Cozens - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Dylan Cozens close to playing: ‘I’m feeling good right now’

BUFFALO – Instead of wearing a red jersey this afternoon, Sabres prospect Dylan Cozens dressed more appropriately for the first rookie camp practice.

Cozens, who underwent surgery on his left thumb in early July, ditched the non-contact threads and sported a yellow jersey, meaning the seventh overall pick could do everything on the ice.

“I think it’s feeling normal right now, just being with the guys again, going out, practicing, being treated like another normal ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Reinhart excited to play for new coach Ralph Krueger

BUFFALO – Since the Sabres drafted high-scoring winger Sam Reinhart second overall in 2014, the team has employed four coaches, a ridiculous number.

Not surprisingly, Reinhart, who has played 331 regular-season NHL games, has never sniffed the postseason.

But last spring, Reinhart, 23, played some meaningful contests as Team Canada captured a silver medal at the World Championship in Slovakia. In 2016, fresh off his rookie season, he won a gold medal at the tournament.... Read the full article

Top Sabres pick Dylan Cozens could miss Prospects Challenge

BUFFALO – Top Sabres draft pick Dylan Cozens, who underwent surgery on his left thumb in early July, isn’t listed on the 25-man roster for the Prospects Challenge rookie tournament the Sabres are hosting next week at Harborcenter.

The center prospect injured his thumb in development camp, just days after the Sabres selected him seventh overall June 21.

After Cozens, 18, had surgery, the Sabres said he would need two to three months to ... Read the full article

Sabres to host Prospects Challenge rookie tournament Sept. 6 to 9

BUFFALO – The Sabres will be hosting the Prospects Challenge rookie tournament again from Sept. 6 to 9 at Harborcenter, the team announced today.

The Sabres, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins will all be competing in a round-robin challenge.

Tickets for the games cost $10 and can be purchased starting at 10 a.m. on Aug. 2 at the KeyBank Center Box Office, Sabres.com or by calling 1-888-223-6000.... Read the full article

Sabres sign top pick Dylan Cozens to entry-level contract

BUFFALO – The Sabres have signed top draft pick Dylan Cozens to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced today.

Cozens could miss rookie camp or training camp in September after undergoing successful surgery on his left thumb earlier this month.

The center, according to the Sabres, needs two to three months to recover.

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Cozens hurt his thumb when defenseman Brandon Hickey hip-checked him during a development camp tournament.... Read the full article

Trading Alexander Nylander was inevitable for Sabres

BUFFALO – Following another underwhelming season, it felt like only a matter of time before the Sabres cut their losses and traded winger Alexander Nylander.

Through three years as a pro, Nylander, the eighth overall pick by the Sabres’ old regime in 2016, has mostly been a bust.

Sure, the Swede has occasionally showcased his slick skills. Still, he hasn’t consistently displayed the tenacity to match them.

Nylander, 21, couldn’t develop into a dominant ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Dylan Cozens undergoes thumb surgery, could miss training camp

BUFFALO – Top Sabres draft pick Dylan Cozens underwent successful surgery on his left thumb earlier this week and needs two to three months to recover, the team announced this afternoon.

That means Cozens, the seventh overall pick last month, could miss rookie camp or training camp in September.

Cozens hurt his thumb when defenseman Brandon Hickey hip-checked him during Saturday’s development camp three-on-three tournament inside Harborcenter.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Dylan Cozens to have procedure on thumb

BUFFALO – Top Sabres draft pick Dylan Cozens will undergo a procedure Wednesday on the thumb he injured during development camp, the team announced today.

The Sabres will provide an estimated recovery time later this week.

Cozens, the seventh overall selection last month, hurt his left thumb when defenseman Brandon Hickey hip-checked him during Saturday’s three-on-three tournament inside Harborcenter.

After Cozens, 18, got up from the ice, he removed his glove and examined his thumb, ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Dylan Cozens suffers thumb injury

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Dylan Cozens left this morning’s development camp three-on-three tournament with a thumb injury after defenseman Brandon Hickey hip-checked him at the blue line.

After Cozens got up from the ice, he removed his left glove and examined his thumb, which was bent awkwardly. He then skated off the ice.

Update: Cozens said he’s “not concerned” about his thumb, which isn’t broken.

“It’s good,” he said. “I saw the videos and stuff. ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Sean Malone signs AHL contract with Amerks

BUFFALO – Center Sean Malone’s 2018-19 season started ominously. After some impressive performances early in his second NHL training camp, the West Seneca native injured his knee in the Sabres’ preseason opener.

So instead of competing for a spot on the big club, Malone, 24, didn’t play his first game until Nov. 7 with the Rochester Americans.

Injuries limited Malone to only 38 appearances during a frustrating campaign. The Harvard product never seemed to ... Read the full article