Lafferty - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Kevyn Adams says Sabres would match any offer sheet to Bowen Byram

BUFFALO – If a team swoops in and gives restricted free agent Bowen Byram an offer sheet, general manager Kevyn Adams said the Sabres are prepared to match it.

“The moves we’ve made and the position we’ve put ourselves in from the cap perspective has been strategic,” Adams said prior to Wednesday’s session of development camp in LECOM Harborcenter. “If you leave just enough room in your cap that where maybe you see a projection ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Alex Lyon, make trade and add depth as free agency opens

What exactly will goalie Alex Lyon’s role be with the Buffalo Sabres?

Right now, Lyon, their most significant signing on Tuesday, the first day of free agency, is likely penciled in as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s backup.

But what if Luukkonen, 26, struggles like he did last season? Late in the year, veteran James Reimer took over, keeping the Finn on the bench as he enjoyed a career-best stretch.

The Sabres are under enormous pressure to win ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Sam Lafferty, re-sign two defensemen; Buffalo signs goalie Alex Lyon to two-year contract

The Buffalo Sabres today traded forward Sam Lafferty to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Lafferty, 30, struggled last season after signing a two-year, $4 million contract as a free agent, registering four goals, seven points and a minus-15 rating in 60 games.

The Sabres inked the speedy Lafferty, who had just enjoyed a career year with the Vancouver Canucks, when they overhauled their fourth line.... Read the full article

Sabres’ James Reimer becomes NHL’s hottest goalie at end of odd season

BUFFALO – Following a one-game rest, the Sabres could turn to goalie James Reimer again tonight, awarding him his seventh start in the last nine contests.

After serving as a backup all season, Reimer, 37, has morphed into the NHL’s hottest netminder, winning six straight starts while compiling a 2.80 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

If he plays tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center, Reimer can set a career-best win ... Read the full article

Sabres keep improving, beat Lightning to extend win streak; Tage Thompson hits 40-goal mark

BUFFALO – Over the final weeks of a disappointing season in which they will add to their NHL-record playoff drought, the Sabres have quietly been establishing an identity, showcasing a more consistent and sturdier style while defeating some heavyweight opponents.

Saturday’s 3-2 come-from-behind shootout victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning at KeyBank Center extended their winning streak to three games. They’ve won nine of their last 13 games and are 11-2-0 in their last 13 ... Read the full article

As Noah Ostlund develops into star for Rochester, Sabres give him chance

BUFFALO – After Noah Ostlund scored in his sixth straight game, an empty-net goal that sealed another win and the Rochester Americans’ spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, coach Mike Leone stood in front of his team and told them the Sabres prospect would be going to the NHL.

Teammates hooted and hollered. Someone shouted, “It’s about time!”

“Everyone got excited,” Ostlund said of learning the Sabres would recall him for the first time. “And ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie James Reimer’s terrific play gives UPL chance to reset

BUFFALO – James Reimer, the same goalie the Sabres lost on waivers early in the season and who regularly went a week or more between appearances as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s backup after they reclaimed him, took over the net earlier this week.

In his most extensive action all year, Reimer, 37, backstopped the Sabres to three straight wins, posting a 2.67 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage.

In last Sunday’s afternoon’s 5-3 road win ... Read the full article

Isak Rosen knows he must produce for Sabres: ‘I need to play better’

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Isak Rosen understands the opportunities he has recently enjoyed are difficult to earn.

Rosen, the Rochester Americans’ leading scorer, has been recalled three times this month as the Sabres deal with a depleted forward corps.

They’re giving the Swede, the 14th overall pick in 2021, a chance to showcase the talent that has helped him score 27 goals and 54 points in 55 games this season.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Zucker out against Pens; James Reimer expected to start again

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Jason Zucker will miss tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins because a family matter, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff hopes Zucker will be available for Saturday afternoon’s road game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Meanwhile, Ruff said winger Sam Lafferty, who took reps on a line this morning, will likely miss his third straight game with a groin injury.... Read the full article

With lineup weakened, Sabres look to Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak and others

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-2 win, Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker, two of the Sabres’ top wingers, each played about three minutes under their season averages.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators he believed the virus that has recently run through the team was no longer a problem.

Two hours before the contest, the Sabres recalled center Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans. Dunne and defenseman Jacob Bryson ... Read the full article