Appert - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Oskari Laaksonen generating offense for Amerks

Oskari Laaksonen’s start this season, the defenseman and his coach acknowledged, wasn’t very good. The Sabres prospect struggled during his time in Buffalo, failing to make an impact in rookie camp or the preseason.

When Laaksonen returned to the Rochester Americans to begin his second AHL season – he played just one NHL exhibition game – it took him a bit to get going.

“My first couple games were not at the level I want ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jack Quinn recognized for dynamic month with Amerks

Buffalo Sabres prospect Jack Quinn has been recognized for his dynamic start with the Rochester Americans.

The AHL on Monday named Quinn, who recorded five goals and a whopping 10 points in his first six games this season, the Rookie of the Month for October.

Quinn, a winger the Sabres drafted eighth overall in 2020, has registered at least one goal or two points in four of the six contests. He surpassed last year’s point ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jack Quinn off to torrid start with Amerks

There’s a theme in the four goals Buffalo Sabres prospect Jack Quinn has quickly scored for the Rochester Americans this season.

In his first three outings, Quinn, 20, consistently possessed an attacking mindset, driving to the so-called “dirty areas” around the net.

“He’s trying to get to hard ice,” Amerks coach Seth Appert told the Times Herald by phone Monday. “When you get the hard ice with the talent he has, usually good things follow.”... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Brett Murray develops into intriguing talent

BUFFALO – Brett Murray’s transformation into one of the Sabres’ best forward prospects spans three regimes over more than five years.

Ex-Sabres general manager Tim Murray (no relation) drafted him way back in 2016. He did not receive an entry-level NHL contract right away – the Sabres had concerns about his conditioning – so he began his pro career in 2019 by settling for an AHL deal.

But over the past two years, the 6-foot-5, ... Read the full article

Mattias Samuelsson, Jack Quinn won’t play for Sabres this afternoon

BUFFALO – A lower-body injury will sideline Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson for this afternoon’s Prospect Challenge game against the Boston Bruins, according to the team.

Samuelsson, 21, hobbled off the ice after blocking a shot late in Friday’s 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils and did not return. Following the game, coach Seth Appert said they believed Samuelsson would be OK.

Meanwhile, center Jack Quinn will also miss this afternoon’s contest at Harborcenter. Quinn, ... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen developed ‘swagger’ on way up to Sabres

BUFFALO – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen displayed it often last season, especially toward the end. The Sabres goalie prospect would become locked in and perform so well he developed some swagger.

Luukkonen, 22, wasn’t boisterous, mind you. The Finn simply possessed what Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert called an “incredible presence.”

“It’s just like something you feel during the games,” Luukkonen said of his swagger. “But I think it’s more you build up that confidence. And once ... Read the full article

Sabres excited to watch prospect Jack Quinn play center: ‘Very good at it’

BUFFALO – Jack Quinn acclimated to center right away as a rookie, recording two assists in his debut. Had the Sabres prospect not undergone season-ending hernia surgery in April, he would’ve closed the AHL campaign pivoting a line.

“He … was very, very good at it,” Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert said of Quinn’s two-game stint at center.

So Quinn, the eighth overall pick last year as a right wing, will be playing center during ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect J-J Peterka thrilled to finally be in Buffalo: ‘He’s buzzing’

BUFFALO – Finally, after 10 months of waiting, Sabres prospect J-J Peterka was set to leave Germany and travel here to prepare for his first NHL training camp.

In normal times, of course, Peterka, 19, probably would’ve visited Buffalo two or three times over the last year. But the COVID-19 pandemic forced the winger to stay home.

“I was so curious about it, so excited the whole last year,” a smiling Peterka said following Wednesday’s ... Read the full article

Michael Peca relishes opportunity to rejoin Sabres organization as coach

When former Buffalo Sabres captain Michael Peca retired following the 2008-09 season, he said an offer to become an assistant coach quickly materialized.

But having bounced around and played for four teams in five years, Peca knew it was time to step away after 14 seasons and dedicate more time to his family. He couldn’t accept the coaching job.

“The family makes sacrifices and has to do a lot for your career to succeed,” said ... Read the full article

Amerks name popular ex-Sabres captain Michael Peca assistant coach

The Rochester Americans have named popular ex-Buffalo Sabres captain Michael Peca, a centerpiece during the team’s 1999 run to the Stanley Cup final, an assistant coach, the AHL affiliate announced today.

Peca, 47, joins ex-Sabres defenseman Mike Weber on Amerks coach Seth Appert’s staff. The 14-year NHL veteran replaces Adam Mair, who was named the Sabres’ director of player development last week.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity in Rochester, being a part ... Read the full article