Granato - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Victor Olofsson earns spot on first line after fast finish

BUFFALO – As Victor Olofsson’s goal drought dragged on last season, Sabres coach Don Granato began offering some insight into why the winger suddenly stopped scoring.

Olofsson, Granato explained, was battling a soft issue injury – it turned out to be his wrist – that hampered his shooting, his greatest asset. He would massage the puck, and that extra split-second allowed the goalie to catch up.

“He was frustrated and very down because he couldn’t ... Read the full article

At 41, Sabres’ Craig Anderson receives coveted opening night assignment

BUFFALO – In Craig Anderson, Sabres coach Don Granato sees a passionate veteran goalie who understands the end is nearing.

“Craig is a guy that’s very connected to his love of the game, and he sees, hey, my career’s coming to an end, I’m clear and definitively going to miss this, so I’m going to love what I’m going to miss,” Granato said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators ... Read the full article

Sabres don’t see Mattias Samuelsson’s contract as risky: ‘He is the antidote’

BUFFALO – The sample size is small, just 54 games over parts of two NHL seasons. Still, it was enough to convince the Sabres that defenseman Mattias Samuelsson deserved a seven-year, $30 million contract extension.

The massive deal, announced Wednesday shortly after the Sabres extended coach Don Granato’s contract, certainly raised some eyebrows.

But the Sabres don’t feel it’s a risky move. In the 6-foot-4, 227-pound Samuelsson, a top-pair defender, they believe they possess a ... Read the full article

Don Granato, Kevyn Adams give Sabres stability: ‘We are going to win’

BUFFALO – The new contract the Sabres awarded coach Don Granato illustrates the much-needed stability they’ve developed under general manager Kevyn Adams.

Over the past six weeks, Adams, Granato, leading scorer Tage Thompson and top-pair defenseman Mattias Samuelsson have all signed extensions.

On Wednesday, the eve of the season opener, the Sabres announced Granato’s “multi-year” contract and Samuelsson’s seven-year, $30 million deal within an hour.... Read the full article

Sabres sign coach Don Granato, Mattias Samuelsson to contract extensions

BUFFALO – In signing coach Don Granato to a multi-year contract extension, the Sabres have stability behind the bench they haven’t enjoyed since Lindy Ruff’s tenure in the early 2000s.

In inking Mattias Samuelsson to a seven-year, $30 million deal, they locked up a 22-year-old first-pair defenseman.

This morning was very significant for the Sabres, who open the season Thursday against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres excited to add JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn to roster: ‘They will acclimate’

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie JJ Peterka stood before the media in his sweat-soaked practice uniform, a smile etched on his face.

On Monday, general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka, 20, and Jack Quinn, 21, and informed them they had earned a spot in the Sabres’ opening night lineup.

Two years ago, after drafting Quinn eighth overall, Adams moved up to take Peterka with the 34th pick after the German surprisingly fell out of ... Read the full article

Sabres captain Kyle Okposo cleared to play following injury

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Kyle Okposo has been cleared to play after suffering an upper-body last week, coach Don Granato said.

Okposo, 34, practiced fully Tuesday, skating at right wing beside center Rasmus Asplund and Zemgus Girgensons.

“He won’t be denied,” Don Granato said following the session at LECOM Harborcenter. “… Evident by the way he competes in practice, he’s ready to go.”... Read the full article

Captain Kyle Okposo helped Sabres transform culture, grow close

BUFFALO – Coach Don Granato acknowledged the Sabres could’ve named Kyle Okposo their new captain long before Saturday. But in waiting, fans could get to know the team, watch it develop and understand the 16-year veteran’s influence on the group.

“Everybody now has seen enough of Kyle to realize that this is the right move for our organization,” Granato said following Monday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter. “That I’m real proud of. It’s not like we ... Read the full article

Confident Rasmus Asplund wants to create more offense for Sabres

BUFFALO – From his perch above the ice last spring at Nokia Arena, Sabres coach Don Granato proudly watched Rasmus Asplund’s exploits for Team Sweden.

Asplund, 24, carried the confidence he generated during his first full NHL season into the World Championship, seizing a starring role in Tampere, Finland.

Over two weeks, he morphed into a first-line winger and his country’s most utilized forward, scoring six goals in eight games.... Read the full article

Lawrence Pilut, Chase Priskie and other D help Sabres upgrade depth

BUFFALO – The Sabres have likely known for months which seven defensemen will comprise their opening night roster.

Jacob Bryson, Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Jokiharju, Casey Fitzgerald, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson entrenched themselves on the blue line last season. In signing Ilya Lyubushkin in free agency, the Sabres added a gritty veteran presence they lacked.

But what about the rest of the defense corps? Given the rugged nature of the position, defensemen are always at ... Read the full article