Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Former Sabres prospects have found new jobs all over this summer

For a while, former Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Nikita Novikov looked like a steal as he quickly adapted to North American hockey.

Not only did the Russian generate offense without the benefit of power-play time, he led the Rochester Americans in plus-minus – gaudy ratings of 20 and 28, respectively – in each of his first two seasons.

Novikov, a sixth-round pick in 2021, 188th overall, appeared to be on track to at least earn ... Read the full article

Is trading for Connor Hellebuyck worth the steep price for the Sabres?

As you read this, Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen could be deep into trade talks again with Kevin Cheveldayoff, his counterpart in Winnipeg, trying to pry goalie Connor Hellebuyck away from the Jets.

On Thursday, Hellebuyck, 33, confirmed through a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, what had long been suspected: he wants to get the heck out of Winnipeg just two seasons into a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension.

Hellebuyck said he ... Read the full article

Buffalo Sabres to appear on national TV 14 times during 2026-27 schedule

Fresh off winning the Atlantic Division title, the Buffalo Sabres will be appearing on national television broadcasts 14 times during the upcoming season, NHL rights holders announced Wednesday.

The schedule features eight games on TNT/HBO Max, three games on ESPN or ABC’s channels and three exclusive games on ESPN+/Hulu (subscription streaming).

The complete schedule is below.... Read the full article

Buffalo Sabres sell out of season tickets for 2026-27, create waiting list

The Buffalo Sabres’ success last season created so much demand they’ve sold out of season tickets for the 2026-27 season, the team announced Tuesday.

So the Sabres, like they did in the mid-2000s, have started a season-ticket waiting list.

For a $100 deposit, fans will have their name added to the list and be given access to purchase season seats ahead of the general public. They will also receive playoff ticket pre-sale access and a ... Read the full article

Rochester hires Philip Samuelsson as assistant coach

The Rochester Americans on Thursday named Philip Samuelsson, who recently retired following a 15-year pro career as a defenseman, as an assistant coach.

He replaces Nathan Paetsch, who earlier this month left the Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate to become head coach of the Youngstown Phantoms.

Samuelsson, 35, played nearly 900 games as a pro, including 13 in the NHL and 512 in the AHL.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka handled trade rumors well, kept developing

BUFFALO – When word leaked in early March the Sabres would deal defense prospect Radim Mrtka to the St. Louis Blues if veteran defenseman Colton Parayko waived his no-trade clause, Seattle Thunderbirds coach Matt O’Dette said he and his assistants checked in on the youngster.

Their message to Mrtka, 19, was simple: control what you can control.

“He handled it really well,” O’Dette told the Times Herald. “He’s pretty, in a lot of ways, ... Read the full article

Sabres trade prospect Stiven Sardarian to Hurricanes

The Buffalo Sabres today traded the rights to unsigned forward prospect Stiven Sardarian to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for future considerations.

Sardarian, who has played the last four seasons in the NCAA, was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent Saturday. The Russian, however, did not submit paperwork to NHL Central Registry indicating he is no longer an undergraduate student, according to Puckpedia.com.

He will remain on a reserve list until paperwork is filed, ... Read the full article

Ex-Sabres star Jeff Skinner finds home overseas; Buffalo adds to hockey staff

Winger Jeff Skinner, who will count $6.4 million against the Buffalo Sabres’ salary cap in the upcoming season, has signed a one-year contract with EHC Biel, a team in the Swiss League.

Skinner, 34, played 32 games for the San Jose Sharks last season, scoring six goals and 13 points before having his one-year contract terminated.

After the Sabres exercised a buyout for final three seasons of his eight-year, $72 million contract following the ... Read the full article

Sabres set to induct Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek into Hall of Fame Jan. 14

Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek will be inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame prior to the Jan. 14 game against the Colorado Avalanche at KeyBank Center, the team announced today.

The former captains and high-scoring wingers entered the NHL together in 2005-06 and will become the 45th and 46th members of the team’s hall of fame.

During a reunion last season of the beloved team they starred for as rookies, the Sabres surprised ... Read the full article

Nathan Paetsch leaves Rochester for head coaching job in Youngstown

Nathan Paetsch, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans, has left the Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate to become head coach of the Youngstown Phantoms.

The Phantoms, a junior team, play in the United States Hockey League. Ryan Ward, their last coach, recently moved up to the AHL to become an assistant with the Providence Bruins.

Paetsch, 43, spent 17 seasons in Buffalo’s organization as player, assistant coach ... Read the full article