Bogosian - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres feel change, excitement as new season opens

BUFFALO – The open communication among the Sabres and the accountability it has generated is new and welcome.

In the recent past, problems often festered and the Sabres usually imploded at the first hint of adversity. Some players clearly felt uncomfortable discussing any issues with each other.

Then following last season’s dreadful 31st-place finish, coach Phil Housley challenged the Sabres. He wanted self-reflection. He wanted them to change before the new season, which kicked off ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Former Sabres goalie Robin Lehner shares addiction story

BUFFALO – In a harrowing first-person essay, former Sabres goalie Robin Lehner shares details how his drug and alcohol addiction and untreated bipolar disorder led him to contemplate suicide multiple times late last season before seeking help.

“I wanted to kill myself. I was extremely close multiple times,” Lehner wrote in The Athletic New York. “The battle playing hockey was nothing compared to the battle inside my brain. It was at its worst.”... Read the full article

Accountability, communication helping Sabres as new season opens

BUFFALO – The open communication among the Sabres and the accountability it has bred is new and welcome.

In the recent past, the team’s problems often festered or worsened over time. Players clearly felt uncomfortable discussing any issues.

Selection by Sabres emotional for Rasmus Dahlin

DALLAS – For 55 days, since the Buffalo Sabres won the right to draft him first overall, Rasmus Dahlin knew the moment was coming. Still, when perhaps the best defense prospect in a generation finally put on his Blue and Gold jersey for the first time, he seemed overwhelmed by the experience.

“It’s amazing,” a smiling Dahlin, 18, told a hoard of reporters Friday after becoming the third player taken first overall in Sabres history ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian on injuries: ‘I’ve had a tough go’

BUFFALO – Since Zach Bogosian joined the Sabres on Feb. 11, 2015, the defenseman has missed a whopping 114 games – 42 percent of his team’s outings – to injuries.

This season, Bogosian’s 10th in the NHL, was supposed to be his breakout campaign. If anyone could unlock his potential, it would be new Sabres coach Phil Housley, right?

Well, Housley, a Hall of Fame defenseman, never really had an opportunity. Bogosian played only ... Read the full article

Youngster Jack Eichel could be Sabres’ captain next season

BUFFALO – When the Sabres chose to rotate four alternates this season instead of awarding the prestigious ‘C’ to a single player, they likely started center Jack Eichel’s ascension to the captaincy.

The Sabres, of course, couldn’t name Eichel their captain last October. He was entering just his third NHL season and still prone to bouts of immaturity. He had never worn a letter, either.

So they let him sport an ‘A’ with veterans Zach ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Evander Kane: ‘We have to make changes’

BUFFALO – Throughout a miserable season, winger Evander Kane was often the Sabres’ best asset, scoring goals on a hapless team starved for offense. To general manager Jason Botterill, the nine-year veteran is a “premium” player.

So why did Botterill trade Kane to the San Jose Sharks shortly before Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline for two conditional draft picks – one could become a first-rounder, although that seems unlikely – and a marginal prospect?... Read the full article

Sabres’ Casey Nelson earning regular duty on blue line

BUFFALO – Earlier this season, if you had asked Casey Nelson if he could play 20 minutes a night in the NHL, often against the opposition’s top line, the Sabres defenseman would’ve given you a straightforward answer.

“I’d say there’s no chance, there’s no way,” Nelson said Wednesday inside KeyBank Center.

But in tonight’s tilt in Detroit, Nelson, 25, will likely play big minutes on the second defense pair, meaning he’ll face some of the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian to undergo season-ending hip surgery

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian will undergo season-ending hip surgery next week, the team announced today.

Bogosian’s estimated recovery time is four to six months, so the 10-year veteran should be ready for the start of next season.

“The news regarding Zach’s injury is unfortunate,” Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said in a statement. “Zach has been dealing with this injury since the beginning of the season. After consulting with our medical team, we ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Eichel honored by All-Star Game selection

BUFFALO – Two years ago, the NHL revamped its traditional All-Star Game, transforming the stale affair into a slick three-on-three tournament featuring six divisional squads.

The league also added a $1 million incentive for the winning team, a prize center Jack Eichel, the Sabres’ lone All-Star, said “brings a little more energy to the event.”... Read the full article