Aube-Kubel - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After trade to Sabres organization, Erik Brannstrom thriving in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Returning to the AHL, where he’s utilized much differently than in the big leagues, allows Americans newcomer Erik Brannstrom to transform into a star.

Instead of serving as the sixth or seventh defenseman – “If you make a mistake, you’re out of the lineup,” Amerks assistant coach Nathan Paetsch said of the role in the NHL – he can showcase the slick skill set that made him the 15th overall pick in 2017.... 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 land Erik Brannstrom in trade with Rangers, deal Henri Jokiharju

The Sabres made another trade before the 3 p.m. deadline, dealing winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who has been playing for the Rochester Americans, to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Erik Brannstrom.

Brannstrom, 25, spent his brief tenure in the Rangers organization playing with the Hartford Wolf Pack, their AHL affiliate.

Incredibly, this is the third time he has been traded this season.... 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 struggling with Sabres, Nicolas Aube-Kubel finding game in Rochester

ROCHESTER – For three months, winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel moved in and out of the lineup, never finding a groove while often skating short minutes for the Buffalo Sabres.

In his first days with the Sabres, Aube-Kubel, 28, looked like he would fit nicely on their revamped fourth line, offering them some much-needed grit and speed.

The newcomer enjoyed a strong training camp and stood out early in Buffalo’s season-opening loss Oct. 4 before injuring his ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich’s emergence factor in Sabres waiving Nicolas Aube-Kubel; Buffalo makes recall

BUFFALO – As winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel struggled after returning from an early-season knee injury, rookie Jiri Kulich established himself as one of the Sabres’ top forwards, entrenching himself in the NHL.

Right now, Kulich, 20, is centering the Sabres’ top line.

Then early last month, center Tyson Kozak, 22, made an immediate impact in his first NHL action, scoring a goal and showcasing a tenacious style.

As he kept being scratched – he had ... Read the full article

Sabres place Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday placed winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who has lost his regular spot in the lineup, on waivers.

If Aube-Kubel, 28, clears, the Sabres could assign him to the Rochester Americans. He played 11 games in the AHL with the Hershey Bears early last season before returning to the Washington Capitals.

The Sabres signed Aube-Kubel to a one-year, $1.5 million contract July 1 as they overhauled their fourth line by adding grit ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich’s return from injury will force Sabres to make lineup changes

BUFFALO – In rookie Jiri Kulich’s absence, the Sabres have filled some of the void by moving forwards around and recalling Tyson Kozak.

Kulich, who has been recovering from a lower-body injury, missed his fourth game Friday, a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

When the Czech center is ready to play – he’s on track to return Monday afternoon against the Seattle Kraken, the start of a four-game road trip – Sabres coach Lindy ... Read the full article

Former Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski thriving with Hurricanes

BUFFALO – About to turn 35, an advanced age for a goalie, and coming off a season in which he played just 24 games for the Rochester Americans, Dustin Tokarski found few suitors on the open market.

Finally, in September, Tokarski signed a tryout to attend the Ottawa Senators’ training camp.

When the Senators released the former Sabres backup at the end of camp, he went home to Saskatchewan.

“Just waiting for an opportunity, and ... Read the full article

Sabres blow another lead, implode late in loss to Kraken: ‘Hard one to explain’

BUFFALO – Don’t blame the Sabres’ problems on talent. They possess plenty of it. No, their sorry standing and penchant for blowing multi-goal leads can be traced to between the ears.

They’re fragile mentally, and at the first sign of adversity they often crumble.

Saturday afternoon’s embarrassing 6-2 loss to the hapless Seattle Kraken, a game in which the Sabres led 2-0 in the first period, only reinforced that.

“Mental, all mental,” captain Rasmus Dahlin ... Read the full article