WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Sean Malone looked impressive early in training camp. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Sabres winger Conor Sheary, a newcomer expected to skate on a top line, is week-to-week after suffering an upper-body injury during Friday’s practice.
“In the first day (of training camp), he took a hit the wrong way, and we’re just making sure we’re on top of that,” said Sabres coach Phil Housley, who is dealing with three notable injuries just five days into camp.
Center Sean Malone will miss six weeks after ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel believes the Sabres can turns things around in a hurry. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – More than two weeks before training camp starts, around 20 Sabres – from star center Jack Eichel to rookies preparing for the upcoming prospect tournament – are already skating regularly at HarborCenter.
Informal summer skates, of course, are common. Still, having so many guys in town so early – heck, it’s still August – sends a strong message.
“It says you want to be here, right?” Eichel said Monday. “It says you want ... Read the full article
Tage Thompson attended nine schools growing up. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Tage Thompson leaves the counting to his mother, Kim. The new Sabres winger can’t tally the exact number of places he has lived. He just knows he moved around a lot growing up because of his father’s playing and coaching career.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” said Thompson, who was acquired in Sunday’s blockbuster Ryan O’Reilly trade with the St. Louis Blues. “I know my mom’s tried to do the math.”... Read the full article
Carter Hutton could see a lot of action next season. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – A simple factor contributed to Carter Hutton quietly morphing into one of the NHL’s best goalies last season. Instead of relegating the veteran to backup duty again, the St. Louis Blues rewarded his splendid play, giving him extra action.
In his first five full NHL seasons, Hutton had always been labeled the No. 2 goalie. After averaging only 21 appearances over the previous three years, he played 32 games in 2017-18, stealing playing ... Read the full article
Ryan O’Reilly was due a big bonus Sunday. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – If the Sabres pay Ryan O’Reilly his $7.5 million bonus by midnight, the dynamic of any potential trade for the center would change, general manager Jason Botterill said.
Speaking earlier in the day on a conference call, Botterill explained based on his conversations with other teams, paying the money would mean the Sabres have a new asking price.... Read the full article
Carter Hutton has never played more than 40 games in an NHL season. ©2018, Hickling Images
As expected, the Buffalo Sabres signed goalie Carter Hutton to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.75 million shortly after free agency opened today.
The Sabres had to pursue a proven veteran after moving on from former starter Robin Lehner last week, as management seems uncomfortable with prospect Linus Ullmark carrying the load.... Read the full article
Rasmus Dahlin (blue) tries to grab the puck Saturday. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – With so many shiny prospects gathered together, development camp can make an NHL team’s future look brighter than the reality.
Optimism often runs rampant during the summer. When a first-round pick or two wows you up close, it’s easy to get a little more excited.
Right now, the enthusiasm for the Sabres is understandable.... Read the full article
Carter Hutton could sign a three-year contract. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Goalie Carter Hutton, the career backup who enjoyed a stellar 2017-18 season with the St. Louis Blues, will reportedly join the Sabres when free agency opens Sunday.
There has been speculation the Sabres would pursue Hutton, 32, since they let starter Robin Lehner go last week.... Read the full article
