Botterill - Buffalo Hockey Beat

It’s official: Sabres draft Rasmus Dahlin

DALLAS – It’s finally official: defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is a member of the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres, as expected, selected the Swede first overall tonight at the NHL Draft inside American Airlines Center.

Stay tuned for more updates. Dahlin and Sabres general manager Jason Botterill will address the media tonight.

Dahlin will almost certainly start next season with the Sabres.... Read the full article

Sabres in market for goalie after letting loose Robin Lehner

DALLAS – In cutting loose Robin Lehner, the Buffalo Sabres turned over some of their goaltending duties to a youngster with only 26 games of NHL experience.

But the Sabres believe Linus Ullmark deserves a chance to showcase his abilities after a three-year AHL apprenticeship with the Rochester Americans.... Read the full article

Sabres won’t bring back goalie Robin Lehner

DALLAS – Robin Lehner’s career with the Buffalo Sabres is over.

General manager Jason Botterill said this morning the Sabres have informed Lehner, a restricted free agent, they won’t be making him a qualifying offer, making him a free agent.

“You finish 31st, you have to make some difficult choices,” Botterill said inside the W Dallas Hotel just hours before tonight’s NHL Draft. “We have informed Robin that he’s not coming back next year. … ... Read the full article

Sabres could move on from goalie Robin Lehner soon

DALLAS – In the coming days, the Buffalo Sabres could confirm what has been widely speculated for months: goalie Robin Lehner won’t be back for a fourth season.

If the Sabres can’t trade Lehner, rather than making a $4 million qualifying offer to the restricted free agent by Monday’s deadline, they might simply walk away, making him unrestricted.... Read the full article

Sabres’ inability to find steals in NHL Draft contributed to demise

BUFFALO – Nine years ago, the Sabres, whose knack for unearthing mid- and late-round draft gems helped them morph into a Stanley Cup contender earlier in the decade, found another undervalued youngster.

When the Sabres selected Marcus Foligno in the fourth round, 104th overall, he was simply a talented kid with a familiar name.

But the son of former Sabres captain Mike Foligno would quickly develop into one of junior hockey’s top forward prospects.... Read the full article

Anything could happen as GM Jason Botterill tries to overhaul Sabres

BUFFALO – Right now, save for young centers Jack Eichel and Casey Mittelstadt, anyone is probably available from the Sabres if you meet their asking price.

So for a puck-moving defenseman and a speedy winger capable of scoring 20 goals, perhaps you can pry center Ryan O’Reilly away at the NHL Draft later this week in Dallas or in the near future.... Read the full article

Sabres give up on Hudson Fasching, trade him to Coyotes

BUFFALO – Before the 2014 trade deadline, former Sabres general manager Tim Murray made a significant trade just weeks into his tenure, sending two second-round picks and defenseman Brayden McNabb to the Los Angeles Kings.

The prize return was a youngster named Hudson Fasching, a 2013 fourth-round pick rapidly developing as a freshman at the University of Minnesota.... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin embraces spotlight, won’t acknowledge future with Sabres

BUFFALO – About 40 media members, including 20 cameramen, swarmed around Rasmus Dahlin, the presumptive first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.

Many youngsters might’ve showcased some nerves in the spotlight answering question after question. Dahlin, less than two months removed from his 18th birthday, reveled in all the attention Friday inside HarborCenter.

Dahlin, believe it or not, said he “loves” dealing with the media.... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin comfortable in spotlight

BUFFALO – About 40 media members, including 20 cameramen, swarmed around Rasmus Dahlin, the presumptive first overall pick.

Some youngsters might’ve showcased a few nerves in the spotlight. Dahlin, less than two months removed from his 18th birthday, handled it like a pro this afternoon.

Heck, Dahlin said he “loves” dealing with the media.... Read the full article

Sabres will receive first-round pick from Sharks for Evander Kane

Suddenly, the Buffalo Sabres’ return for winger Evander Kane – remember, the trade looked pretty underwhelming three months ago – includes a first-round pick.

The San Jose Sharks officially re-signed Kane, who would’ve become an unrestricted free agent July 1, to a seven-year contract today worth $49 million, according to capfriendly.com. In keeping Kane, 26, the second-round pick in 2019 they dealt the Sabres on Feb. 26 becomes a first-rounder.... Read the full article