Bylsma - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Moving Sam Reinhart to center inevitable for Sabres

BUFFALO – Sam Reinhart’s gig at right wing never felt permanent. Sure, the youngster often thrived during his two seasons playing the position, scoring 40 goals and 90 points while developing into one of the Sabres’ top threats.

But the Sabres drafted Reinhart, 21, second overall in 2014 as a center, a glamour position. Centers are a precious commodity.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evander Kane making positive impression on Phil Housley

BUFFALO – Phil Housley’s approach with the Sabres throughout his first training camp has been straightforward: the past doesn’t matter to the rookie coach.

“It’s simple for me,” Housley said Monday inside KeyBank Center. “We want to come in with a clean slate and a fresh start.”

That explains why Sabres winger Evander Kane, a slick scorer dogged by off-ice incidents two years ago, sported an ‘A’ as an alternate captain for some preseason ... Read the full article

Depth defensemen fighting to stay with Sabres out of training camp

BUFFALO – Shortly after enjoying the longest stint of his NHL career, defenseman Taylor Fedun re-signed with the Sabres early in the summer, inking a two-year deal.

What made the contract significant wasn’t just the length – many depth players don’t earn multi-year deals – but the fact a new regime offered it.

Fedun, 29, provided valuable depth last season, playing 27 NHL games, 12 more than the previous three seasons combined. In the AHL, ... Read the full article

Matt Moulson upbeat about Sabres’ future, new regime

BUFFALO – In his 11 NHL seasons, winger Matt Moulson has played for nine coaches, including four with the Sabres.

There have been Stanley Cup winners (Marc Crawford and Dan Bylsma), rookies (Scott Gordon, Ron Rolston and others) and old school veterans (Terry Murray and Ted Nolan).

Moulson, 33, has experienced the NHL coaching gamut. So when the three-time 30-goal scorer says new Sabres coach Phil Housley’s sessions “are some of the best practices I’ve ... Read the full article

Zemgus Girgensons Sabres’ mainstay through upheaval

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Zemgus Girgensons laughed before wondering aloud, just four years into his career, exactly how many teammates he has played with here.

“It’s a lot,” Girgensons said Wednesday following practice inside HarborCenter.

No kidding. Girgensons has experienced every bit of the Sabres’ recent turmoil: two tank seasons, two 30th-place finishes, last season’s regression, three regime changes and more.

“I’ve seen so many coaches (four), multiple GMs (three),” he said. “I’ve been on ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian believes he can thrive under Phil Housley

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian loves jumping in the rush and utilizing perhaps his most underrated asset, his skating.

“Unfortunately, the last two years in Buffalo I haven’t really had that role,” Bogosian said Saturday following practice inside HarborCenter.

That time span, not coincidentally, was Dan Bylsma’s run as coach. Part of Bylsma’s downfall, of course, was his reluctance to showcase a fast, attacking style.... Read the full article

Sabres excited for fresh start with coach Phil Housley

BUFFALO – Having spent the first eight seasons of his Hall of Fame playing career here, Phil Housley has a special appreciation for the city and the Sabres, the team he now coaches.

So Thursday morning, as a smiling Housley stood at a podium wearing a blue Sabres jacket talking about his team, the moment wasn’t lost on the rookie head coach.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel out to prove himself

BUFFALO – In his first two seasons, Sabres center Jack Eichel quickly morphed into one of the NHL’s most dynamic talents, compiling 48 goals and 113 points in 142 outings.

At just 20 years old, he is the face of the franchise, often an electrifying presence and a potential superstar. In the near future, the former second overall pick should sign a long-term contract worth perhaps $10 million a season.... Read the full article

Sabres begin Phil Housley era optimistic

BUFFALO – Having spent the first eight seasons of his Hall of Fame playing career here, Phil Housley has a special appreciation for the city and the Sabres, the team he now coaches.

So this morning, as a smiling Housley stood at a podium wearing a blue Sabres jacket talking about his team, the moment wasn’t lost on the rookie head coach.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel on first two seasons: ‘I’ve proven nothing’

BUFFALO – In his first two seasons, Sabres center Jack Eichel has quickly morphed into one of the NHL’s most dynamic talents, compiling 48 goals and 113 points in 142 outings.