Dunne - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius on hot streak, scoring goals for Rochester

ROCHESTER – Not much has changed recently for Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius. Well, other than the goal-scoring streak the center extended to four games in Friday’s 6-3 win.

Helenius, 18, has pretty much played the same way from the get-go as a rookie, Americans assistant coach Vinny Prospal said.

“Basically the only thing (that) changed (is) that he found the net (on a) couple of occasions,” Prospal said prior to tonight’s game ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius looks sharp late in Rochester debut

ROCHESTER – In the opening minutes of his AHL debut, Konsta Helenius looked a bit overwhelmed, turning the puck over twice in his own zone during a power play. During a man advantage later in the first period, the Buffalo Sabres prospect fell down at the point, creating a breakaway for the Belleville Senators.

But as Friday’s game progressed, Helenius, 18, settled in, displaying some of the talent that made him the 14th overall pick... Read the full article

Three years after trade, Sabres’ Peyton Krebs trying to reinvent himself

BUFFALO – During practices, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has noticed Peyton Krebs possesses the skill to make what he called “special plays.” Of course, having registered 20 goals and 66 points in his career, the center only occasionally showcases that talent in games.

In Krebs, 23, Ruff sees a player trying to figure things out. When the Vegas Golden Knights drafted him 17th overall in 2019 and the Sabres acquired him almost three years ago ... Read the full article

Sabres assign six players to Rochester Amerks after clearing waivers

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday assigned six players to the Rochester Americans after they cleared waivers.

Goalie Felix Sandstrom, defenseman Colton Poolman and Jack Rathbone and forwards Josh Dunne, Mason Jobst and Brett Murray have all joined the Sabres’ AHL affiliate.

All six players received an extended looking during NHL training camp because Buffalo’s regular team traveled to Europe last week for its season-opening trip.... Read the full article

Before first season with Amerks, Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund dazzles in NHL

BUFFALO – Sometimes the NHL preseason must be analyzed appropriately. What kind of competition was that prospect who scored a nifty goal or enjoyed a standout night facing? Was he competing against top talent or minor leaguers and undersized youngsters?

If you dissect Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund’s recent exploits – the center scored one goal, an overtime winner, and four points in four exhibition outings – everything probably looks more impressive than first thought.

Ostlund, ... Read the full article

Sabres send 10 players to Rochester Amerks, waive six others

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday loaned 10 players, including center Konsta Helenius, their first-round pick earlier this year, to the Rochester Americans and placed six players on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to their AHL affiliate.

The Sabres also released nine players who are expected to join the Amerks from their training camp tryouts and returned goalie Scott Ratzlaff to the Seattle Thunderbirds, his junior team.... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects get final chance to impress

Two wins and a third-period lead against an NHL lineup isn’t bad, right? The group of Sabres closing out the preseason in Buffalo as the regular team prepares for Friday’s season opener in Czechia has looked impressive.

Following two 3-2 road wins, a team mostly comprised of Rochester Americans led the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Saturday before falling 6-3.

Tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, that group B group closes out ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Noah Ostlund, other prospects earn another game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres split into two groups Tuesday – the regular team traveled overseas to start the season, while the B group stayed here to complete training camp – a special opportunity materialized for some players.

Prospects and minor leaguers who would’ve normally received little or no action have an extended look as the Sabres complete their preseason schedule.

On Tuesday, a group filled with youngsters and AHL talent won a 3-2 road ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund set to make debuts

BUFFALO – Fresh off two exhibition wins in which they dressed a regular-season lineup and throttled the competition, the Sabres will use minor leaguers for tonight’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Later today, about 25 or so Sabres will leave for the team’s season-opening trip to Europe. Meanwhile, the rest of the training camp roster will stay in Buffalo and complete the preseason schedule.

So tonight’s roster is filled with AHL and ECHL talent. ... Read the full article