Davies - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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 reassign three prospects for World Junior Championship

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday reassigned three of their top forward prospects – Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund and Isak Rosen – to their respective national teams for the upcoming World Junior Championship.

Kulich (Czech Republic) and Rosen (Sweden) have spent their first season in North America with the Rochester Americans, while Ostlund (Sweden) has played for Djurgardens, a pro team in HockeyAllsvenskan.

Kulich, 18, has scored six goals and 16 points in 24 games ... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres, who played Thursday’s game with just five healthy defensemen, have recalled Jeremy Davies from the Rochester Americans.

Lower-body injuries forced defensemen Jacob Bryson, Henri Jokiharju, Ilya Lyubushkin and Owen Power to all miss Thursday’s 4-2 road win over the Colorado Avalanche.

Power was a late scratch prior to Thursday’s game. Lyubushkin, meanwhile, resumed practicing on Wednesday and is working toward a return.... Read the full article

Henri Jokiharju practices with Sabres; Vinnie Hinostroza expected to return

BUFFALO – Shortly before Wednesday’s practice, Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju was on the KeyBank Center ice skating in a gold jersey and tinted visor. When the session began, he stayed out, participating in a non-contact role.

Jokiharju’s first practice since suffering an upper-body injury Oct. 20 is simply a first step, Sabres coach Don Granato said. Right now, there’s no timetable for his return.

The Finn, 23, hasn’t played since a puck hit him in ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jeff Skinner racking up assists, showing playmaking skills

BUFFALO – Jeff Skinner’s stat line looks a little different this season. Through 10 games, the Sabres winger has registered two goals and eight assists.

Why is that unusual? Well, only three times in 12 NHL seasons – in his first two years and again in 2017-18 – has Skinner finished with more assists than goals.

Over his career, Skinner, an aggressive, shifty presence, has scored 300 goals and registered 252 assists. He’s known more ... Read the full article

Sabres expect ‘angry’ Penguins team; Eric Comrie starts again

BUFFALO – The Pittsburgh Penguins limped into town this morning in the midst of one of their worst stretches in recent memory.

In Tuesday’s 6-5 home loss to the Boston Bruins, they blew three-goal second-period lead before falling in overtime. At least the Penguins earned a point, ending their four-game regulation losing streak.

They lost every game of their western road trip late last month, scoring just six goals.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Buffalo adds defenseman; Jacob Bryson seizing leading role

BUFFALO – Just nine games in, the Sabres have already dipped deep into their defense reserves. Hours before Monday’s 8-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings, they recalled Jeremy Davies from the Rochester Americans.

Davies, 25, is the ninth defenseman who has been on the roster this season.

“We’re banged up on the back end and that’s the need, pressing need right now,” Sabres coach Don Granato said Monday prior to Davies’ recall.

They summoned ... Read the full article

Ilya Lyubushkin out again; Sabres plan to add new defenseman

BUFFALO – After forward Riley Sheahan clears waivers or is claimed this afternoon, the Sabres plan to recall a defenseman from the Rochester Americans.

“We’re banged up on the back end and that’s the need, pressing need right now,” Sabres coach Don Granato said this morning.

Right now, having lost three defensemen – Henri Jokiharju, Ilya Lyubushkin and Mattias Samuelsson are all injured – the Sabres sorely help.

Their options, however, are limited. They’ve already ... Read the full article

D injuries could force Sabres to make trade; Peyton Krebs returns to lineup

BUFFALO – Just two weeks into the season, having lost Mattias Samuelsson, Henri Jokiharju and two more defensemen in the minors to injuries, the Sabres are considering adding depth to their blue line, Kevyn Adams said.

The general manager said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center that Samuelsson, who suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, will be sidelined “a few weeks.”

“But much ... Read the full article

Sabres make roster moves, waive three defensemen

BUFFALO – The Sabres this afternoon placed defensemen Kale Clague, Jeremy Davies and Chase Priskie on waivers.

If they clear, coach Don Granato said they will be assigned to the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres have 26 players – 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalies – left in training camp. They must finalize their 23-man regular-season roster by 5 p.m. Monday.

Update: Clague, Davies and Priskie have cleared and been assigned to the Amerks.... Read the full article