Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Report: Sabres re-sign goalie Matt Hackett

BUFFALO – The Sabres have re-signed goalie Matt Hackett to a one-year, two-way contract worth $750,750 in the NHL, according to reports.

The 24-year-old, a restricted free agent, accepted his qualifying offer.

Hackett played eight games with the Sabres late last season, going 1-6-1 with a 3.10 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. He was scheduled to undergo surgery after suffering a gruesome knee injury April 12 in Boston. The Sabres haven’t discussed ... Read the full article

Former Sabres GM Darcy Regier hired as senior VP and assistant GM with Coyotes

Welcome back to the NHL, Darcy Regier.

The former Buffalo Sabres general manager has been hired as the senior vice president and assistant GM of the Arizona Coyotes. The 58-year-old hadn’t been heard from since the Sabres fired him after a wretched 4-15-1 start in November.

“Thrilled to bring him on,” GM Don Maloney said in an interview with the team. “I think he’s a great resource for the organization, for me. He’s ... Read the full article

Sabres sign defenseman Tyson Strachan for Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres added depth today, signing defenseman Tyson Strachan to a one-year, two-way contract. The 29-year-old’s likely ticketed for the AHL Rochester Americans next season.

Strachan, the 137^th pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2003, has played 138 NHL games, compiling one goal, 15 points and 155 penalty minutes. He split last season between the Hershey Bears and Washington Capitals, making 18 NHL appearances. He played a career-high 38 games with the ... Read the full article

Veteran Brian Gionta happy to join rebuilding Sabres

BUFFALO – Brian Gionta’s ties to Western New York run deep. The winger grew up in suburban Rochester rooting for the Sabres, his new team. Before attending Boston College, he played junior hockey with the Niagara Scenic. He still lives in Greece, his lifelong home.

Playing here earlier in his career would’ve been difficult, Gionta said Wednesday during an introductory news conference inside the First Niagara Center.

But right now, Gionta’s a 35-year-old whose goal ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Tim Murray on re-signing Steve Ott: ‘I don’t know if he’s a possibility’

BUFFALO – The five new players the Sabres acquired Tuesday will make it harder for them to re-sign Steve Ott, the popular former captain they traded in February.

“I don’t know if he’s a possibility,” Sabres general manager Tim Murray said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. “I talked to his agent last night after I talked to you guys. I explained to him with what we did yesterday, it would make it more ... Read the full article

Sabres release statement on Rick Jeanneret

The Buffalo Sabres have released the following statement on legendary play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret, who will call games next season despite a recent throat cancer diagnosis:

“The Buffalo Sabres are deeply saddened to learn of Rick Jeanneret’s cancer diagnosis. RJ has been a vital part of the Sabres family and the Buffalo community for 43 years and this news undoubtedly weighs heavily on everyone who has had the privilege of listening to his broadcasts ... Read the full article

Sabres sign 4 new players, become top destination in free agency

BUFFALO – For two weeks, Tim Murray bristled when the media asked him about the salary floor. The rebuilding Sabres would reach it, the general manager said. He wasn’t worried. They would lure strong veteran talent when free agency opened.

“But you’re never sure until the clock hits 12,” Murray said Tuesday inside the First Niagara Center.

When the clock hit noon Tuesday and the market opened, the Sabres, a laughingstock last season, quickly became ... Read the full article

After emotional exit from Canadiens, Josh Gorges happy to be with Sabres

BUFFALO – Tim Murray’s phone rang Tuesday. On the other end, a Montreal Canadiens decision-maker asked the Sabres general manager if he was interested in defenseman Josh Gorges.

“I said, ‘Yes, but what’s the point of being interested? He’s got a no-trade (clause),’” Murray said inside the First Niagara Center.

The Canadiens told Murray that Gorges had added the Sabres to his list of teams he would accept a trade to. Shortly after that, ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Tim Murray excited about moves: ‘It’s easy to spend money’

BUFFALO – Here are some quick quotes from Sabres general manager Tim Murray’s chat with the media following a busy day. Murray was very pleased after signing four players and trading for another. He’s not ready to call the Sabres contender yet, however.

The Sabres began the day $20,580,834 under the cap floor. Now they’re just $55,834 under. Yes, you read that correctly.

Murray on the floor:

“You guys always ask about the floor, ... Read the full article

Sabres re-sign Matt Moulson, Cody McCormick and Marcus Foligno

BUFFALO – At this rate, the Sabres might reach the salary floor later today.

The Sabres have added two more pieces, re-signing old friends Matt Moulson, a high scoring winger, and Cody McCormick, a versatile fighter with skill. They traded both to the Minnesota Wild for draft picks in March.

Update: The Sabres have also signed defenseman Andrej Meszaros to a one-year, $4.125 million contract, according to reports.

Moulson inked a five-year, $25 million ... Read the full article