Dahlin Mania
BUFFALO – Center Jay O’Brien’s decision to continue his burgeoning hockey career in high school was met with some skepticism.
After all, NHL Draft prospects enjoy the option of developing in top junior leagues. O’Brien could’ve spent his senior season playing in the United States Hockey League, a circuit known for producing NHL talent.... Read the full article
BUFFALO – About 40 media members, including 20 cameramen, swarmed around Rasmus Dahlin, the presumptive first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.
Many youngsters might’ve showcased some nerves in the spotlight answering question after question. Dahlin, less than two months removed from his 18th birthday, reveled in all the attention Friday inside HarborCenter.
Dahlin, believe it or not, said he “loves” dealing with the media.... Read the full article
BUFFALO – About 40 media members, including 20 cameramen, swarmed around Rasmus Dahlin, the presumptive first overall pick.
Some youngsters might’ve showcased a few nerves in the spotlight. Dahlin, less than two months removed from his 18th birthday, handled it like a pro this afternoon.
Heck, Dahlin said he “loves” dealing with the media.... Read the full article
BUFFALO – Roger Rönnberg’s first glimpses of defenseman Rasmus Dahlin are seared in his memory.
Of course, Dahlin’s many talents, particularly his sublime decision making – “He was amazing,” Rönnberg said – wowed the coach that day about three years ago inside a small rink in Gothenburg, Sweden.
But something else Dahlin showcased skating for Sweden’s under-18 team at such a young age convinced Rönnberg he was watching a defenseman destined for great things.... Read the full article
Suddenly, the Buffalo Sabres’ return for winger Evander Kane – remember, the trade looked pretty underwhelming three months ago – includes a first-round pick.
The San Jose Sharks officially re-signed Kane, who would’ve become an unrestricted free agent July 1, to a seven-year contract today worth $49 million, according to capfriendly.com. In keeping Kane, 26, the second-round pick in 2019 they dealt the Sabres on Feb. 26 becomes a first-rounder.... Read the full article
The Sabres have signed Rasmus Asplund, one of their top forward prospects, to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced today.
Asplund, 20, played his third full Swedish Hockey League season in 2017-18, compiling eight goals, 20 assists and 28 points – all career highs – in 50 games with Färjestad BK.... Read the full article
Buffalo Sabres newcomer Lawrence Pilut tries to approach everything – “On the ice, in the gym, wherever you are,” said Johan Lindbom, the defenseman’s former coach – with a gung-ho mentality.
That helped the Swede morph from an undrafted, unheralded youngster into one of Europe’s best defensemen, creating an opportunity to sign a two-year, entry-level NHL contract earlier this month.
That aggressive mindset might endear Pilut, 22, to his new coaches and fans in Buffalo ... Read the full article
The NHL has chosen the Buffalo Sabres – a last-place team that will boast some notable talent next season – to play in the annual the Hockeyville preseason game, this time against the Columbus Blue Jackets Sept. 25 in Clinton.
The Central New York town won the right to host an exhibition contest and $150,000 in rink upgrades for Clinton Arena after compiling the most votes online.... Read the full article
The Buffalo Sabres have signed Lawrence Pilut, a high-scoring defenseman from the Swedish Hockey League, to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced today.
The 5-foot-11, 179-pound Pilut scored eight goals and 38 points in 52 games with HV71 this season.
Word came out in late April that Pilut, 22, planned to join the Sabres.... Read the full article
BUFFALO – The Sabres have re-signed defenseman Casey Nelson, arguably their biggest surprise during a dreary 2017-18 season, to a two-year, $1.625 million contact extension, the team announced today.
He would’ve become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Nelson, 25, exceeded expectations after beginning the season buried on the depth chart. When the Sabres summoned him from the AHL in mid-January, he became the 13th defender to dress for them this season.
But Nelson ... Read the full article
