Asplund - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Predators’ Rasmus Asplund knows he did not do enough to keep spot with Sabres

BUFFALO – As the season dragged on and Rasmus Asplund remained a spare part, he would often talk to Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Don Granato about his uncertain future.

For a year and a half, Asplund, 25, had enjoyed regular duty. Last season, the Swede emerged as a dependable two-way forward while playing a career-high 80 games.

The Sabres, however, beefed up their forward depth this season, adding rookies JJ Peterka and ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Rasmus Asplund traded; Injured Rasmus Dahlin practices

BUFFALO – Following his first season as an NHL regular and a standout performance at the World Championship, forward Rasmus Asplund was expected to become a big contributor to the Sabres this year.

Instead, Asplund, 25, lost his regular spot in the lineup in late November, quickly morphing into a spare part.

The Swede had played just two of the last 18 games and 27 overall this season when the Sabres dealt him to the ... Read the full article

Trade deadline: Sabres acquire Jordan Greenway from Wild, swap AHL D

BUFFALO – The Sabres this afternoon added to their forward corps shortly before the 3 p.m. trade deadline, acquiring winger Jordan Greenway from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second-round pick this year and a fifth-rounder in 2024.

The 6-foot-6, 231-pound Greenway, 26, played junior hockey for Sabres coach Don Granato at the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Greenway has endured a rough season, compiling just two goals and seven points in 45 games. ... Read the full article

With Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin injured, Dylan Cozens dazzles in Sabres’ win

BUFFALO – Above the din of the capacity crowd, Sabres winger Jack Quinn could hear center Dylan Cozens calling for the puck as they skated through the neutral zone.

Quinn and Cozens, who have showcased terrific chemistry as linemates this season, did not play together for most of Sunday afternoon’s 7-4 victory over the Washington Capitals. The Sabres, having lost top-line winger Alex Tuch to a lower-body injury for at least a few weeks, promoted ... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly happy with Maple Leafs, impressed by Tage Thompson, Sabres

BUFFALO – Four days into his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ex-Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly has played three games and practiced zero times.

O’Reilly, 32, joined the Leafs during a dizzying stretch, so other than participating in a Tuesday’s brief optional pregame skate, he has only been on the ice with his new teammates in games.

“It’s kind of weird just jumping right into the games,” O’Reilly said prior to scoring a hat trick ... Read the full article

Sabres start fast before Flames roar back: ‘Punched us in the face’

BUFFALO – Following a 10-day break, the Sabres showcased some early jump Saturday afternoon, grabbing a 2-0 lead against the Calgary Flames.

But scoring on two of their first three shots masked signs of trouble. The Flames, who had played twice earlier in the week, outshot them 11-3 in the first period. Coach Don Granato said the Sabres overpassed, looked for the pretty play and complicated simple things.

By about the 15-minute mark, after goals ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Dylan Cozens to long-term contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday locked up another piece of their young core, agreeing to terms with center Dylan Cozens on a seven-year, $49.7 million contract.

Cozens, who turns 22 on Thursday, joins defenseman Mattias Samuelsson and center Tage Thompson, both of whom signed seven-year deals before the season.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Cozens has seized a leading role in the Sabres’ ascension into a playoff contender this season, setting career highs with 17 goals and ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn’s goal shows growth; Jeff Skinner hits milestone

BUFFALO – A few months ago, Sabres rookie Jack Quinn wouldn’t have possessed the confidence to score a highlight-reel goal like he did Saturday.

“Probably not, no,” Quinn said prior to Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center.

Quinn, 21, didn’t merely roar down the slot and beat goalie Marc-Andre Fleury early in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild. He held onto the puck about 10 seconds, moving from the ... Read the full article

After struggles, Sabres’ Victor Olofsson scoring goals, becoming star

BUFFALO – At times this season, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson has battled adversity and the perception he’s too one-dimensional.

For stretches, he has struggled at even strength and lost ice time, doing little to dispel the belief he’s simply a power-play guy who possesses a lethal shot.

Still, 45 games into the campaign, Olofsson has already registered a career-high 21 goals.... Read the full article

Sabres want to feed off energy from crowd on ‘Ryan Miller Night’

BUFFALO – Over the past year, the Sabres have thrived off the energy the raucous home crowd creates for special occasions. Think of Jack Eichel’s return and “RJ Night.”

Expect them to get a boost tonight against the New York Islanders after the Sabres retire legendary goalie Ryan Miller’s No. 30 and induct him into their Hall of Fame.

The ceremony, of course, promises to be very emotional.... Read the full article