Granato - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Arttu Ruotsalainen developing into different type of scoring threat

BUFFALO – In trying to evolve and score more goals, Sabres center Arttu Ruotsalainen has embraced a saying from his native Finland.

Ruotsalainen, 24, understands he can’t simply rely on his lethal shot from the perimeter. What worked in Europe and during his brief stint in the AHL won’t translate to success in the NHL.

To consistently score, the 5-foot-9, 187-pound rookie knows he must go to the net and battle for “dirty goals.”

“We ... Read the full article

Sabres make roster moves; Victor Olofsson close to return

BUFFALO – Goalie Craig Anderson is day to day with an upper-body injury, so the Sabres this morning recalled Aaron Dell from the Rochester Americans.

So, does that mean Dustin Tokarski, who has performed splendidly in his four starts this season, will play tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center? Sabres coach Don Granato said this morning he hasn’t decided on his starting goalie.

Update: Tokarski is starting tonight.

So far, Tokarski has ... Read the full article

New Sabres prospect Peyton Krebs has special opportunity with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Peyton Krebs woke up in his Ottawa hotel room Thursday morning after having what he called a “weird dream” and checked his phone. Immediately, his heart started racing.

Krebs, who was expecting to play for the Vegas Golden Knights that night, had a few missed calls from general manager Kelly McCrimmon.

Around 6 or 7 a.m., Krebs, 20, learned the Buffalo Sabres acquired him in the blockbuster trade that sent star center Jack ... Read the full article

Sabres excited about adding Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs to young core

In trading ex-captain Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Buffalo Sabres acquired no immediate help for their lineup.

Winger Alex Tuch, who grew up in Baldwinsville rooting for the Sabres, is recovering from shoulder surgery. General manager Kevyn Adams said Tuch will likely be sidelined two more months.

Meanwhile, shortly after the deal was announced, the Sabres assigned center prospect Peyton Krebs, who has 13 games of NHL experience, to the Rochester ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Jack Eichel to Golden Knights for players, picks

The Jack Eichel saga ended this morning after nearly six months, with the Buffalo Sabres trading their disgruntled former captain to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for two players and two picks.

The Sabres received forwards Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch, a first-round pick in 2022 and a second-round pick in 2023 for the dynamic center. They also sent the Golden Knights a third-round pick in 2023. The first-rounder is top-10 protected.

The ... Read the full article

Sabres lose aggression, fall to Sharks; Victor Olofsson close to returning

As the Buffalo Sabres roared out to a surprising start this season, they established a simple, straightforward identity by playing so aggressively.

Given their lack of star power, that style has become their bread and butter. If they get away from it, well, losses like Tuesday’s 5-3 setback to the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center will happen.

The Sabres faced a Sharks team ravaged by COVID-19 and ripe to be exploited. Seven players and ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Victor Olofsson questionable for Sharks game

Leading scorer Victor Olofsson is questionable for the Buffalo Sabres’ road game tonight against the San Jose Sharks.

Olofsson, 26, has been battling a soft tissue injury. The Sabres held the Swede out of their game day skate at SAP Center.

“He had an injury or an aggravation in a spot we just don’t want to aggravate it, so we’re doing a little bit more on it,” Sabres coach Don Granato said on a Zoom ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jack Quinn recognized for dynamic month with Amerks

Buffalo Sabres prospect Jack Quinn has been recognized for his dynamic start with the Rochester Americans.

The AHL on Monday named Quinn, who recorded five goals and a whopping 10 points in his first six games this season, the Rookie of the Month for October.

Quinn, a winger the Sabres drafted eighth overall in 2020, has registered at least one goal or two points in four of the six contests. He surpassed last year’s point ... Read the full article

Sabres’ road opponents dealing with COVID-19: ‘It is nerve-wracking’

Just minutes before Sunday afternoon’s game, the Los Angeles Kings placed forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Gabe Vilardi on the COVID-19 protocol-related absences list.

The San Jose Sharks, the Buffalo Sabres’ opponent Tuesday, placed seven players and coach Bob Boughner on the list prior to Saturday afternoon’s home contest, which was delayed 30 minutes. The Sharks had to recall five players from the San Jose Barracuda, their AHL affiliate.

COVID protocols forced the AHL to ... Read the full article

Sabres start fast but lose to Kings; Don Granato makes changes

Buffalo Sabres winger Victor Olofsson’s second-period goal Sunday afternoon felt like a back-breaker against the Los Angeles Kings.

Barely four minutes after winger Rasmus Asplund’s short-handed score, Olofsson capitalized on Jacob Bryson’s blocked shot, beating goalie Jonathan Quick from the slot after the defenseman poked the puck to him.

At the 7:39 mark, the Sabres led 2-0. The Kings, having won the previous afternoon, should’ve had less energy than the Sabres.

But Olofsson’s third goal ... Read the full article