Jacksonville Icemen - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka quickly impressing with Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – For the time being at least, Buffalo Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka is adapting to the rigors of pro hockey as a member of the Americans.

The AHL, of course, can be unforgiving for teenagers and other neophytes, especially defenseman. But after earning a long look in training camp, rather than sending Mrtka, 18, back to junior hockey, the Sabres assigned him to the Amerks.

How long could the Czech stay? Remember, Sabres general ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris will miss ‘significant amount of time’ with injury

Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters this morning in Boston that center Josh Norris will miss “a significant amount of time” after suffering an upper-body injury in Thursday’s season-opening loss to the New York Rangers.

“I don’t know what that amount is for sure,” Ruff said prior to tonight’s game against the Bruin in TD Garden.

Ruff said Norris, who was injured taking a faceoff late in the 4-0 loss, is still being evaluated.... Read the full article

Williamsville’s Trevor Kuntar agrees to AHL contract with Rochester Amerks

Williamsville native Trevor Kuntar has joined the Rochester Americans.

The Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate on Thursday announced it has agreed to terms with Kuntar, a forward, and defenseman Peter Tischke on one-year AHL contracts.

Kuntar, 24, spent his first two pro seasons with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate. Boston did not give him a qualifying offer last month, making him a free agent.... Read the full article

After difficult two years, Sabres goalie prospect Topias Leinonen thriving

BUFFALO – When the Sabres drafted goalie Topias Leinonen 41st overall in 2022, they likely believed he would be ready to begin his career in North America in three years.

Sure enough, Leinonen, having signed his entry-level contract in March, is expected to start the upcoming season with the Rochester Americans or the Jacksonville Icemen, their ECHL affiliate.

Leinonen, 21, just enjoyed a standout season for Mora IK, a second-tier pro team in Sweden, compiling ... Read the full article

How Brendan Warren developed into asset for Rochester Amerks and Sabres organization after almost losing career

ROCHESTER – Brendan Warren had nothing going on in his hockey career. The Americans winger couldn’t even find a place to skate.

Two NHL teams that had held his rights passed on signing him. After finishing an underwhelming tenure at the University of Michigan, he briefly latched on with the Indy Fuel, an ECHL team.

At the end of training camp in 2019, the Fuel cut him.

So Warren, a third-round pick by the Arizona ... Read the full article

As UPL tightens grip on No. 1 job, what do the Sabres do with Devon Levi?

BUFFALO – After rotating games with Devon Levi for two weeks, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has grabbed the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie job again, starting four straight games and nine of the last 10 contests.

Luukkonen’s emergence is hardly surprising. The Finn, 25, established himself as the Sabres’ backbone and one of the NHL’s elite goalies down the stretch last season, playing 36 of the last 43 games. He thrives with the consistent action.

Entering this ... Read the full article

Prospect Olivier Nadeau impressing Sabres after demotion to ECHL

BUFFALO – Through two games of the Prospects Challenge, winger Olivier Nadeau, the only player with an NHL contract the Sabres assigned to the ECHL last season, has emerged as perhaps their biggest surprise.

Nadeau, 21, has showcased an aggressive, heavy game, scoring a power-play goal in Friday’s opener and generating offense both nights. With the Sabres trailing by one goal late in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, his dogged backchecking ... Read the full article

Sabres assign forward prospect Anton Wahlberg to Rochester, make other roster move

The Buffalo Sabres this morning assigned forward prospect Anton Wahlberg, who spent all season playing for Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League, to the Rochester Americans.

The Amerks, who are fighting for a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, have 11 games left, starting with this afternoon’s home contest against the Utica Comets.

Wahlberg, 18, compiled five goals and 10 points in 42 games with Malmo this season. He also recorded one goal and three ... Read the full article

Tyson Jost clears waivers, assigned to Amerks; Sabres send rookie to AHL

BUFFALO – The Sabres on Friday assigned center Tyson Jost to the Rochester Americans after he cleared waivers.

Jost, 25, hasn’t played in the AHL since an eight-game stint with the Colorado Eagles in 2018-19. He has made just 13 appearances in the minors since turning pro in 2017.

The Sabres on Friday also activated center Tage Thompson from the non-roster list and sent rookie defenseman Ryan Johnson to the Amerks in a paper transaction ... Read the full article

Sabres announce Jacksonville Icemen as new ECHL affiliate

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday announced they have signed an agreement with the Jacksonville Icemen to serve as their new ECHL affiliate.

The Sabres spent the previous six years affiliated with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Jacksonville, meanwhile, recently served as the New York Rangers’ affiliate.

The Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ AHL affiliate, can recall players from Jacksonville when they need help.... Read the full article