Jake McCabe signed a three-year contract Wednesday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie Jake McCabe ready for NHL debut

Buffalo Sabres rookie Jake McCabe knows he’ll feel more nerves tonight during his NHL debut tonight in St. Louis against the Blues.

“Even out in the pregame skate, I’m sure my heart rate was getting up there, for sure,” the defenseman told reporters this afternoon in St. Louis. “This is a whole new level.”

The 20-year-old, the 44th overall pick in 2012, played three NCAA seasons before signing a three-year, entry level contract ... Read the full article

Jake McCabe is expected to join the Sabres immediately. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres sign Jake McCabe to entry-level deal

BUFFALO – The Sabres today signed defenseman Jake McCabe, the 44th overall pick in 2012, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

McCabe is expected to join the Sabres immediately.

The 20-year-old compiled 14 goals and 58 points in 100 games over three seasons at Wisconsin. The American scored a career-high eight goals and 25 points in 36 games in 2013-14, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.

McCabe, 6-feet and 195 pounds, captained Team USA’s 2013 ... Read the full article

Cody Hodgson had played center his entire career. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Cody Hodgson happy with move to wing

BUFFALO – Ted Nolan doesn’t want to project his lineup too far into the future. But the Sabres coach said he must evaluate his top six forwards these last two weeks so they receive enough ice time next season.

If Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons are his top centers, where does that leave Cody Hodgson?

For the time being, on the left wing, a position Hodgson had played once in his career before ... Read the full article

Justin Kea will likely go to the AHL soon. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres sign Justin Kea to entry-level deal, reportedly close to inking Jake McCabe

BUFFALO – The Sabres today signed forward Justin Kea to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Kea, the 73rd overall pick in 2012, compiled 51 goals and 117 points in 253 games over four seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit. The 20-year-old had a career-high 22 goals, 49 points and plus-14 rating in 58 games this season.

Kea, 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, is expected to report to AHL Rochester soon on an amateur tryout ... Read the full article

Jake McCabe has nine points in 16 games with the University of Wisconsin. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres prospect McCabe named Team USA captain

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Jake McCabe has been named captain for Team USA’s entry in the 2013 world junior championship in Ufa, Russia.

The 19-year-old defenseman, the 44th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, has two goals, nine points and 18 penalty minutes in 16 games with the University of Wisconsin this season.

The Sabres had the sophomore rated as a first-round choice.... Read the full article

The Sabres moved up to take Zemgus Girgensons 14th overall. ©2012, Jim Naprstek, Dubuque Fighting Saints

Sabres leave draft excited about early picks

PITTSBURGH – A blockbuster trade for established talent never materialized. Instead, the Buffalo Sabres dished two high choices to Calgary early, grabbed their second coveted center during a wild first round and kept on picking.

They selected six players in the final six rounds Saturday, the NHL Entry Draft’s second and final day – three centers, two defensemen and one goalie – and left the Consol Energy feeling good about their eight total choices.

The ... Read the full article