2022 - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Matt Savoie earning long look in Buffalo

BUFFALO – In the end, chances are the Sabres will assign center prospect Matt Savoie to his junior team before their season opener on Oct. 13.

Savoie, having established himself as one of the Western Hockey League’s elite talents, will join the Winnipeg Ice and almost certainly enjoy a dynamic season.

In the meantime, Savoie, the ninth overall pick this year, has an opportunity to keep impressing the Sabres.

Savoie, 18, is the only ... Read the full article

Fresh off standout season in Rochester, Sean Malone could be in Sabres’ plans

BUFFALO – At times last season, center Sean Malone said coach Seth Appert would pull him aside and tell him, “You’re right there.”

In his return to the Sabres organization, the West Seneca native quickly seized a leading role in Rochester, developing into arguably the Americans’ most versatile presence.

Malone had become what he called a “bubble guy,” offering valuable depth. Sooner or later, a recall to the Sabres seemed inevitable.

“And then I ... Read the full article

At 41, Sabres goalie Craig Anderson still motivated to prove doubters wrong

BUFFALO – Craig Anderson left town five months ago knowing he could return to the Sabres and play his 20th NHL season if he desired.

In his first year here, besides often giving the Sabres terrific goaltending, the veteran’s professionalism and work ethic set a high standard for the rebuilding team. He quickly became a leader and a mentor during what he has called an “amazing” year.

Even though he was about to turn 41, ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Eric Comrie set to make debut with slew of prospects

BUFFALO – After watching the first two preseason games, Sabres goalie Eric Comrie will likely be making his debut in tonight’s road contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Sabres, of course, expect Comrie, 27, to play a significant number of games this season or earn the starting job. He signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract during the offseason.

The rest of tonight’s game roster features mostly prospects and players ticketed for the Rochester Americans.... Read the full article

Sabres prospects Brandon Biro, Lukas Rousek shine in preseason win

BUFFALO – In the first week of training camp, the Sabres have often been placing forward prospects with established talent, offering Brandon Biro, Lukas Rousek, Linus Weissbach and others special development opportunities.

The reasoning is simple: coach Don Granato believes his veterans will send consistent messages about what the Sabres want collectively as a team.

In Tuesday’s 2-1 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center, some of those prospects ranked among the best ... Read the full article

Matt Savoie impressing Sabres; Buffalo to utilize strong lineup against Flyers

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Matt Savoie has integrated so quickly that coach Don Granato feels comfortable playing the rookie between veterans.

So tonight, less than a week into his first NHL training camp, Savoie, 18, will center Casey Mittelstadt and Kyle Okposo against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Savoie, the ninth overall pick this year, also played in Sunday afternoon’s preseason opener, a 4-3 overtime road win against the Washington Capitals.... Read the full article

Confident and healthy, Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt ready for breakout season

BUFFALO – Early in his career, Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt never thought he would someday go golfing with his general manager. But there he was recently, sharing the course with Kevyn Adams.

On the final hole, Mittelstadt and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin each birdied, giving their team a victory over Adams’ trio.

Besides some healthy competition, the outing offered Adams and the players an opportunity to bond outside of the rink.

Mittelstadt, 23, enjoyed getting to ... Read the full article

After starring for Team Canada, Sabres’ Dylan Cozens confident he can score

BUFFALO – Before Sabres center Dylan Cozens left following last season to represent Team Canada at the World Championship, general manager Kevyn Adams asked him what he wanted to accomplish.

Adams told Cozens, 21, that he shouldn’t travel to Finland to simply play more hockey – he wanted him to set a goal for the tournament.

Cozens, having slumped at the end of his second NHL season, tallying just once in his final 29 games, ... Read the full article

After signing big contract, Sabres’ Tage Thompson motivated to keep growing

BUFFALO – Since center Tage Thompson signed a surprising seven-year, $50 million extension, general manager Kevyn Adams has often been asked why the Sabres gave such a huge contract to someone who has enjoyed just one standout season.

Heck, even Thompson, 24, seems a little surprised he earned the deal, which he signed Aug. 30 and begins next season.

“It’s a huge leap of faith from the organization and management,” Thompson said Thursday following ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin stopped trying to please others, morphed into a star

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin can’t remember when it finally clicked for him, but at some point early last season, he stopped trying to impress others. He no longer cared what they thought about him.

Dahlin, 22, became comfortable in his own skin and quickly developed confidence. His play took off, and by February, he had earned his first spot in the NHL All-Star Game.

“I realized early last season that if I’m myself ... Read the full article