Devon Levi signed his entry-level contract Friday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Devon Levi joins Sabres, immigration paperwork must be finalized

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi arrived in town Saturday night and watched Sunday afternoon’s 7-0 loss to the Boston Bruins from the press box.

So when will Levi, who signed his entry-level contract Friday, practice with his new teammates? Sabres coach Don Granato said Levi, who’s Canadian, is “doubtful” for today’s session because his immigration paperwork must be finalized.

On Friday, general Kevyn Adams said Levi, a decorated college goalie at Northeastern, will ... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed seven goals Sunday afternoon. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres fall behind early, get clobbered by Bruins: ‘We believe we’re still in it’

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ regression over the past three weeks has been startling. After positioning themselves to compete for their first playoff spot in 12 years, they’ve imploded, dropping nine of their last 11 games.

The Sabres aren’t just losing; opponents are annihilating them. Sunday afternoon’s ugly 7-0 loss to the Boston Bruins marked the third time in their last 10 outings they’ve allowed seven or more goals and lost by at least six.

Since ... Read the full article

Victor Olofsson scored two goals Friday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres change forwards to keep them fresh; Will Devon Levi play this season?

BUFFALO – For four months, center Tyson Jost enjoyed regular duty. His arrival helped solidify the Sabres down the middle, giving them a two-way presence to pivot their third or fourth line.

But Jost sat out Friday’s 5-2 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers as a healthy scratch. So did winger JJ Peterka, a rookie who scored one goal and three points in the previous two games.

In their places, Sabres coach Don Granato ... Read the full article

Anders Bjork played 74 games for Buffalo. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres give Anders Bjork fresh chance with trade to Blackhawks

The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday traded winger Anders Bjork to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.

The deal possibly gives Bjork, 26, an opportunity to resume his NHL career. In October, the Sabres waived him and assigned him to Rochester, where he began his first stint in the AHL since 2019-20.

Shortly after the deal was announced, the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate, sent center Carson Gicewicz, an Orchard Park native, to Rochester ... Read the full article

Riley Stillman believes he can give Buffalo additional grit. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Riley Stillman ‘ecstatic’ about trade to Sabres, sees something special building

BUFFALO – Watching the Sabres as an opponent over the past two seasons, newcomer Riley Stillman said he noticed something special in the group.

Beyond the talent they possessed – “They’re a team that we didn’t want to play against,” he said – the defenseman saw players who were buying in and showcasing a desire to win for each other.

“You look down the bench from the visiting team and a guy scores (and) they’re ... Read the full article

Zemgus Girgensons (left), Peyton Krebs (center) and Kyle Okposo form a strong checking line. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres’ Peyton Krebs developing with Zemgus Girgensons, Kyle Okposo

BUFFALO – In the second period of Thursday’s 6-3 win, Sabres center Peyton Krebs zoomed into the Detroit zone to chase down a loose puck and drove Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider into the boards behind the net.

Krebs, who’s four inches shorter and 17 pounds lighter than Seider, gained possession. A split-second later, linemate Zemgus Girgensons fed captain Kyle Okposo in front for the first of his three goals in the Sabres’ fifth ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson fends off Boston’s David Krejci on Saturday. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres play Bruins tough, lose again; Rasmus Dahlin escapes injury

BUFFALO – Right now, having lost five straight games, the Sabres need to find silver linings and take solace in any small steps they make.

So while they’re ticked off about Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, they know if they keep replicating that effort, they’ll start winning again.

Against one of the NHL’s heavyweights, the Sabres grabbed any early lead and kept generating offense while keeping the Bruins in check before a capacity ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo played the first 14 games this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres captain Kyle Okposo to miss game against Bruins

BUFFALO – A lower-body injury will force captain Kyle Okposo to miss tonight’s game against the Boston Bruins, according to the Sabres.

Okposo, 34, is day to day.

With Okposo sidelined, rookie winger Jack Quinn, 21, will return following a one-game absence.... Read the full article

Casey Mittelstadt has mustered just one point at even strength this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt producing despite struggles at even strength

BUFFALO – Late in the second period of Thursday’s 7-4 loss, Casey Mittelstadt grabbed a short pass in the left circle and darted to the net. When the Sabres center approached the crease on his forehand, it briefly appeared he would shoot.

But Mittelstadt held the puck and, a split second later, he lifted a quick backhander past Vegas Golden Knights goalie Logan Thompson, tying the game at 2.

The slick goal, his second power-play ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo moves around Mitch Marner (12) and Michael Bunting (58) on April 12 in Toronto. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Kyle Okposo enjoying terrific comeback season, at forefront of Sabres’ revival

BUFFALO – On Wednesday, the Sabres, a team two days away from finishing its season, had a group of players on the KeyBank Center ice 25 minutes before their final practice started.

To veteran winger Kyle Okposo, 34, the Sabres’ oldest and most experienced player, that speaks volumes about the group’s passion. The Sabres will miss the playoffs for a record-setting 11th straight year, yet no one seems to want the season to end.... Read the full article