Jokiharju - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Don Granato says early news on Mattias Samuelsson’s injury ‘positive’

When Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson twisted his right leg and had to be helped off the ice early in Saturday’s second period, coach Don Granato said he was holding his breath.

“You’re wondering what kind of news you’re going to get,” Granato told reporters in Vancouver following the Sabres’ 5-1 win over the Canucks.

Granato said while the Sabres won’t know more about Samuelsson’ lower-body injury until today, the early word is “positive.”... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman Lawrence Pilut from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon recalled defenseman Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres, having lost Henri Jokiharju to an injury early in Thursday’s 6-3 road win over the Calgary Flames, had only five healthy defensemen on the roster.

Coach Don Granato told reporters following the game he did not have an update on Jokiharju, who was struck in the face by Sabres captain Kyle Okposo’s shot early in the first period.... Read the full article

Sabres, Panthers plant seeds of fierce rivalry in heated early-season game

BUFFALO – If you’re wondering, following Saturday afternoon’s entertaining 4-3 loss to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers, the Sabres don’t play their budding Atlantic Division rival again until Jan. 16.

That three-month wait is too long for coach Don Granato, who loves the grit and tenacity the Sabres displayed while refusing to back down to the Panthers, one of the NHL’s heavyweights.

Saturday’s heated affair at KeyBank Center looked more like a late-season contest ... 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

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

Sabres prospect JJ Peterka fighting to make NHL roster

BUFFALO – Coach Don Granato said it’s only natural that Sabres rookie JJ Peterka might be pressing as he battles to earn a roster spot out of training camp.

So far, Peterka, 20, has had an underwhelming preseason, registering just one assist in three outings.

“I would love to score a little bit more right now,” Peterka said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “But for me, it’s just trying to find my game and getting ... Read the full article

After weekend transactions, Sabres’ regular-season roster nearly set

BUFFALO – After reassigning 23 players over the weekend, the Sabres nearly have their regular-season roster set.

On Monday, 28 players – 15 forwards, 10 defensemen and three goalies – practiced inside KeyBank Center. The Sabres held one session for the first time in training camp.

They must finalize their 23-man roster by 5 p.m. next Monday.

The Sabres, who have two preseason games left, starting with tonight’s home contest against the Carolina Hurricanes, have ... Read the full article

Matt Savoie impressing Sabres; Buffalo to utilize strong lineup against Flyers

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Matt Savoie has integrated so quickly that coach Don Granato feels comfortable playing the rookie between veterans.

So tonight, less than a week into his first NHL training camp, Savoie, 18, will center Casey Mittelstadt and Kyle Okposo against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Savoie, the ninth overall pick this year, also played in Sunday afternoon’s preseason opener, a 4-3 overtime road win against the Washington Capitals.... Read the full article

Ilya Lyubushkin gives Sabres’ young defense corps gritty veteran

At 28, having played nine pro seasons, newcomer Ilya Lyubushkin is the elder statesmen of the Buffalo Sabres’ defense corps.

Buffalo’s second-oldest defenseman, Casey Fitzgerald, is just 25. The average age of the seven defenders expected to be on the opening night roster is 23.

The six defensemen the Sabres utilized down the stretch late last season – Fitzgerald, Jacob Bryson, Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Jokiharju, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson – will all be returning ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Dylan Cozens to represent Team Canada at World Championship

Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens has been named to Team Canada’s entry at upcoming the World Championship in Finland, Hockey Canada announced today.

Cozens, 21, just completed his second NHL season, compiling 13 goals and 38 points in 79 games.

The Yukon native last represented Canada at the 2021 World Junior Championship, winning a silver medal while serving as captain.... Read the full article