Krebs - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres make big commitment to goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with hefty five-year contract

Barely nine months ago, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s future with the Buffalo Sabres seemed in doubt.

When goalie Devon Levi arrived from college late in 2022-23, the Finn became a spare part. After watching the final seven games that season, he backed up or was scratched for the first six contests of 2023-24.

So on one hand, yes, the five-year, $23.75 million contract Luukkonen signed on Wednesday is a bit surprising. The Sabres clearly wanted Levi, ... Read the full article

Sabres agree to two-year contract with Beck Malenstyn, avoid arbitration

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday avoided arbitration with winger Beck Malenstyn, agreeing to terms with the newcomer on a two-year contract worth $1.35 million per season.

The Sabres now have two unsigned restricted free agents: goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who also filed for arbitration, and center Peyton Krebs.

They acquired Malenstyn, 26, from the Washington Capitals on June 29 in exchange for the 43rd overall pick at the NHL Draft.... Read the full article

After signings and trades, where does Peyton Krebs fit with Sabres?

BUFFALO – During their exit meeting in April, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams noticed a bit of a shift in center Peyton Krebs’ mentality.

When Adams asked him about his season, Krebs, 23, told him he believes he can be a 200-foot, two-way center in the NHL.

“When he first got here, there was so much emphasis on offense and he’d always been an offensive player,” Adams said June 20 in KeyBank Center.

Krebs, ... Read the full article

After strong campaign, Sabres re-sign Henri Jokiharju to one-year contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday re-signed defenseman Henri Jokiharju to a one-year, $3.1 million contract.

Jokiharju, 25, can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Sabres now have three unsigned restricted free agents: goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, center Peyton Krebs and winger Beck Malenstyn.

Luukkonen and Malenstyn on Friday filed for salary arbitration. If a player files, a contract can still be worked out. Hearings run from July 20 to Aug. 4.... Read the full article

Sabres don’t give Jacob Bryson, two others qualifying offers

LAS VEGAS – The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday did not extend a $1.9 million qualifying offer to defenseman Jacob Bryson, making him a free agent.

The Sabres extended qualifying offers to goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, defenseman Henri Jokiharju and forwards Beck Malenstyn and Peyton Krebs.

Luukkonen, Jokiharju and Malenstyn all have arbitration rights.

Defensemen Riley Stillman and Calle Sjalin, two other pending restricted free agents, also did not receive qualifying offers.... Read the full article

Kevyn Adams aware of rumors Sabres could buy out Jeff Skinner

BUFFALO – General manager Kevyn Adams knows there are rumors the Sabres could buy out winger Jeff Skinner, who has three seasons remaining on his eight-year, $72 million contract.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday called a buyout “a possibility,” igniting speculation about the 14-year veteran’s future.

Skinner, 32, certainly fits the criteria of a player the Sabres, who have missed the playoffs an NHL-record 13 straight seasons, would consider cutting loose.

He struggled last season, ... Read the full article

Missing playoffs hasn’t shaken Rasmus Dahlin’s belief in Sabres: ‘We’re close’

BUFFALO – While the cold reality of missing the playoffs again has smacked the Sabres – “It sucks, honestly,” defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said – they haven’t lost belief they can end an NHL-record 13-year drought.

“I want the Buffalo Sabres in the playoffs, and I’m never going to give up, and I think we’re close,” Dahlin said prior to Thursday’s 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals in the home finale at KeyBank Center. “I think ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin scores critical goal, joins elite company

BUFFALO – Following a night in which he logged more than 23 minutes of ice time and scored the go-ahead goal after briefly leaving the game, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin earned a well-deserved breather.

Coach Don Granato said Dahlin, 23, sat out Saturday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter to rest and recharge. He expects the Swede will play in this afternoon’s critical road game against the Detroit Red Wings.

As Dahlin illustrated in Friday’s 4-2 win ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jeff Skinner set to play 1,000th game without playoff appearance

BUFFALO – By hockey standards, Jeff Skinner is a bit old. In the modern NHL, 31 has become an advanced age. That’s what makes the veteran winger, who’s expected to play his 1,000th game tonight, such a unique presence on the Sabres.

Just one other player on the roster, winger Zemgus Girgensons, is 30. No one else is older than 28. Only Girgensons has played more than 500 games.

Skinner has played for so long ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin sad to see Casey Mittelstadt leave in trade, excited by Bowen Byram’s arrival

BUFFALO – It stinks, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said, using a stronger word to describe his feelings. His close friend, center Casey Mittelstadt, is gone, having been traded to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

Make no mistake, Dahlin likes the addition of Bowen Byram, his new defense partner, and is happy for Mittelstadt, who joined a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

Still, it hasn’t been easy. On Monday, following the Sabres’ first practice without Mittelstadt, a ... Read the full article