Peyton Krebs sat out the season opener before playing the next day. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Three years after trade, Sabres’ Peyton Krebs trying to reinvent himself

BUFFALO – During practices, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has noticed Peyton Krebs possesses the skill to make what he called “special plays.” Of course, having registered 20 goals and 66 points in his career, the center only occasionally showcases that talent in games.

In Krebs, 23, Ruff sees a player trying to figure things out. When the Vegas Golden Knights drafted him 17th overall in 2019 and the Sabres acquired him almost three years ago ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich has played two NHL games. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

With JJ Peterka injured, Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich earns another chance

BUFFALO – Instead of judging Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich on the 14 minutes he nervously skated Saturday in Czechia, his home country, coach Lindy Ruff thinks back to the youngster’s recent exploits in the Prospect Challenge tournament.

“He’s looking at this (as it’s) my first real shot, there’s some nerves,” Ruff said of the forward’s second NHL game. “What I saw in Prague wasn’t the real Kulich. What we saw in that prospect camp showed ... Read the full article

JJ Peterka was injured Saturday. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres’ JJ Peterka, Zach Benson close to returning from injuries

BUFFALO – Sabres winger JJ Peterka had never endured a hit like the one defenseman Brenden Dillon laid to his head early in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils.

“I got some hits in the past, but I don’t think that kind of hard hit before,” said Peterka, who returned to practice Wednesday with winger Zach Benson.

Peterka, who’s sporting a black left eye, has nearly recovered from the hit that earned Dillon ... Read the full article

Buffalo captain Rasmus Dahlin battles New Jersey’s Jack Hughes last week in Prague, Czechia. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres focused on fixing power play: ‘Going to be great’

BUFFALO – Prior to Tuesday’s practice, the Sabres’ power-play units and coaching staff could be found across the street at LECOM Harborcenter working on the man advantage.

“I don’t know if that mock resistance by the coaches was any good, but I felt the speed coming at us was pretty good,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff cracked.

When the regular session began at KeyBank Center, the Sabres focused on their power play for the first 43 ... Read the full article

Nicolas Aube-Kubel (left) moves alongside New Jersey’s Jonas Siegenthaler last week in Prague, Czechia.

Sabres injuries: Nicolas Aube-Kubel out long-term; JJ Peterka, Zach Benson day to day

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who suffered a lower-body injury in Friday’s season opener, will be sidelined about three to six weeks, coach Lindy Ruff said.

There is, however, some good news. Ruff said wingers JJ Peterka (concussion) and Zach Benson (lower body) are considered day to day after suffering injuries in Prague, Czechia.

Neither practiced Tuesday in KeyBank Bank Center, the Sabres’ first session since returning from their season-opening trip.... Read the full article

Lukas Rousek accompanied Buffalo overseas. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres send two players to Rochester, set 23-man roster

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday finalized their 23-man regular-season roster by loaning defenseman Kale Clague and winger Lukas Rousek to the Rochester Americans after they cleared waivers, and placing winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel on injured reserve.

Right now, the Sabres have 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. For the time being at least, rookie forward Jiri Kulich, who played his second NHL game Saturday, has a spot.... Read the full article

JJ Peterka is attended to Saturday after absorbing a hit from Brenden Dillon in Prague, Czechia. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres lose JJ Peterka to concussion, Zach Benson to lower-body injury

Three injured forwards. Two losses. One struggling team.

Any early-season optimism surrounding the Buffalo Sabres vanished during back-to-back season-opening setbacks to the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia.

In Saturday’s 3-1 loss, Sabres winger JJ Peterka suffered a concussion when New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon hit him in the head as he skated through the neutral zone, coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Prague.... Read the full article

Zach Benson scored 11 goals as a rookie last season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff impressed by Zach Benson’s ability: ‘He does a lot’

BUFFALO – Having coached against Zach Benson last year and examined game tape throughout the offseason, Lindy Ruff knew the tenacious Sabres winger possessed maturity that belied his limited NHL experience.

Still, as Ruff watched Benson, 19, up close during training camp, he quickly developed a greater appreciation for the youngster. Until he coached him, he did not fully understand what makes him such a unique talent.

“I watched a lot of games, I liked ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin previously served as an alternate captain. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres name Rasmus Dahlin captain

It wasn’t a matter of if, only when defenseman Rasmus Dahlin would become the Buffalo Sabres’ next captain.

Long before new Sabres coach Lindy Ruff awarded him the captaincy Thursday, Dahlin, 24, emerged as a worthy candidate to wear the prestigious ‘C’ someday.

The Swede is more than just one of the NHL’s most dynamic defensemen. He possesses a work ethic his coaches and teammates laud and pays a price to try to win. As ... Read the full article

Devon Levi made 25 saves Monday. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Devon Levi happy to compete with UPL, sharp as Sabres beat Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – For years, Sabres goalie Devon Levi has been a workhorse, starting game after game.

At Northeastern, Levi played 89 percent of the Huskies’ games. After turning pro late in 2022-23, he started seven of the Sabres’ final eight contests and the first four last season before suffering an injury.

When Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen seized the No. 1 job late last fall, the Sabres assigned Levi to the Rochester Americans to play regularly, occasionally recalling ... Read the full article