WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
November Edition
Jaroslav Halak’s stay in Buffalo could be brief. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Expect the rebuilding Sabres to be busy prior to today’s 3 p.m. NHL trade deadline. No one’s off limits this year. Remember, new general manager Tim Murray has no attachment to any players on the roster.
This could be the team’s busiest and biggest deadline ever. Today might help reshape the franchise for the next five or 10 years.
Here are some Sabres who could be dealt and their contract status:
Ted Nolan has a contract extension offer from the Sabres. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Two days after Ted Nolan appeared devastated discussing the sudden departure of his close friend, Pat LaFontaine, igniting speculation he could also be leaving the Sabres, the interim coach sounded like someone who’s staying put.
Nolan has an extension on the table from the Sabres, something he said he might tackle next week.
“There’s a lot more important issues than getting my contract signed,” Nolan told reporters Tuesday in Tampa Bay. “It’s in ... Read the full article
Cory Conacher was waived today. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Hey, winger Cory Conacher might fit in pretty well in Buffalo. The 24-year-old Canisius product has four goals and 20 points in 59 games this season. Only five Sabres have more points.
The Ottawa Senators waived Conacher today, immediately igniting speculation the Sabres, who have the first claim thanks to their 30th overall ranking, would grab him.
On the surface, it seems like a natural fit. Conacher’s the most decorated local NCAA product ever. ... Read the full article
Drew Stafford has been performing well under Ted Nolan. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Drew Stafford remembers last year’s NHL trade deadline well. The Sabres winger stayed by his phone all day, stressed out. By 4 p.m., as rumors circulated he was on the move, it started “blowing up.”
“I think that was one of my first experiences with the power of social media and how one little thing can turn into another thing as far as rumors and speculation go,” Stafford said Thursday inside the First ... Read the full article
The Sabres acquired Matt Moulson on Oct. 27. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Buffalo Sabres winger Matt Moulson isn’t on the ice this morning for the team’s skate in Dallas, according to reports.
It’s very possible the Sabres are working on a deal. The 30-year-old, an unrestricted free agent following the season, is expected to be traded before Wednesday’s deadline.
Update: Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters in Dallas the skate was optional and Moulson will play tonight.
Sabres general manager Tim Murray said Sunday he didn’t ... Read the full article
Ted Black (left) and Tim Murray discuss the Sabres’ tumultuous weekend Sunday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – A Sabres icon bolted less than four months after returning to the team he loved. The franchise goalie and captain got traded.
The Sabres just endured perhaps the most trying weekend in their 43-year history. That was before the popular coach sounded like he might want to leave.
“It’s a lot for our fans to swallow in a short amount of time,” Sabres president Ted Black said Sunday, a day after Pat LaFontaine ... Read the full article
Chris Stewart tries to score on Jaroslav Halak during their first Sabres practice Sunday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – They’re only human, you know. Leaving the St. Louis Blues, a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, for the rebuilding Sabres wasn’t easy at first for goalie Jaroslav Halak and winger Chris Stewart.
But the veterans, part of Friday’s blockbuster Ryan Miller-Steve Ott deal, have accepted they’re now playing for the NHL’s worst team, at least temporarily.
Rumors are swirling the Sabres will flip them before Wednesday’s trade deadline. Halak, an unrestricted free agent ... Read the full article
Ted Black (left) and Tim Murray address the media this afternoon. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres president Ted Black understands Pat LaFontaine’s stunning resignation as president of hockey operations creates uncertainty for a team that had finally seemed to stabilize itself.
“It’s something that fans are going to be upset by,” Black said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center, a day after LaFontaine abruptly bolted from the organization after less than four months.
Still, Black said, LaFontaine was only one person.
“I don’t know if it impacts ... Read the full article
Ted Nolan has talked about a contract extension with the Sabres. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Pat LaFontaine’s resignation as the Sabres’ president of hockey operations has rocked interim coach Ted Nolan, his close friend.
“It’s tough,” an emotional Nolan said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “I don’t even want to think about it right now, to tell you the truth. It’s that tough.”
Nolan hasn’t spoken to LaFontaine in the past couple of days and called his departure a “big surprise.”
“Everyone knows what kind ... Read the full article
Jhonas Enroth will play most of the games down the stretch. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Ryan Miller is gone. Jaroslav Halak, the goalie the Sabres received in Friday’s blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Blues, will be an unrestricted free agent following the season. He could be dealt within days.
For now, Jhonas Enroth, Miller’s backup for three seasons, will shoulder the load down the stretch, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said.
The 25-year-old Swede finally has an opportunity to become a No. 1 goalie.
“If you ... Read the full article