Cecconi - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich displaying growth with Amerks; Vinnie Hinostroza playing big minutes in Rochester

ROCHESTER – The silver medal Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich recently earned at the World Junior Championship hasn’t changed his life much.

Of course, Kulich, 18, is proud to have scored the overtime goal against Sweden to send Czechia to its first gold medal game since 2001. But following what he called an “unbelievable” experience, he simply resumed his rookie season with the Americans.

If he had returned home earlier this month, he might’ve been ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Panthers claim Casey Fitzgerald off waivers; Buffalo could make roster move

BUFFALO – Given the depth the Sabres have built up over the last year, losing someone on waivers seemed inevitable. Sure enough, on Wednesday, the Florida Panthers nabbed defenseman Casey Fitzgerald off the wire.

As a 25-year-old right-shot defenseman, the chances of Fitzgerald clearing seemed low.

On Tuesday, the Sabres waived Fitzgerald to create a roster spot for defenseman Henri Jokiharju.... Read the full article

Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen turning heads at World Juniors

Before Buffalo Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen left Rochester to join their respective countries at the World Junior Championship, Americans coach Seth Appert challenged the youngsters to rely on more than their skill during the tournament.

He said the AHL rookies have evolved over the past three months, displaying a willingness to play on the inside and attack the net. Without the puck, they’ve learned how to forecheck and about the physicality needed ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Oskari Laaksonen to Stars for Youngstown’s Joseph Cecconi

The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday swapped AHL defense prospects with the Dallas Stars, trading Oskari Laaksonen in exchange for Youngstown native Joseph Cecconi.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Cecconi, 25, played four seasons at Michigan and captained the Wolverines as a senior. He has compiled four goals, 33 points and 106 penalty minutes in 176 games over four seasons with the Texas Stars.

Cecconi, a right-shot defenseman like Laaksonen, has registered two assists and 10 penalty ... Read the full article

After breakout season, Sabres award Sean Malone new contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday rewarded Sean Malone for his breakout year with the Rochester Americans, re-signing the center to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

Malone, 27, seized an opportunity to play an offensive role, setting new career highs last season by registering 20 goals, eight power-play tallies and 37 points in just 39 games for the Sabres’ AHL affiliate. He added two goals and seven points during the Amerks’ 10-game playoff run.

Early in ... Read the full article

Griffin Luce honored by invite to Sabres’ development camp

BUFFALO – For defenseman Griffin Luce, the proud grandson of a Sabres legend and a fan of the team growing up, wearing Blue and Gold for four days last week was a special experience.

Luce, 20, attended other NHL development camps earlier in his career. But participating in the Sabres’ camp with his grandfather, Don, watching from the HarborCenter stands, had extra meaning for the University of Michigan defenseman.... Read the full article

Eden’s Dylan Seitz excited for NHL Draft

CHICAGO – Instead of coming here Saturday and watching the final six rounds with other NHL Draft prospects, Dylan Seitz said he plans to “stay comfortable” at home in Eden, N.Y.

Like any 18-year-old, Seitz is excited and nervous – “It’s always in the back of my mind,” he said – for the day.

“I’m probably not even going to watch it,” he told the Times Herald by phone Sunday. “I’ll probably go do something ... Read the full article

Zach Werenski fond of time beside Youngstown’s Joe Cecconi

BUFFALO – Before Zach Werenski joined the upstart Columbus Blue Jackets, before the slick teenager began one of the greatest campaigns by a rookie defenseman in NHL history, he spent the second half of his last season at the University of Michigan playing beside Youngstown’s Joe Cecconi.

“I loved it,” Werenski said Saturday prior to the Blue Jackets’ 5-3 loss to the Sabres inside KeyBank Center.

Werenski, 19, has quickly morphed into a star, ... Read the full article

Youngstown’s Joe Cecconi competing for spot on Team USA

BUFFALO – A few years ago, as Youngstown’s Joe Cecconi began developing into a notable defense prospect, the youngster possessed some offensive flair in his game.

Then the 6-foot-2, 218-pound Cecconi started evolving. Sure, he moves well and has a strong shot. But the University of Michigan sophomore understands he’s at his best utilizing his big frame and smarts.

That means he has morphed into a defensive defenseman.

“We love the size, and we know ... Read the full article

Photo: Youngstown’s Joe Cecconi with Team USA

Right now, Youngstown native Joe Cecconi is participating in USA Hockey’s national junior evaluation camp in Plymouth, Mich., about a 20-minute drive from his college, the University of Michigan.

Come December, Cecconi, 19, will leave the Wolverines and wear the Team USA crest again in Buffalo, where he will skate in the national junior select camp. Cecconi, who will start his sophomore season soon, earned an invite thanks to a strong showing at the ... Read the full article