Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich focused on becoming grittier, stronger presence

BUFFALO – Over his first two seasons, Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich morphed from a one-dimensional scorer who relied on his blistering shot into a more mature center.

Through some tough love, former Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert helped Kulich, 20, realize he needed to evolve and develop a more versatile style.

So when the Czech endured a two-month scoring slump last season, he used the time to hone his “B game” and contribute in other ... Read the full article

Konsta Helenius among first-rounders on Sabres’ Prospects Challenge roster

Five first-round picks, including centers Konsta Helenius, the 14th overall selection this year, and Jiri Kulich, who scored 27 goals in the AHL last season, highlight the 22-man Prospects Challenge roster the Buffalo Sabres released Tuesday.

Forwards Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen and defenseman Ryan Johnson are the other Buffalo first-rounders who will be participating in the rookie camp tournament that runs from Friday until Monday at LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article

Time spent with Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau special for Sabres’ Alex Tuch

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Alex Tuch sounded nostalgic recalling those visits Johnny Gaudreau made to the Boston College campus about a decade ago. When the budding NHL star dropped by late in the summer to see his brother, Matthew, a forward with the Eagles, he always treated the rest of the hockey team.

“I knew Johnny because he came back and he would visit Matty in school before the season started every year,” Tuch said ... Read the full article

When you can watch the Sabres in the alternate ‘Goathead’ jersey this season

The Buffalo Sabres will be wearing their popular black and red “Goathead” jersey 15 times during the upcoming season, including all six Friday home games, the team announced Wednesday.

The Sabres, of course, enjoyed early success sporting the alternate jersey when they brought it back in 2022-23, registering a gaudy 10-1-1 mark and outscoring their opponents 58-36. Last season, they went 8-6-1.

They’ve scored five or more goals 14 times in the jersey.... Read the full article

When you can watch the Sabres on national TV during the 2024-25 season

The Buffalo Sabres will be appearing on nine national television broadcasts during the upcoming season, the NHL announced Thursday.

The schedule breaks down as follows: four exclusive games on TNT, truTV and MAX; one exclusive game on ESPN; one exclusive game on ESPN2; three exclusive games on ESPN+/Hulu (subscription streaming).

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

Sabres prospect Patrick Geary growing into unique talent at Michigan State

BUFFALO – During their chats leading up to the NHL Draft, Hamburg native Patrick Geary told the Sabres that in the past, he had often played a raw, undisciplined game.

“He used the term that a couple of coaches used with him, he was a little bit of a cowboy on the ice at times,” assistant general manager Jerry Forton said June 29 after the Sabres selected Geary in the sixth round, 174th overall, at ... Read the full article

Williamsville’s Andrew Poturalski could have career-changing opportunity with rebuilding Sharks

So far, Andrew Poturalski’s perennial status as one of the AHL’s most dynamic, consistent and clutch scorers has earned him just a few cups of coffee in the NHL.

Last season, in his first recall in two years, the Williamsville native played twice, skating less than 14 total minutes before the Seattle Kraken returned him to the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Poturalski’s prolific career – he has won two Calder Cup championships, appeared in the final ... Read the full article

Mature Sabres prospect Max Strbak budding star at Michigan State

BUFFALO – What Sabres prospect Max Strbak accomplished as a true freshman at Michigan State is a bit unusual. Most defensemen don’t step into a major program and make an immediate impact at 18.

The Slovak played a significant role as the Spartans won the Big Ten championship and advanced to the NCAA regional final.

Naturally, some physical elements – for example, his 6-foot-2 frame and stellar skating – helped him quickly adapt to college ... Read the full article

Former Sabres prospects have landed all over after leaving Rochester

It happens every year or so. One of the Buffalo Sabres’ unheralded mid- or late-round draft picks quickly grabs some attention. Maybe a YouTube sizzle reel builds a little hype. Other times his exploits in training or development camp can raise expectations.

“Who the heck is this guy?” fans might ask.

Matej Pekar’s aggressive antics just days after the Sabres drafted him in 2018 – he hit Casey Mittelstadt, Buffalo’s top forward prospect at ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius set to play in North America in 2024-25

Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius will be playing in North America in the 2024-25 season.

Tappara, Helenius’ Finnish team in Liiga, announced Monday on its social media platforms the center has left to join the Sabres organization.

Helenius, the 14th overall pick June 28, signed his entry-level NHL contract July 8.... Read the full article