Griffin Luce will be a junior in college. ©2018, Hickling Images

Griffin Luce honored by invite to Sabres’ development camp

BUFFALO – For defenseman Griffin Luce, the proud grandson of a Sabres legend and a fan of the team growing up, wearing Blue and Gold for four days last week was a special experience.

Luce, 20, attended other NHL development camps earlier in his career. But participating in the Sabres’ camp with his grandfather, Don, watching from the HarborCenter stands, had extra meaning for the University of Michigan defenseman.... Read the full article

Justin Bailey skates away from Arizona’s Derek Stepan (48) on Wednesday. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres respond to coach Phil Housley’s practice message

BUFFALO – It was a simple execution drill – “Attacking with wide speed and a middle lane drive,” Phil Housley explained – that forced the coach to lay into the Sabres.

Fresh off Wednesday’s embarrassing 4-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes, the Sabres looked sluggish early during this morning’s practice. At one point, associate coach Davis Payne yelled at the players to stop coasting.

Housley finally had enough after watching his players execute the drill ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo has missed three games. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo ready to return from concussion

BUFFALO – All signs point to Sabres winger Kyle Okposo returning from a concussion for Monday’s home tilt against the Nashville Predators.

“I would think so,” a smiling Okposo said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “I practiced with a line, practiced on the power play.”

Still, Okposo, who said he has been cleared to play, wouldn’t officially say he’s back.... Read the full article

Brendan Guhle will play his 10th NHL game tonight. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie Brendan Guhle adjusting to NHL game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres faced the Toronto Maple Leafs here 10 days ago, defenseman Brendan Guhle started his first NHL game in seven weeks poorly.

“He had a little bit of a rough start in a big game, in a big atmosphere,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “But as the game wore on, I thought he got more comfortable. I think he’s getting more comfortable as he’s playing his ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel (15) battles Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby on Dec. 1. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel feels good after first practice, unsure of return

BUFFALO – After practicing more than an hour Tuesday morning, Jack Eichel’s first team session since suffering a high right ankle sprain Feb. 10, the Sabres center wouldn’t put a timetable on his return.

But Eichel, the Sabres’ leading scorer, likely couldn’t have participated in the team’s toughest practice in weeks – players just enjoyed two days off, a rarity – if he wasn’t capable of playing soon.

The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel (15) drives past Vancouver’s Ben Hutton on Oct. 21. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel practices, doesn’t have return date

BUFFALO – After practicing more than an hour this morning, Jack Eichel’s first team session since suffering a high right ankle sprain Feb. 10, the Sabres center wouldn’t put a timetable on his return.

But Eichel, the Sabres’ leading scorer, likely couldn’t have participated in the team’s toughest practice in weeks – players just enjoyed two days off, a rarity – if he wasn’t capable of playing soon.

The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo was hospitalized after suffering a concussion last season. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo out indefinitely with concussion

BUFFALO – Concerns over Kyle Okposo’s second concussion in less than a year are heightened since the Sabres winger was hospitalized in intensive care after suffering one last March.

The Sabres announced this morning a concussion Okposo suffered when he collided with Senators winger Bobby Ryan will sideline him indefinitely.... Read the full article

Danny O’Regan skated in the pregame warm-ups Wednesday. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres notes: Seth Griffith moves in, Danny O’Regan scratched

BUFFALO – In the AHL, Seth Griffith morphs into a different player. Over the past three seasons, the Sabres winger has been one of the league’s most lethal scorers, compiling 47 goals and 155 points in 131 outings.

During Griffith’s early-season NHL run, he mustered only two goals and three points in 18 games. Then, not surprisingly, he went on a tear with the Rochester Americans, scoring 13 goals and 34 points in 36 ... Read the full article

Seth Griffith has played 20 NHL games this season. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Seth Griffith confident after stint with Amerks

BUFFALO – In the AHL, Seth Griffith morphs into a different player. Over the past three seasons, the Sabres winger has been one of the league’s most lethal scorers, compiling 47 goals and 155 points in 131 outings.

During Griffith’s early-season NHL run, he mustered only two goals and three points in 18 games. Then, not surprisingly, he went on a tear with the Rochester Americans, scoring 13 goals and 34 points in 36 ... Read the full article

Brendan Guhle (45) battles Toronto’s Matt Martin in front of goalie Chad Johnson on Monday. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Brendan Guhle, Casey Nelson reunited as defense pair

BUFFALO – For a chunk of the season, Sabres defensemen Brendan Guhle and Casey Nelson formed a strong AHL tandem, showcasing their speed and slick puck-moving skills together.

Then the Sabres recalled Guhle, 20, in early January for two games. A week later, they summoned Nelson, 25, and he quickly earned a regular spot.

So the two hadn’t played together for about two months until Sabres coach Phil Housley reunited them for Monday’s 5-3 win ... Read the full article