Deslauriers - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Matt Moulson determined to prove doubters wrong

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Matt Moulson knows he has plenty of doubters. The former 30-goal scorer understands following a miserable year punctuated by his general manager challenging his work habits, some support for him has eroded.

Moulson, 32, has clearly been humbled. An eight-goal season can do that. So can drawing Tim Murray’s ire.

“I definitely have a chip on my shoulder coming in to prove a lot of people wrong that maybe lost a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ recent drafts have yielded potential high-end talent

BUFFALO – To thrive in the modern NHL, teams must build through the draft. It’s that simple. The days of loading up with veteran players through free agency or trades are long gone. The league belongs to the 20-somethings now, and if teams draft poorly, they’re doomed.

How good are the Sabres at drafting? Judge for yourself below. Since drafts usually don’t start paying dividends for a few years, here’s a look at their selections ... Read the full article

Acquiring Jimmy Vesey’s rights could be first move of week for Sabres

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ acquisition of Hobey Baker Award winner Jimmy Vesey’s rights Monday could be the first of several notable moves general manager Tim Murray makes this NHL Draft week.

Murray, of course, has a penchant for wheeling and dealing, and with the Sabres hosting the draft and 11 picks in their arsenal, he might want to make a big splash.

The Sabres traded a 2016 third-round pick, 76^th overall, for the 6-foot-2, ... Read the full article

Sabres acquire Jimmy Vesey’s rights from Predators

BUFFALO – The Sabres today acquired the rights to Hobey Baker Award winner Jimmy Vesey from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a third-round draft pick, 76^th overall, in this weekend’s NHL Draft.

The Sabres have until Aug. 15 to sign him.

Vesey, 23, refused to sign with the Predators, who drafted the forward in the third round, 66^th overall, in 2012, following a 24-goal, 46-point senior season at Harvard University in which ... Read the full article

Junior season helped Sabres prospect Hudson Fasching develop

BUFFALO – When Hudson Fasching chose to play his junior season instead of signing with the Sabres, the winger said the opportunity to develop leadership skills enticed him back for another year at the University of Minnesota.

In his final NCAA campaign, Fasching, 20, served as one of four alternate captains on a team with only three seniors. Golden Gophers coach Don Lucia also leaned on Fasching more than ever, utilizing the 6-foot-2, 216-pound power ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Hudson Fasching to entry-level contract

BUFFALO – The Sabres signed winger Hudson Fasching to a three-year, entry-level contract Monday, adding to their stable of talented forward prospects.

The 20-year-old will start with the Sabres immediately, according to multiple reports, meaning the first year of his deal will likely be used this season.

Fasching just finished his junior season at the University of Minnesota, scoring a team-high 20 goals, including seven game-winners, and 38 points in 37 games. The Sabres’ best ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Nick Deslauriers savors each goal

TORONTO – As a third- or fourth-liner known more for his fists than his soft hands, gritty Buffalo Sabres winger Nick Deslauriers has endured some long goal droughts.

While the likable Deslauriers scored his career-high sixth goal in Friday’s 3-1 home win against the Ottawa Senators, he has only 12 in his 160-game career. After scoring three times in the first 11 games this season, the former defenseman went 41 appearances before finally scoring again ... Read the full article

Sam Reinhart hits 20-goal mark in Sabres’ win over Senators

BUFFALO – The significance should be noted. For the first time in 41 years and only the third time in franchise history, two Sabres rookies – Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart – have scored 20 goals.

The 20-goal mark has long been a standard in hockey. In this low-scoring era, the milestone has an increased importance.

Just months into their NHL careers, the youngsters drafted second overall and charged with leading the Sabres back to ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly might have ice time limited in return

BUFFALO – Since a broken right foot has sidelined Ryan O’Reilly the last 11 games, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma wants to ease his No. 1 center and most versatile asset back into the lineup tonight after a 26-day absence.

So O’Reilly, who plays more than any NHL forward at 21 minutes, 51 seconds a game, might see a little less action against the Montreal Canadiens inside the First Niagara Center.

“I think you do ease ... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly’s return means Sabres will switch up lines

BUFFALO – The sample size, of course, is pretty small – barely eight games over the last two weeks. Still, the line comprised of slick rookies Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart and young veteran Evander Kane has given the Sabres a legitimate No. 1 NHL scoring combination for the first time in years.

Think back a bit. When was the last time the Sabres had a top trio on par with some of the league’s ... Read the full article