Adams - Buffalo Hockey Beat

To acquire Josh Norris and change core, Sabres had to trade Dylan Cozens

Kevyn Adams wanted to make it clear he wasn’t looking to deal center Dylan Cozens as he worked to improve the Buffalo Sabres before Friday’s trade deadline.

But as the general manager went about trying to make a big move to change the dynamic of a last-place team that will miss the playoff for the 14th consecutive season, he found conversations started around Cozens.

In Cozens, he possessed a 24-year-old second-line center who has a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Zucker signs extension; Buffalo makes two minor trades

When Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams first discussed a contract extension with winger Jason Zucker almost two months ago in Seattle, he challenged him a little bit.

Adams asked Zucker, 33, why he wanted to stay with the Sabres.

“He just said, ‘I’ve fallen in love with this town and the locker room and these young guys, and I want to see this through. I know how good this team can be, and I ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Dylan Cozens to Senators, get Josh Norris, Jacob Bernard-Docker

Two seasons ago, in the midst of a breakout 31-goal campaign, the Buffalo Sabres labeled center Dylan Cozens as one of their cornerstones, awarding him a seven-year contract extension.

Today, after two disappointing seasons, Cozens is gone, having been traded to the Ottawa Senators with defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a second-round pick in 2026 in exchange for center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The trade deadline hits at 3 p.m.... Read the full article

As trade deadline approaches, Sabres must make difficult roster decisions

BUFFALO – It’s over for this edition of Sabres. The same group of young talent that appeared to be on the precipice of something special two years ago will almost certainly be broken up in the coming days and months.

Expect some moves, possibly minor ones, to be made prior to Friday’s trade deadline. The last-place Sabres, after all, have players set to become unrestricted free agents following the season.

Significant deals, of course, usually ... Read the full article

After weak response to illegal hit on Tage Thompson, Sabres hold meeting: ‘Won’t happen again’

BUFFALO – No one would reveal any details of the meeting.

But on Monday, less than a day after an illegal hit knocked Tage Thompson out of their 4-3 win, the Sabres canceled practice and instead discussed why they did not go after Stefan Noesen following his suspension-worthy check to their leading scorer’s head.

“It was dealt with yesterday. Everything,” Sabres winger Alex Tuch said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets ... Read the full article

As trade deadline approaches, Sabres interested in re-signing Jason Zucker

BUFFALO – In the coming days or weeks, Sabres winger Jason Zucker will almost certainly hit the 20-goal mark, one of hockey’s special achievements.

Zucker, 33, is no stranger to the number, having surpassed it five times in his 14-year NHL career, most recently when he scored 27 times in 2022-23.

His ability to keep scoring at an advanced age isn’t surprising. But when he signed a one-year, $5 million contract in free agency, few ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin growing into new role as Sabres captain, on offensive tear

BUFFALO – On Sunday, a day off for the Sabres, captain Rasmus Dahlin put on his snowsuit and cheered on the Bills during their 31-7 thumping of the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium.

With Saturday afternoon’s ugly 6-2 loss still fresh in his mind, the AFC Wild Card game in chilly Orchard Park offered Dahlin a bit of a diversion amid the Sabres’ struggles.

“Trying to get my mind off hockey for a day,” Dahlin ... Read the full article

As Sabres struggle, Lindy Ruff turns to leaders ‘to be the difference-makers’

BUFFALO – How the Sabres lost their 11th consecutive game and the timing of it seemed like it would ignite change in what is quickly becoming another lost season.

Getting throttled 6-1 by the Canadiens on Tuesday and kicked into the Eastern Conference basement was embarrassing enough.

The Sabres fell behind 19 seconds into the game and got run out of the Bell Centre a day after Terry Pegula flew to Montreal to address the ... Read the full article

Sabres implode against Canadiens, lose 11th straight game: ‘No spark’

MONTREAL – You want to see some downright awful hockey? You want to watch a team that has completely unraveled possibly hit its nadir?

Watch the Buffalo Sabres’ utterly embarrassing performance in their 11th consecutive defeat, Tuesday’s ugly 6-1 loss to the lightweight Canadiens.

Prior to the game, the Sabres sounded like owner Terry Pegula’s visit a day earlier energized them. Perhaps his presence and words instilled some much-needed confidence and would shake them out ... Read the full article

Owner Terry Pegula’s presence, words resonate with Sabres: ‘He’s passionate’

MONTREAL – Owner Terry Pegula’s words to his reeling Buffalo Sabres, losers of 10 straight games, will stay in the room, players said.

Still, some details of Monday’s meeting have been revealed, most notably Pegula expressing his belief in his players’ ability to find a solution and confidence in general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff, according to Daily Faceoff.

Ruff said Pegula’s presence during a difficult time resonated throughout the dressing room.... Read the full article