WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Calder Cup Playoffs Edition
Connor Clifton spent five seasons with Boston before signing with Buffalo. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Their relationship began almost 12 years ago. Connor Clifton was playing for the New Jersey Hitmen, a junior team in his home state. Don Granato was in his first season coaching at the U.S. National Team Development Program.
Clifton, a defenseman the Sabres signed Saturday, hadn’t made Team USA’s Under-17 squad that year. But during the season, he earned a brief recall to the program.
“That month of hockey I learned more than ... Read the full article
Erik Johnson sees similarities between Colorado, his old team, and Buffalo ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – After defenseman Erik Johnson learned the Colorado Avalanche wouldn’t be re-signing him, he said five or six teams emerged as suitors in free agency.
The Sabres, a team he said reminds him of the Avalanche not long ago, quickly moved to the top of his list.
Johnson, 35, called some old teammates and bounced the interested clubs off them.
“All of them really said Buffalo’s a team on the rise,” said Johnson, who ... Read the full article
Erik Johnson won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu
The Buffalo Sabres today made three moves in the opening hour of free agency, signing right-shot defensemen Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton and re-signing center Tyson Jost.
General manager Kevyn Adams said leading up to free agency he wanted to add to his blue line this offseason, and in Johnson and Clifton he addressed the Sabres’ most glaring need.
Johnson, 35, signed a $3.25 million contract. Meanwhile, Clifton, 28, inked a three-year deal with an ... Read the full article
