Rob Ray usually provides color analysis from ice level. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres legend Rob Ray developed into much more than fighter

BUFFALO – Forget about all of those fights. In his prime, legendary Sabres tough guy Rob Ray often impacted games with more than his fists.

Ray, who was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame in an emotional ceremony prior to Friday’s 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators, played a fearless and heavy style as a winger. He could be relentless and wear opponents out.

“Robby was a really good skater,” said John Van Boxmeer, ... Read the full article

Rob Ray would take on any heavyweight. ©2025, Janet Schultz

Sabres Hall of Fame: Despite pleas from coach, Rob Ray fought Dave Brown, became NHL heavyweight

BUFFALO – John Muckler’s voice cut through the din of the crowd that night 32 years ago as Sabres tough guy Rob Ray squared off with hulking Philadelphia Flyers heavyweight Dave Brown.

Muckler, having coached Brown with the Edmonton Oilers, knew him well. He feared Ray could be in way over his head.

The 6-foot-5 Brown, after all, ranked among the NHL’s most feared and punishing fighters. Few dared to challenge him.

So from the ... Read the full article

James Reimer has played 501 NHL games. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres notes: James Reimer added to goalie mix; Amerks’ roster filling up

BUFFALO – Having decided to utilize two young goalies next season, the Sabres needed to find a veteran to provide depth at the critical position.

So on Tuesday, they signed James Reimer, 36, to a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million.

That salary, of course, is hefty for a No. 3 goalie who will likely play in the minors. Still, general manager Kevyn Adams, who recently said the Sabres plan to have Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 25, ... Read the full article

Fred Stanfield skates in a Sabres Alumni game in 2004. ©2021, Janet Schultz

Fred Stanfield, member of Sabres’ first Stanley Cup finalist team, dies at 77

When Fred Stanfield joined the Buffalo Sabres midway through the 1974-75 season, Rick Dudley figured the accomplished veteran and two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Boston Bruins deserved to have the No. 17 he had worn throughout most of his NHL career.

So Dudley, who was in his third season, offered Stanfield the number. He graciously accepted and never forgot about the special gesture.

“He was so appreciative that I would give him that number,” ... Read the full article

Rene Robert (14) earned the respect of teammates like Mike Robitaille (clapping) during his career in Buffalo. ©2021, Janet Schultz

Rene Robert seized opportunity with Sabres, became legend: ‘Could do it all’

When Mike Robitaille caught up with Rene Robert last year, he was struck by how well his old friend and Buffalo Sabres teammate looked.

Robert, who was approaching his 72nd birthday, had a trim physique and a full head of hair. Robitaille saw the same man he had played with almost 50 years earlier.

“Looked like a young Rene to me, just kind of bouncing along and feeling good,” Robitaille told the Times Herald on ... Read the full article

John Muckler helped the Sabres establish themselves as an NHL power again. ©2021, Janet Schultz

John Muckler, coach and GM of Sabres in 1990s, dies at 86

John Muckler, the coach and general manager of the Buffalo Sabres for much of the 1990s, died Monday. He was 86.

Glen Sather, who brought Muckler to the Edmonton Oilers as they began their Stanley Cup dynasty in the early 1980s, told the Edmonton Journal his friend had been in failing health.

“John had a heart attack, then he had heart surgery, then he fell in his recovery, then he got COVID,” Sather told the ... Read the full article

Rick Vaive was still a 30-goal scorer when he joined the Sabres. ©2020, Janet Schultz

Former Sabres star Rick Vaive describes battle with alcohol in new book

In his new book, “Catch 22: My Battles, in Hockey and Life,” three-time 50-goal scorer Rick Vaive, who played four seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, offers a thoughtful account of his struggles with alcohol.

For much of his life, Vaive, a Toronto Maple Leafs legend and former captain, combated his undiagnosed anxiety by drinking. But after a doctor prescribed him medication to treat the anxiety, he kept drinking.

As his 35th birthday approached, ... Read the full article

Dale Hawerchuk is one of the NHL’s all-time greats. ©2020, Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

The quiet superstar: Sabres remember Dale Hawerchuk for humility, greatness

Earlier this week, word began spreading among Dale Hawerchuk’s friends that the Hockey Hall of Famer, whose stomach cancer returned in July, wasn’t doing well.

So around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Pat LaFontaine said he texted his former Buffalo Sabres teammate to say he was thinking about him and praying for him. About a minute later, Hawerchuk messaged LaFontaine, thanking him.

LaFontaine took Hawerchuk’s quick reply as positive news.

But later in the day, as LaFontaine ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel has worn No. 9 with Team USA. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Jack Eichel switches to No. 9

Get ready to see No. 9 jerseys all over Buffalo. Sabres star Jack Eichel changed his number today, switching from 15 to the digit he wore at Boston University.

Eichel announced his new number on Instagram, first posting a picture of himself skating in a Sabres jersey with an emoji covering his back. The center later posted a photo with the No. 9 showing and the words, “New season, new number.”

No. 9 has been ... Read the full article

Dave Andreychuk started his Sabres career in 1982. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres great Dave Andreychuk honored by Hall of Fame election

Dave Andreychuk, of course, knew it was the day. Even though the Hockey Hall of Fame had passed him over in his first nine years of eligibility, the Buffalo Sabres legend still paid attention to the annual vote.

So Monday, as Andreychuk was driving to the Tampa Bay airport to pick up his wife, Susan, who was returning from Buffalo, he noticed someone from 416, Toronto’s area code, was calling him.

“My heart started to ... Read the full article