Adams - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres injuries: Mattias Samuelsson close to return; Eric Comrie out ‘weeks’

BUFFALO – Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said there’s an outside chance defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, who has missed the last 12 games recovering from a lower-body injury, could return for Saturday’s road game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Samuelsson, 22, practiced today beside Henri Jokiharju at KeyBank Center, his first full session since getting injured Oct. 22. He started skating with his teammates again Tuesday.

The Sabres said on Tuesday they expected Samuelsson to play ... Read the full article

D injuries could force Sabres to make trade; Peyton Krebs returns to lineup

BUFFALO – Just two weeks into the season, having lost Mattias Samuelsson, Henri Jokiharju and two more defensemen in the minors to injuries, the Sabres are considering adding depth to their blue line, Kevyn Adams said.

The general manager said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center that Samuelsson, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, will be sidelined “a few weeks.”

“But much ... Read the full article

After losing Mattias Samuelsson, Henri Jokiharju, Sabres could add another D

The general manager said this morning Samuelsson, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, will be sidelined “a few weeks.”

“But much better than maybe originally we thought,” he said. “So a few ... Read the full article

After demotion by Sabres to Rochester, Anders Bjork embraces fresh chance

ROCHESTER – Prior to scoring Wednesday’s overtime winner, Americans winger Anders Bjork looked rusty in his season debut.

Having served as the Sabres’ 14th forward before clearing waivers on Tuesday, he hadn’t played in 12 days. He joined the Amerks the morning of their 4-3 win against the Belleville Senators, participated in a short skate and was thrown into the lineup.

Not surprisingly, Bjork, a veteran of 211 NHL games, struggled at times to win ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Victor Olofsson earns spot on first line after fast finish

BUFFALO – As Victor Olofsson’s goal drought dragged on last season, Sabres coach Don Granato began offering some insight into why the winger suddenly stopped scoring.

Olofsson, Granato explained, was battling a soft issue injury – it turned out to be his wrist – that hampered his shooting, his greatest asset. He would massage the puck, and that extra split-second allowed the goalie to catch up.

“He was frustrated and very down because he couldn’t ... Read the full article

Sabres don’t see Mattias Samuelsson’s contract as risky: ‘He is the antidote’

BUFFALO – The sample size is small, just 54 games over parts of two NHL seasons. Still, it was enough to convince the Sabres that defenseman Mattias Samuelsson deserved a seven-year, $30 million contract extension.

The massive deal, announced Wednesday shortly after the Sabres extended coach Don Granato’s contract, certainly raised some eyebrows.

But the Sabres don’t feel it’s a risky move. In the 6-foot-4, 227-pound Samuelsson, a top-pair defender, they believe they possess a ... Read the full article

Don Granato, Kevyn Adams give Sabres stability: ‘We are going to win’

BUFFALO – The new contract the Sabres awarded coach Don Granato illustrates the much-needed stability they’ve developed under general manager Kevyn Adams.

Over the past six weeks, Adams, Granato, leading scorer Tage Thompson and top-pair defenseman Mattias Samuelsson have all signed extensions.

On Wednesday, the eve of the season opener, the Sabres announced Granato’s “multi-year” contract and Samuelsson’s seven-year, $30 million deal within an hour.... Read the full article

Sabres excited to add JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn to roster: ‘They will acclimate’

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie JJ Peterka stood before the media in his sweat-soaked practice uniform, a smile etched on his face.

On Monday, general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka, 20, and Jack Quinn, 21, and informed them they had earned a spot in the Sabres’ opening night lineup.

Two years ago, after drafting Quinn eighth overall, Adams moved up to take Peterka with the 34th pick after the German surprisingly fell out of ... Read the full article

Captain Kyle Okposo helped Sabres transform culture, grow close

BUFFALO – Coach Don Granato acknowledged the Sabres could’ve named Kyle Okposo their new captain long before Saturday. But in waiting, fans could get to know the team, watch it develop and understand the 16-year veteran’s influence on the group.

“Everybody now has seen enough of Kyle to realize that this is the right move for our organization,” Granato said following Monday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter. “That I’m real proud of. It’s not like we ... Read the full article

Sabres make moves, set 23-man roster; JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn stay in Buffalo

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Monday finalized their 23-man regular-season roster, sending goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and defenseman Lawrence Pilut to the minors and placing forward Riley Sheahan on injured reserve with a muscle injury.

That means wingers JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn, both of whom enjoyed dynamic rookie seasons with the Rochester Americans last year, have made the big club.

While Peterka did not stand out during training camp, the Sabres are confident he ... Read the full article