Dahlin - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres lose Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring to injuries

BUFFALO – After missing the first week of training camp with a lower-body injury, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen began practicing and ramping up to begin the season as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie.

On Wednesday, the Sabres planned for Luukkonen to play the opening 40 minutes in his first preseason action.

The Finn lasted one period before he re-aggravated his injury and was replaced by Alexandar Georgiev for precautionary reasons.... Read the full article

After season in minors, Ryan Johnson making case for roster spot with Sabres

BUFFALO – Right now, the Sabres possess so much notable depth that a strong argument can be made for keeping every bubble player left in training camp.

Center Tyson Kozak’s gritty, mature style grabbed the Sabres’ attention during his 21-game look last season. Josh Dunne’s heavy game might fit nicely on the fourth line. Dunne, one of the AHL’s best all-around centers, has a one-way contract this season.

Goalie Alexandar Georgiev led the NHL in ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo loses another player to injury, gets one back

BUFFALO – Another day, another injury for the Sabres.

Coach Lindy Ruff said this morning winger Zach Benson has “a little bit of an ailment that we’re keeping him off the ice for.” He said the injury is only a “short-term thing.”

Benson joins defensemen Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) and Owen Power (strain) and forwards Jordan Greenway (mid body) and Noah Ostlund (undisclosed) on the sideline.... Read the full article

In mature rookie Radim Mrtka, Sabres have special defense prospect

BUFFALO – About 12 minutes into his third preseason outing, Sabres rookie Radim Mrtka saw an opportunity materialize deep in his own zone and took off down the middle of the ice.

When Mrtka, 18, reached the Detroit blue line, he caught up to forward Konsta Helenius, who held the puck on the left wing, and slipped past a Red Wings defender.

Helenius, 19, then pivoted and adroitly fed a streaking Mrtka, who beat Red ... Read the full article

Following trade and injury, Sabres’ Josh Norris settling into prominent role

BUFFALO – Sabres center Josh Norris experienced an unusual summer. For the first time in three years, he was healthy enough to enjoy a normal offseason of training.

“You kind of forget what it’s like to have a fully healthy summer and have to worry about anything physically,” Norris said following an early session of training camp in KeyBank Center. “So, yeah, I’m ready to go.”

Injuries have dogged Norris, 26, for years, limiting him ... Read the full article

In newcomer Zac Jones, Sabres possess intriguing talent with ‘offensive flair’

BUFFALO – Over the last two seasons with the New York Rangers, as he often sat out for weeks at a time as a healthy scratch, Sabres newcomer Zac Jones said his thoughts would occasionally go to a bad place.

“There’s definitely things that pop into your mind,” the defenseman told the Times Herald following Friday’s practice in KeyBank Center, where the Sabres host a preseason game this afternoon against the Detroit Red Wings.

Still, ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Konsta Helenius has grit to complement skill, scores early

BUFFALO – With less than a minute remaining in Monday’s 4-0 road win in Columbus, Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius grabbed a pass at the blue line and skated down the right wing toward Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves.

A scoring opportunity in the waning seconds of the preseason opener hardly seems important, especially when you’re up 3-0.

Still, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wanted Helenius, 19, to convert his prime chance.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Bowen Byram aware of trade rumors during summer; Mason Geertsen Buffalo’s new ‘enforcer’

BUFFALO – You bet Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram heard his name repeatedly materialize in trade rumors during the offseason.

“I feel like I’ve been in trade rumors since I first came into the league,” Byram said Monday morning in KeyBank Center. “It’s not anything new for me. I definitely see them and whatever. But at the end of that day, I have a job to do in the summer, which is prepare for the upcoming ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin reveals fiancée recovering after heart transplant

BUFFALO – These days, following the most difficult time of his life, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said he finds himself in a good place.

His fiancée, Carolina Matovac, is home recovering in Sweden after experiencing major heart failure early in the summer while vacationing in France and receiving life-saving CPR.

After spending weeks on life support, she received a heart transplant.

Dahlin, 25, draws inspiration watching her recovery.... Read the full article

Sabres begin season facing questions about UPL’s injury and Alex Tuch’s contract extension

BUFFALO – Maybe the Sabres’ fan base is too busy reveling in the Bills’ early-season success to pay much attention. Or perhaps, more likely, many of their supporters have lost interest in a team that owns an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought.

Whatever the case, there’s little buzz around the Sabres as they begin another season.

Players report today to KeyBank Center for physicals and testing. The first on-ice sessions will be held Thursday at LECOM ... Read the full article