Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Tyson Kozak quietly emerging as one of Sabres’ best forward prospects

BUFFALO – Right away, Seth Appert noticed a difference in Tyson Kozak. The Sabres center prospect looks more confident and assertive this season.

“He’s not a loud person,” said Appert, Kozak’s coach with the Rochester Americans. “He lets his action speak more than his words. But I hear him on the ice more right now.”

If Kozak’s recent exploits offer any indication, Appert will also be seeing more of him on the ice. He ... Read the full article

Viktor Neuchev, Zach Benson and Isak Rosen score, illustrate Sabres’ depth

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Viktor Neuchev scored in front early, converting center Tyson Kozak’s nifty backhand pass from behind the net. Winger Zach Benson followed minutes later, releasing a wicked shot from the left circle.

After the New Jersey Devils scored in the second period, winger Isak Rosen zoomed to the net unfettered, recording his second goal in as many nights.

The early goals in Saturday’s 4-2 win at the Prospects Challenge in LECOM Harborcenter ... Read the full article

In Vaclav Prospal, Jiri Kulich has special mentor as he fights to make Sabres

BUFFALO – When Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal learned Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich trains in his hometown in Czechia during the summer, he headed to the local rink in Ceske Budejovice to introduce himself.

Prospal, one of the Rochester Americans’ new assistant coaches, ran into some of his former teammates, so he invited Kulich to his house for lunch to chat.

Having coached against Kulich and followed hockey closely, Prospal knew about the youngster’s lethal shot – ... Read the full article

After strong season, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen ready for recall to Buffalo

BUFFALO – Isak Rosen said he needed to experience a season like last year, his first in North America. The Sabres prospect showcased durability, playing a whopping 99 total games over a dizzying 10-month stretch.

A year earlier in his native Sweden, he suffered a season-ending hand injury, and he played just 39 times. Staying healthy in 2022-23 allowed him to display consistent development throughout a campaign in which he played in two World Junior ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Matt Savoie poised to stick in Buffalo: ‘That’s my goal’

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Matt Savoie paused for a moment and collected his thoughts before he answered the question.

Savoie, 19, has established himself as a dominant junior star over the past two seasons, scoring 92 goals and a whopping 226 points in 156 total games, including the playoffs.

Clearly, the center’s ready for pro hockey. But the Canadian Hockey League’s agreement with the NHL prohibits him from playing in the AHL this season. He ... Read the full article

Sabres’ 2023 Prospects Challenge roster features five first-round picks

Five first-round picks, including forwards Jiri Kulich and Matt Savoie, are among the 25 youngsters listed on the Buffalo Sabres’ roster for the upcoming Prospects Challenge rookie tournament.

Kulich and Savoie, two of the Sabres’ three first-round selections in 2022, are expected to compete for NHL spots during training camp.

The roster, released Tuesday, also features three other first-round picks: wingers Zach Benson and Isak Rosen and defenseman Ryan Johnson.... Read the full article

Watch: Sabres prospect Zach Benson scores hat trick

A day ago, we showed you Zach Benson’s sizzling preseason goal for the Wenatchee Wild.

What did the slick Buffalo Sabres prospect do for an encore Sunday? Well, he scored three times, including the overtime winner, in Wenatchee’s 4-3 exhibition victory over the Everett Silvertips.

Check out the winger’s hat trick below.

... Read the full article

Watch: Sabres prospect Zach Benson scores highlight-reel goal

Later this week, all eyes will be on Buffalo Sabres prospect Zach Benson at the Prospects Challenge at LECOM Harborcenter.

Benson, 18, will likely earn first- or second-line duty during the rookie tournament games and a long look from the Sabres during training camp.

On Saturday, the winger showcased the dynamic skills that made him the 13th overall pick this year. Check out the electrifying goal he scored in the Wenatchee Wild’s first home preseason ... Read the full article

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

When the Buffalo Sabres brought back their popular “Goathead” jersey for 12 home games last season, the black and red motif brought them some extra jam.

The Sabres registered a gaudy 10-1-1 record in their alternate uniform, recording five or more goals in nine contests and outscoring opponents 58-36. In the rest of their games at KeyBank Center, they compiled a dismal 7-19-3 mark.

So why not sport the “Goathead” more often? In the 2023-24 ... Read the full article

When you can watch the Sabres on national TV during the 2023-24 season

The Buffalo Sabres will be appearing on 15 national television broadcasts during the upcoming season, the NHL announced Wednesday.

The schedule breaks down as follows: seven games on TNT (five exclusive, two available on MSG in Buffalo market); six on ESPN+/Hulu (subscription streaming); one on ABC; one on ESPN.

The complete schedule:... Read the full article