March, 2023 - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Riley Stillman ‘ecstatic’ about trade to Sabres, sees something special building

BUFFALO – Watching the Sabres as an opponent over the past two seasons, newcomer Riley Stillman said he noticed something special in the group.

Beyond the talent they possessed – “They’re a team that we didn’t want to play against,” he said – the defenseman saw players who were buying in and showcasing a desire to win for each other.

“You look down the bench from the visiting team and a guy scores (and) they’re ... Read the full article

Sabres injury update: Rasmus Dahlin could miss next two games

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who’s day to day with a lower-body injury, will likely miss the next two games, coach Don Granato said.

Granato said Dahlin will miss tonight’s road game against the Boston Bruins and that he doesn’t expect him to play in Saturday afternoon’s home contest versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Dahlin skated for the first time own his own Wednesday morning after missing the last two games.... Read the full article

Sabres trade rights to goalie prospect Erik Portillo to Kings

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday traded the rights to goalie prospect Erik Portillo to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The Sabres’ old regime drafted the Swede in the third round in 2019, 67th overall.

There had been speculation that Portillo, 22, would pass on signing with the Sabres and elect for free agency this summer.... Read the full article

Sabres’ home woes continue in loss to Blue Jackets: ‘We were not sharp’

BUFFALO – Call it a classic trap game. As the Sabres battle for their first playoff berth in 12 years, they have a loaded schedule in the coming days.

Contests against the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, superstar Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, and the New York Islanders, a team they’re chasing, are on the horizon.

First, however, the Sabres had Tuesday’s game against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets who rank dead last in ... Read the full article

After assignment to Rochester, Sabres’ Vinnie Hinostroza happy to be back

BUFFALO – After clearing waivers and reporting for his first stint in the minors in more than five years, a much-needed opportunity quickly materialized for Sabres winger Vinnie Hinostroza.

Of course, under normal circumstances, Hinostroza, 28, wouldn’t have been assigned to the Rochester Americans.

“Vinnie went to Rochester on circumstance, not on play,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Sunday. “… He’s an NHL hockey player.”

But for about a month, Hinostroza, who signed ... Read the full article