Youngstown’s Joseph Cecconi signed with Minnesota. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Former Sabres prospects, Amerks have landed new contracts as free agents

A year ago, the Rochester Americans’ top nine scorers returned, a remarkable number for an AHL team. This upcoming season, that number might be three.

The Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate was bound to experience some overturn in free agency this offseason after enjoying stability rarely seen in the minors. Some updates are below.... Read the full article

Zemgus Girgensons recently joined Tampa Bay. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Former Sabres quickly found work as free agents this summer

In past offseasons, it sometimes took former Buffalo Sabres time to find work. Some went overseas or returned to the minors. Some never played in the NHL again.

But earlier this month, seven players from the 2023-24 squad quickly signed NHL contracts as free agents. Some updates are below.

– Winger Jeff Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The Sabres, of course, bought out the final three seasons of Skinner’s ... Read the full article

James Reimer has played 501 NHL games. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres notes: James Reimer added to goalie mix; Amerks’ roster filling up

BUFFALO – Having decided to utilize two young goalies next season, the Sabres needed to find a veteran to provide depth at the critical position.

So on Tuesday, they signed James Reimer, 36, to a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million.

That salary, of course, is hefty for a No. 3 goalie who will likely play in the minors. Still, general manager Kevyn Adams, who recently said the Sabres plan to have Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 25, ... Read the full article

Seth Appert coached Rochester four seasons. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Seth Appert happy to join Sabres, work with Lindy Ruff; Rochester roster could look different next season

In his 27-year career, Seth Appert coached at just four places prior to his promotion to the Buffalo Sabres as an assistant. Instead of jumping at the next opportunity, he always chose to stay and build a program.

“I take a lot of pride in trying to create a culture, trying to build things the right way,” Appert, who on Monday was named to Lindy Ruff’s staff, said on a Zoom call Tuesday. “And I’m ... Read the full article

Rochester captain Michael Mersch reacts after scoring in Friday’s game. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Rochester Amerks’ ‘unreal group’ will change as players leave, join Sabres

ROCHESTER – Seth Appert believes each year, no matter how special of a group you had the previous season, you must start over. If a team comes together – that’s a big if – it takes time.

“If you think you can start where you left off the year before, you’re setting yourself up for massive failure,” the Americans coach said following Friday’s 5-2 season-ending loss to the Syracuse Crunch in Game 5 of the ... Read the full article

Rochester coach Seth Appert (left) chats with defenseman Ethan Prow earlier this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’

ROCHESTER – As Americans goalie Devon Levi sat in the cramped visiting dressing room in Upstate Medical Arena soaking up Saturday’s unlikely 4-3 overtime victory, he noticed coach Seth Appert in the corner, admiring his team.

“Just so proud of us,” Levi said following Wednesday’s practice in Blue Cross Arena. “We were proud of each other.”

Appert then walked over and addressed his players, telling them, “Well, that’s exactly how we wrote it up.”

“And ... Read the full article

Buffalo drafted Viktor Neuchev in 2022. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

After slow start, Sabres prospect Viktor Neuchev thriving in Rochester

ROCHESTER – In early November, Seth Appert decided rookie winger Viktor Neuchev needed a bit of a wake-up call. So the Americans coach typed some thoughts into Google Translate and handed the Buffalo Sabres prospect a two-page note in Russian.

Appert wanted Neuchev, 20, to understand the commitment and daily habits it takes to become a great AHL player. Early last season, Appert had a similar meeting with center Jiri Kulich, who would score 24 ... Read the full article

Lukas Rousek leads Rochester in points this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Tenacity helping Sabres prospect Lukas Rousek pile up points in Rochester

BUFFALO – Seth Appert kept talking, going into detail to explain how aggressive play fueled Buffalo Sabres prospect Lukas Rousek’s recent 13-game point streak.

“On the puck, competitiveness, forechecking, puck battles,” the Americans coach said late last month in Blue Cross Arena in Rochester before the winger’s streak ended. “His battle level is dramatically higher right now than it was at any time he’s been in North America. He’s playing more competitively, he’s hunting the ... Read the full article

Eric Robinson has spent time in the minors this season. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres acquire Eric Robinson in trade with Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – In Eric Robinson, the Sabres on Wednesday traded for a third- or fourth-line winger capable of killing penalties and providing some much-needed energy.

Having lost four straight games and five of their last six, the reeling Sabres needed to make a move, and while the 6-foot-2, 201-pound Robinson is hardly a star, he can certainly help.

In recent games, they’ve looked soft, regularly losing battles and showcasing little pushback. With veteran winger Zemgus ... Read the full article

Jiri Kulich made his NHL debut Saturday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres make recall, send prospect Jiri Kulich back to Rochester Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Wednesday recalled winger Brandon Biro from the Rochester Americans and sent rookie winger Jiri Kulich back to the AHL club.

Kulich’s assignment means winger Jordan Greenway, who has missed the last three games because of personal reasons, will likely return for tonight’s road contest against the St. Louis Blues.

Biro, Kulich and Greenway all practiced Wednesday.... Read the full article