Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Former Sabres prospect Matej Pekar finds new home in AHL

Five years ago, Matej Pekar ranked among the Buffalo Sabres’ top forward prospects.

Days after they drafted the Czech in 2018, he illustrated how much he relished being an agitator by hitting center Casey Mittelstadt, the eighth overall pick in 2017, in the head during a three-on-three development camp tournament.

Pekar did not stop there. He kept pestering Mittelstadt. At one point, the youngsters shoved and it appeared they might fight.... Read the full article

After five seasons, Sean Malone leaves Sabres organization for Switzerland

West Seneca native Sean Malone, who played five of his first six pro seasons in the Buffalo Sabres organization, has signed a two-year contract with the SCL Tigers, a Swiss National League team.

Malone, 28, has spent most of his career with the Rochester Americans, compiling 62 goals and 133 points in 261 games.

The versatile center played one contest for the Sabres, his pro debut late in 2016-17 after leaving Harvard. He made ... Read the full article

Some former Sabres quickly found new contracts this offseason

The Buffalo Sabres have enjoyed remarkable roster stability this offseason. Right now, every regular from last year’s team is still with them.

If the Sabres keep winger Victor Olofsson – Jack Quinn’s Achilles injury makes a trade seem less likely – every healthy player who played at least 50 games in 2022-23 could be on their opening night roster Oct. 12.

Still, some players have left. So far this summer, three who spent time in ... Read the full article

Sabres sign prospect Zach Benson to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday signed winger Zach Benson, the 13th overall pick this year, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

He’s the second prospect from the Sabres’ 2023 draft class to ink his deal, joining forward Anton Wahlberg, the 39th selection.

The contract has a $950,000 average salary cap hit – an $855,000 base salary and a $95,000 signing bonus – according to capfriendly.com.

Benson, 18, enjoyed a dynamic junior campaign with the ... Read the full article

After hot finish, Sabres prospect Ethan Miedema primed for breakout season: ‘A 40-goal man’

In the moments after Ethan Miedema’s dynamic four-goal outing that kept the Kingston Frontenacs’ playoff hopes alive, coach Luca Caputi could see the relief on the youngster’s face.

“It looked to me like the weight of the world came off his shoulders,” Caputi said of the Buffalo Sabres wing prospect.

For a season and a half, Miedema cut his teeth on the Windsor Spitfires, scoring 25 goals for the Ontario Hockey League powerhouse. He fit ... Read the full article

Sabres to host Prospects Challenge rookie tournament Sept. 15 to 18

The Buffalo Sabres will again be hosting five teams at the Prospects Challenge rookie tournament from Sept. 15 to 18 at LECOM Harborcenter, the team announced Tuesday.

The Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins will all be participating in the round-robin tournament.

Tickets for the games cost $10 and will be available in early August. Season-ticket holders will have priority access and a preferred rate for tickets they purchase.... Read the full article

Sabres announce Jacksonville Icemen as new ECHL affiliate

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday announced they have signed an agreement with the Jacksonville Icemen to serve as their new ECHL affiliate.

The Sabres spent the previous six years affiliated with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Jacksonville, meanwhile, recently served as the New York Rangers’ affiliate.

The Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, can recall players from Jacksonville when they need help.... Read the full article

Sabres re-sign Linus Weissbach to one-year, two-way contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday re-signed winger Linus Weissbach to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL.

Weissbach 25, was the Sabres’ last restricted free agent. The Swede has spent his entire two-year pro career with the Rochester Americans.

He scored 20 goals and 47 points in 69 games last season, offensive numbers that ranked third and fourth, respectively, on the Amerks. He added three goals and 10 points in 12 games during ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Anton Wahlberg, Brett Murray to contracts

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday signed two players, inking forward prospect Anton Wahlberg to a three-year, entry-level contract and winger Brett Murray to a one-year, two-way deal.

Wahlberg, 18, is the first member of the Sabres’ 2023 draft class to sign a contract. The Swede’s deal has a $950,000 average annual value, according to capfriendly.com.

Murray, 24, was a restricted free agent. His deal is worth $775,000 in the NHL. He will receive $250,000 in ... Read the full article

Sabres wing prospect Jake Richard and father bonded through unique hockey journey

BUFFALO – Gilles Richard returned home following a short stint as general manager of the Augusta RiverHawks and realized he needed to keep working in hockey.

It wasn’t for selfish reasons, mind you. No, in 2011, Richard decided to stay in hockey for his son, Jake, who had developed a passion for the sport.

When Jake was born in 2004, Gilles had just started working for the Jacksonville Barracuda, a team in the fledgling Southern ... Read the full article