Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After trade to Sabres organization, Erik Brannstrom thriving in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Returning to the AHL, where he’s utilized much differently than in the big leagues, allows Americans newcomer Erik Brannstrom to transform into a star.

Instead of serving as the sixth or seventh defenseman – “If you make a mistake, you’re out of the lineup,” Amerks assistant coach Nathan Paetsch said of the role in the NHL – he can showcase the slick skill set that made him the 15th overall pick in 2017.... Read the full article

Sabres sign Jacob Bryson to one-year contract extension

After sitting out the first 11 games this season as a healthy scratch, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jacob Bryson quickly earned coach Lindy Ruff’s trust and secured semi-regular duty.

Bryson, 27, offers valuable depth and has proven over his five-year NHL career he can sit out games and return to the lineup ready to contribute.

The Providence College product has impressed the Sabres so much that on Thursday they signed him to a one-year, $900,000 contract ... Read the full article

For Sabres’ Brett Murray, Rochester has become second home

BUFFALO – Winger Brett Murray’s prospect status expired a year or two ago. At 26, six seasons into his pro career, he has established himself as one of the Rochester Americans’ top scorers and a respected young veteran.

Recalls to the NHL, however, have been infrequent. He played two games last season. Zero in 2022-23.

Monday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins marked his first appearance with the Sabres in 15 months and just ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen making game-changing saves, finding form

BUFFALO – In earning his third win in his last four starts, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen enjoyed another light workload, facing just 19 shots in nearly 65 minutes of action in Monday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins.

Still, the Sabres’ first road victory since Jan. 21 stands out as one of the Finn’s most notable outings in recent months.

As he has endured an inconsistent and underwhelming campaign, only occasionally recapturing his dynamic ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich in concussion protocol as JJ Peterka nears return

BUFFALO – Center Jiri Kulich, who left Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 shootout win after getting hit in the head, is in concussion protocol and did not accompany the Sabres to Boston, where they begin a four-game road trip tonight against the Bruins.

The rookie could eventually join the team.

“That could be tomorrow,” Ruff said following Sunday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “It’s a day-by-day (situation) to see where it’s at.”

Kulich left Saturday’s game after Vegas ... Read the full article

Sabres fight their way to shootout win over Golden Knights after Jiri Kulich injured: ‘We look like a real team’

BUFFALO – Tomas Hertl had the game-clinching goal on his stick, only open ice and an empty net ahead, when he decided to give former Sabres captain Jack Eichel another chance to tell the locals to buzz off.

Instead of shooting the puck from the right circle with 37 seconds left to give the Vegas Golden Knights a two-goal lead, the veteran backhanded it to Eichel in the slot.

Eichel, who had put Vegas up ... Read the full article

Following trade to Sabres, wait for visa, Jacob Bernard-Docker ready to go

BUFFALO – Before defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker could really join the Sabres, one issue had to be worked out.

As a Canadian joining an American team, he needed to have his visa approved. So after the Sabres acquired him in last Friday’s deadline trade that sent center Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators, he couldn’t participate in team-related activities.

“That was obviously made pretty clear at the border when I came through,” Bernard-Docker said following Friday’s ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris misses practice with injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – Sabres center Josh Norris missed Friday’s practice with an undisclosed injury he has been battling, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff did not have an update on Norris, who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators prior to last Friday’s trade deadline.

“He’s just being evaluated by our medical staff today,” Ruff said following the session in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

After trade, welcome from Seth Appert, Sabres’ Josh Norris getting comfortable

BUFFALO – The toughest day of Sabres center Josh Norris’ hockey life ended 1,500 miles from where it started, with a familiar face greeting him at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Eight years ago, Norris and Sabres assistant coach Seth Appert spent a memorable six weeks together at the US National Team Development Program.

Norris was in his final weeks of junior hockey and about to become a first-round pick by the San Jose Sharks ... Read the full article

Sabres send two players to Rochester

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Thursday sent forwards Isak Rosen and Josh Dunne back to the Rochester Americans.

Rosen, 21, and Dunne, 26, each played one game after being recalled last week.

The Amerks, whose 74 points rank second in the North Division and third in the AHL, could certainly use some help. They’ve lost three straight games in regulation and five overall (0-3-2).... Read the full article