teams during a dizzying six-month stretch. The Sabres lost 28 of the 44 games he played. They changed coaches and general managers. Days before they traded him to the Minnesota Wild, Pat LaFontaine resigned as president of hockey operations.... Read the full article

Michal Neuvirth only played two games with the Sabres. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Friends Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth ready to battle for Sabres’ starting goalie job

BUFFALO – They’ve been friends for years. Sabres goalies Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth grew up facing each other overseas. When their careers shifted to North America, they kept competing all the way to the NHL.

These days, the 26-year-olds are challenging for the same spot, the No. 1 goalie position.

“It’s Jhonas and Neuvirth’s time,” Sabres coach Ted Nolan said Friday inside the First Niagara Center following the first session of training camp.

The ... Read the full article

Sam Reinhart skates this morning. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres put top prospect Sam Reinhart on strong line to open training camp

BUFFALO – Hey, it’s never too early for line and defense combinations, right? Clearly, coach Ted Nolan has formed trios and pairs he believes could be used in the regular season.

Here are some notable ones the Sabres are using today during the opening session of training camp (left to right):

– Marcus Foligno, Sam Reinhart and Chris Stewart.

– Matt Moulson, Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford.

– Cody Hodgson, Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Gionta.... Read the full article