Development Camp - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Russian prospect Prokhor Poltapov could join Sabres next year

ORCHARD PARK – Over the 2021 and 2022 drafts, the Sabres took some big swings by drafting six Russians, including four in the second and third rounds.

Just one, defenseman Vsevolod Komarov, a strong prospect with the Rochester Americans, finished last season under contract in the organization.

So far, zero have played an NHL game. That could, however, change next year.... Read the full article

In Clarence’s Gavin McCarthy, Sabres possess mature defense prospect

BUFFALO – Early in Gavin McCarthy’s second season at Boston University, coach Jay Pandolfo believes the Sabres prospect put too much pressure on himself.

The Terriers, having just lost three defensemen from their Frozen Four squad, thrust the Clarence native into a bigger, more demanding role alongside freshman defenseman Cole Hutson last season.

McCarthy, then just 19, a tender age for a sophomore in college hockey, responded by starting the campaign slowly.

“He probably had ... Read the full article

In USHL star Luke Osburn, Sabres might have special defense prospect

BUFFALO – Rochester Americans coach Mike Leone understands talking about a prospect in the same breath as a current or former NHL star can create unrealistic expectations.

Still, he wanted to illustrate how much Luke Osburn, a high-scoring defenseman the Sabres drafted in the fourth round in 2024, has impressed him.

“It’s an unfair comparison, but you know when Duncan Keith played, he was really wiry and his skating ability,” Leone said of the former ... Read the full article

After difficult two years, Sabres goalie prospect Topias Leinonen thriving

BUFFALO – When the Sabres drafted goalie Topias Leinonen 41st overall in 2022, they likely believed he would be ready to begin his career in North America in three years.

Sure enough, Leinonen, having signed his entry-level contract in March, is expected to start the upcoming season with the Rochester Americans or the Jacksonville Icemen, their ECHL affiliate.

Leinonen, 21, just enjoyed a standout season for Mora IK, a second-tier pro team in Sweden, compiling ... Read the full article

Sabres pick David Bedkowski morphed from ‘soft’ rookie into tough prospect

ORCHARD PARK – By his own admission, Buffalo Sabres prospect David Bedkowski arrived in the Ontario Hockey League as a “really soft” 15-year-old.

The toughness that has become the 6-foot-4, 221-pound right-shot defenseman’s greatest asset was non-existent.

“That wasn’t really part of my game at all,” Bedkowski said on a Zoom call Saturday after the Sabres selected him in the third round, 71st overall, in the NHL Draft.

So Derek Laxdal, his coach with the ... Read the full article

Sabres to hold 2025 development camp for prospects starting June 30

The Buffalo Sabres will hold a summer development camp for prospects from June 30 to July 3 at LECOM Harborcenter, the team announced Wednesday.

The on-ice session sessions are free and open to the public.

A camp roster will be released at a later date. Draft picks the Sabres make next week will attend.... Read the full article

Sabres to hold 2024 development camp for prospects next month

The Buffalo Sabres will hold a summer development camp for prospects from July 1 to 4 at LECOM Harborcenter, the team announced Wednesday.

The on-ice sessions are free and open to the public.

A camp roster will be announced at a later date.... Read the full article

Sabres wing prospect Jake Richard and father bonded through unique hockey journey

BUFFALO – Gilles Richard returned home following a short stint as general manager of the Augusta RiverHawks and realized he needed to keep working in hockey.

It wasn’t for selfish reasons, mind you. No, in 2011, Richard decided to stay in hockey for his son, Jake, who had developed a passion for the sport.

When Jake was born in 2004, Gilles had just started working for the Jacksonville Barracuda, a team in the fledgling Southern ... Read the full article

Slick Mats Lindgren quietly emerging as strong Sabres defensive prospect

BUFFALO – At first glance, Sabres prospect Mats Lindgren’s junior season might look a bit underwhelming.

Yes, Lindgren scored a career-high 11 goals for the Red Deer Rebels. But his assist total dropped from 39 to 23 and his point total fell from 44 to 34.

Lindgren’s known as an offensive defenseman, and in his first junior season after the Sabres drafted him, he hardly posted eye-popping numbers.... Read the full article

Sabres to hold 2023 development camp for prospects next month

The Buffalo Sabres will hold a summer development camp for prospects from July 2 to 6 at LECOM Harborcenter, the team announced Friday.

The on-ice sessions are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A roster will be announced at a later date.... Read the full article