Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Matej Pekar happy with decision to play in OHL

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Matej Pekar said he was “still on the edge,” unsure whether he should join the Barrie Colts when he recently visited the Ontario Hockey League club.

“Still didn’t know what to decide,” Pekar said Saturday morning inside HarborCenter.

When the Sabres drafted Pekar in the fourth round, 94th overall on June 23, he said he planned to play NCAA hockey this season at Miami University in Ohio. Then on June 28, ... Read the full article

Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen looks sharp in Sabres debut

BUFFALO – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is likely years away from cracking the Sabres.

The goalie prospect is just beginning his North American junior career with the Sudbury Wolves. After that, Luukkonen will probably need years of apprenticeship in the minors.

But Sabres got a glimpse of Luukkonen, a youngster many have tabbed as their goalie of the future, in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins in the Prospects Challenge rookie tournament.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Will Borgen showcasing physicality in rookie camp

BUFFALO – On the ice, Sabres defense prospect Will Borgen often looks like a beast, throwing his 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame around and rattling opponents.

Borgen showcased his physicality throughout Friday’s 6-4 win inside noisy HarborCenter, throttling some New Jersey Devils and drawing their ire in the Prospects Challenge opener.

“He really enjoyed it,” coach Chris Taylor said. “Obviously, the fans brought that out for him. They were cheering for him, the big hit.”... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin wows in Sabres debut

BUFFALO – The roar lasted until defenseman Rasmus Dahlin reached the bench to celebrate the first of his two goals with his Sabres teammates.

Fans packed HarborCenter on Friday looking for a show from the first overall pick in his rookie camp exhibition debut.

So when Dahlin rewarded them, scoring his first goal 11:18 into the second period, the capacity crowd kept cheering for the young star.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Alexander Nylander showcasing maturity, acting like leader

BUFFALO – In a matter of minutes, coach Chris Taylor noticed a different, more mature Alexander Nylander. Instead of taking a backseat, the slick Sabres prospect started his third pro season acting like a leader.

During the first session of rookie camp Thursday, Nylander, 20, showcased his newfound confidence, leading practice drills.

“He’s leading, he’s going to the front of the lines now,” Taylor said inside HarborCenter. “Before he’d go second, third, maybe last ... Read the full article

Excitement accompanies Rasmus Dahlin’s Sabres debut

BUFFALO – Chris Taylor understands the excitement surrounding defenseman Rasmus Dahlin’s first appearance in Blue and Gold. Tonight, more than four months after the Sabres won the right to draft the ultra-talented Swede first overall, he will finally play a game.

“So do you guys want me to play Rasmus for 30 or 40 minutes tomorrow?” Taylor joked Thursday after rookie camp opened inside HarborCenter.

There are, you know, 26 other youngsters on the roster ... Read the full article

Sabres could have special rookie class

BUFFALO – Right away, the rookie’s skill set – the heavy shot, soft hands and slick speed – wowed Sabres winger Kyle Okposo.

To Okposo, a 10-year NHL veteran, the newcomer “seems to have all the tools” to succeed at hockey’s highest level.

“His release is, I mean, he scored a few goals just kind of in informal skates that just kind of make your eyes open, for sure,” Okposo said Wednesday following a ... Read the full article

Sabres release Prospects Challenge roster

BUFFALO – Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and center Casey Mittelstadt are among 27 Sabres scheduled to participate in this week’s Prospects Challenge rookie tournament the team will be hosting at HarborCenter.

Some other interesting names on the Sabres’ 27-man roster the team released today include:... Read the full article

Jack Eichel anxious to start season, excited about revamped Sabres

BUFFALO – More than two weeks before training camp starts, around 20 Sabres – from star center Jack Eichel to rookies preparing for the upcoming prospect tournament – are already skating regularly at HarborCenter.

Informal summer skates, of course, are common. Still, having so many guys in town so early – heck, it’s still August – sends a strong message.

“It says you want to be here, right?” Eichel said Monday. “It says you want ... Read the full article

Sabres to open training camp Sept. 13

BUFFALO – The Sabres will open their main training camp Sept. 13, when veterans report for physicals and testing, then hold their first on-ice sessions a day later at HarborCenter, the team announced today.

Sessions are open to the public. A full camp roster and schedule will be released later. The Sabres open their preseason schedule Sept. 17 in Columbus against the Blue Jackets.... Read the full article