WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
January Edition
Chad Johnson enjoyed a career season in 2015-16. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
All along, Chad Johnson said, returning to Buffalo was his first choice. The goalie thrived in his only season with the Sabres, becoming the team’s backbone while playing a career-high 45 games.
But when free agency opened in June, Johnson quickly learned how much his career year had impressed other NHL teams.
Johnson, 30, said he talked to six or seven suitors, including his hometown Calgary Flames.
“You talk to other teams and (learn how) ... Read the full article
Anders Nilsson played for two teams last season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – After a goalie reneged on a verbal agreement with the Sabres on Friday, general manager Tim Murray said he was open to anything – a trade, landing another free agent or even using prospect Linus Ullmark – to fill the backup role.
With most of the established goalies in the Sabres’ price range already signed, Murray went the trade route today, sending a 2017 fifth-round draft pick to the St. Louis Blues for ... Read the full article
Kyle Okposo was sold on Buffalo early. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The conversation lasted maybe 15 minutes. General manager Tim Murray wanted to gauge Kyle Okposo’s interest, and the free agent wanted to hear what the Sabres could offer him.
When Murray began telling him how underrated the city is, Okposo stopped him and said he knows all about Buffalo and likes it. The nine-year veteran wanted to learn more about the organization.
So after Murray talked about the Sabres and the bright future ... Read the full article
Kyle Okposo cashed in early in free agency. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Winger Kyle Okposo, arguably the best free agent available, signed a seven-year, $42 million contract with the Sabres shortly after the market opened this afternoon, according to multiple reports.
The signing is significant. Just 15 months removed from their second consecutive 30th-place finish, the Sabres, who improved 27 points last season, secured a strong talent to play beside centers Jack Eichel or Ryan O’Reilly.
Okposo is coming off a 22-goal, 64-point ... Read the full article
Kyle Okposo will sign a lucrative contract. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The pickings are so slim in NHL free agency this year, perhaps the most coveted player available, Kyle Okposo, has never cracked the 30-goal or 70-point marks.
Okposo, of course, is a talented winger. The Minnesota native is coming off a 22-goal, 64-point season with the New York Islanders. He has 139 goals and 369 points in 529 NHL games over nine years, including three 20-goal seasons and two 60-point campaigns.
Yes, Okposo ... Read the full article
Auston Matthews should visit Buffalo with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 3. ©2016, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – After the Sabres open their season Oct. 13 at home against the Montreal Canadiens, they start a four-game road trip – longer than any swing they had last season – three days later against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
That’s just one notable stretch of the 82-game 2016-17 schedule the NHL released Tuesday.
The Sabres, who went 19-17-5 on the road last season, better get comfortable playing away from the First Niagara ... Read the full article
Linus Ullmark struggled late in the season in Rochester. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
ROCHESTER – In the midst of a nine-game AHL winless stretch in which Buffalo Sabres prospect Linus Ullmark allowed 37 goals, the rookie goalie received a much-needed confidence boost.
When a bruised finger prevented goalie Chad Johnson from playing April 9, the Sabres recalled the struggling Swede from the Americans hours before their season finale against the New York Islanders.
In his first NHL start since Jan. 12, Ullmark helped the Sabres win 4-3 in ... Read the full article
Chad Johnson talks Sunday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Chad Johnson often talks about his desire to be a starting goalie, so not surprisingly, the Sabres veteran has already examined the jobs that could be open when he hits unrestricted free agency July 1.
“It’s hard not to,” Johnson said Sunday as the Sabres held their end-of-season meetings. “I try to stay as in the moment (as possible). I’m not going say which teams, but there’s four teams that need goaltenders or ... Read the full article
General manager Tim Murray (left) and coach Dan Bylsma are excited about the Sabres’ direction.. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Following a 27-point improvement in 2015-16, a season in which the Sabres morphed from the NHL’s laughingstock into a legitimate team again, the playoffs “may actually be a realistic goal” next year, general manager Tim Murray said.
“So that will be our statement to the players, that yes, the goal is to reach the playoffs, and that we actually do expect that we can do that,” Murray said Monday during an end-of-season news ... Read the full article
Tim Murray smiles this afternoon. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Following a 27-point improvement in 2015-16, a season in which the Sabres morphed from the NHL’s laughingstock into a legitimate team again, the playoffs “may actually be a realistic goal” next year, general manager Tim Murray said.
“So that will be our statement to the players, that yes, the goal is to reach the playoffs, and that we actually do expect that we can do that,” Murray said this afternoon during an end-of-season ... Read the full article