Granato - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Eric Robinson’s brother, Buddy, set strong example; Jeff Skinner recovering from injury

BUFFALO – Sabres newcomer Eric Robinson acknowledged that, yes, Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Jackets, his former team, possessed “a little extra meaning.”

The Blue Jackets, after all, gave Robinson his big chance, signing him as a free agent out of Princeton in 2018. The New Jersey native grew up in their organization, playing 266 NHL games before the Sabres traded a conditional seventh-round pick in 2025 on Dec. 6 in exchange for the winger.... Read the full article

Jacob Bryson clears waivers, assigned to Amerks by Sabres

BUFFALO – Now that defenseman Jacob Bryson has cleared waivers and been assigned to the Rochester Americans, the Sabres hope he can start playing games again.

Bryson, 26, had spent all season as the Sabres’ seventh or eighth defenseman, playing just three times before they placed him on waivers Monday.

Tuesday’s assignment to the Amerks, his first stint in the AHL since 2020-21, offers him an opportunity to find a groove again. He hasn’t played ... Read the full article

Jeff Skinner, other injured Sabres could play soon

BUFFALO – By the end of the week, the Sabres could have a healthy forward corps for the first time this season.

Winger Jack Quinn, out since tearing his Achilles tendon in late June, will make his season debut tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Quinn, 22, skated this morning at left wing alongside center Tyson Jost and Victor Olofsson. Coach Don Granato also said Quinn will also kill penalties.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Quinn could return from injury against Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – When Jack Quinn took Alex Tuch’s spot at right wing alongside center Tage Thompson and Zach Benson during Monday’s practice, it appeared he was simply filling in on the Sabres’ top line.

Since Quinn, who tore his Achilles tendon training in late June and underwent surgery, returned to practice earlier this month, he has been sharing reps or subbing for someone.

But it turns out he was ready to graduate to a larger ... Read the full article

After post-suspension slump, Sabres’ Connor Clifton playing aggressively, producing offense

BUFFALO – For weeks, the hit kept playing in the back of Connor Clifton’s head. The Sabres defensemen couldn’t let go of it.

“You’re going to make a hit, and then you’re like, ‘Oh, wait, I just got suspended for two games, right?’” Clifton said following Tuesday’s practice in KeyBank Center.

The affable Clifton, one of the NHL’s most aggressive hitters, had never been suspended before he thumped Devils captain Nico Hischier in the head ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Don Granato grateful for support as brother, Tony, battles cancer

BUFFALO – Having battled cancer in 2005, Sabres coach Don Granato understands what his older brother, Tony, is experiencing right now.

On Sunday, Tony, 59, announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and would be taking a temporary leave of absence from his job as an analyst with NBC Sports Chicago.

The last three or four weeks, Don Granato said, have been challenging.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Eric Robinson scores in win, making fast impact in Buffalo

BUFFALO – In Eric Robinson’s first days here, the Sabres have started playing a more tenacious, direct style. It’s no coincidence.

High compete, Sabres coach Don Granato said, rubs off.

“We haven’t had enough of that, we’ve had it intermittent,” Granato said following Monday’s 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, a game in which Robinson scored one goal and three points.

With Robinson, the Sabres have possessed it regularly. They’re 2-0-1 since they traded a ... Read the full article

‘Persistence’ helps Brett Murray earn recall from Sabres: ‘Lots of initiative’

BUFFALO – Sometimes, Sabres coach Don Granato explained, young players return to the minors and don’t get any better. As they wait for that next recall, they’re not focused on improving for when another chance materializes.

Then there are players like winger Brett Murray, who on Monday was recalled from the Rochester Americans.

“I’ve tried to keep myself ready and prepared for this moment,” he said prior Monday’s 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes, his ... Read the full article

Alex Tuch nears return from injury after birth of son; Mattias Samuelsson ‘sore’

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Alex Tuch called it “weirdly good timing.” While being away from the team was difficult, the hamstring injury he suffered allowed him to spend more time with his wife, Kylie, as they prepared for the birth of their son.

“It’s never a good time to get injured, but if I’m going to get injured and be able to 100 percent be there for the birth of my son, I’ll take it,” ... Read the full article

Despite missed chances, Sabres keep forging identity in loss to Canadiens

BUFFALO – The final result, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, stings. The Sabres squandered opportunities all night, pumping a season-high 48 shots on goal and failing to convert six power plays, including one that carried into overtime.

In Saturday’s shootout, they needed one stop to secure back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.

Still, in losing for the sixth time in eight outings (2-5-1), the Sabres at least carried over ... Read the full article