Comrie - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Former Sabres quickly found work as free agents this summer

In past offseasons, it sometimes took former Buffalo Sabres time to find work. Some went overseas or returned to the minors. Some never played in the NHL again.

But earlier this month, seven players from the 2023-24 squad quickly signed NHL contracts as free agents. Some updates are below.

– Winger Jeff Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The Sabres, of course, bought out the final three seasons of Skinner’s ... Read the full article

Sabres make big commitment to goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with hefty five-year contract

Barely nine months ago, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s future with the Buffalo Sabres seemed in doubt.

When goalie Devon Levi arrived from college late in 2022-23, the Finn became a spare part. After watching the final seven games that season, he backed up or was scratched for the first six contests of 2023-24.

So on one hand, yes, the five-year, $23.75 million contract Luukkonen signed on Wednesday is a bit surprising. The Sabres clearly wanted Levi, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: James Reimer added to goalie mix; Amerks’ roster filling up

BUFFALO – Having decided to utilize two young goalies next season, the Sabres needed to find a veteran to provide depth at the critical position.

So on Tuesday, they signed James Reimer, 36, to a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million.

That salary, of course, is hefty for a No. 3 goalie who will likely play in the minors. Still, general manager Kevyn Adams, who recently said the Sabres plan to have Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 25, ... Read the full article

With UPL, Devon Levi in Buffalo, Sabres plan to add goalie depth for minors

BUFFALO – When the Sabres look for goaltending this summer, they want to add depth for their minor league affiliates, not any immediate help for the NHL.

General manager Kevyn Adams said the team’s net belongs to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 25, and Devon Levi, 22, next season.

“My plan is … we are going to have two real talented goaltenders playing on a nightly basis,” Adams said Thursday in KeyBank Center during media availability to discuss ... Read the full article

Expect trades, significant changes after Sabres’ playoff drought hits 13 years

BUFFALO – That’s it. Having been eliminated from playoff contention for the 13th consecutive year, the Sabres are playing out the string of a bitterly disappointing season. Three games are left, starting with tonight’s home finale against the Washington Capitals.

How might the Sabres be received? Well, based on recent contests at KeyBank Center, those who bother showing up to “Fan Appreciation Night” might be in a surly mood.

You can bet a crowd beaten ... Read the full article

As career with Sabres likely nears end, Eric Comrie excited to work on game

BUFFALO – In what are likely the final days of his two-year career here, as he watches game after game as the backup or a healthy scratch, Sabres goalie Eric Comrie feels excitement.

At first, the affable Comrie, who hasn’t played since March 7, had a difficult time sitting out. For a while at least, he dressed for games behind starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. When the Sabres recalled rookie Devon Levi last month, he was relegated ... Read the full article

Sabres send rookie goalie Devon Levi to Rochester after two starts

The Buffalo Sabres this morning assigned goalie Devon Levi to Rochester, where he will resume his role as the Americans’ starter.

Amerks coach Seth Appert said Levi, 22, will start tonight’s home game against the Cleveland Monsters.

The rookie started twice following his recall March 16, allowing the Sabres to rest goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for one game during back-to-back sets.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: JJ Peterka earning keep on top line; Michael Houser injured with Rochester

BUFFALO – Before JJ Peterka moved up last week, the left wing spot on the Sabres’ top line alongside center Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch had been a revolving door.

Jeff Skinner, who usually occupies that spot, has struggled and moved around the lineup. So coach Don Granato has utilized Jordan Greenway, Zemgus Girgensons and even Eric Robinson there this month.

Peterka, who scored an empty-net goal in Friday’s 5-2 win over the New Jersey ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Ryan Johnson earning big minutes with Rochester Amerks

BUFFALO – A confident Ryan Johnson recently returned to the Rochester Americans following an unexpected 41-game stay with the Sabres.

As a first-round pick who played four seasons of college hockey at Minnesota, it’s hardly surprising that Johnson, 22, cracked the NHL as a rookie.

But after earning his first recall Nov. 4, the defenseman showcased poise that belied his limited experience, forcing the Sabres to keep him for more than four months.... Read the full article

Sabres recall goalie prospect Devon Levi from Rochester

DETROIT – Rookie goalie Devon Levi is back with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres on Saturday recalled Levi, 22, from the Rochester Americans following their 4-1 loss to the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.

Levi, who has played 20 games for the Sabres this season, is expected to start Monday in Seattle against the Kraken or Tuesday in Vancouver versus Canucks.

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has played four straight games and 24 of the ... Read the full article