Leone - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Zach Metsa feeling more comfortable in NHL; Michael Kesselring happy to record first point

TORONTO – Zach Metsa’s first tour around the NHL has given him a special opportunity to visit come of hockey’s most hallowed rinks and soak in each unique experience.

“I’ve been fired up for it,” the Buffalo Sabres rookie told the Times Herald prior to Tuesday’s game against the Maple Leafs. “I’m lucky.”

Metsa, 27, made his big league debut in Montreal’s Bell Centre and earlier this month played his first game at New York’s ... Read the full article

Sabres trade prospect to Hurricanes in exchange for Gavin Bayreuther

Jarmo Kekalainen on Saturday added defense depth in his first trade as Buffalo Sabres general manager, acquiring Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward prospect Viktor Neuchev.

Bayreuther, 31, has been assigned to the Rochester Americans.

Having lost Jacob Bryson to an upper-body injury in Thursday’s 4-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens, the Sabres needed another left-shot defenseman in the organization.... Read the full article

Mature, consistent game as No. 1 center helps Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius earn first recall from Rochester

BRIGHTON – Center prospect Konsta Helenius’ first recall to Buffalo could be brief. Right now, the Sabres are scorching, having won 15 of their last 17 games, and coach Lindy Ruff hasn’t tinkered with his lineup much over the past five weeks.

If Sabres center Josh Norris, who’s day to day with an upper-body injury, heals quickly, Helenius, 19, could be returned to the Rochester Americans without playing a game.

The Sabres, who host the ... Read the full article

Trevor Kuntar ran with career-changing opportunity in Rochester to earn NHL contract and chance with Sabres

ROCHESTER – Winger Trevor Kuntar doesn’t lack confidence. The Williamsville native isn’t cocky, mind you. He’s grateful for the career-changing opportunity he has earned and the belief Americans coach Mike Leone and others in the Buffalo Sabres organization have shown in him.

Kuntar, who on Wednesday signed a two-way NHL contract, quickly morphed into the Amerks’ biggest surprise this season, scoring a team-high nine goals while providing critical depth, energy and grit before the ... Read the full article

Williamsville native Trevor Kuntar set to join Sabres after signing NHL contract

It took just 24 games for Williamsville native Trevor Kuntar to turn his AHL contract with the Rochester Americans into a two-way deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres on Wednesday rewarded Kuntar’s hot start, signing him to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL.

The winger will join the Sabres in Vancouver, where they play the Canucks tonight. He has never played an NHL game.... Read the full article

Zac Jones gives Sabres high-end depth during dynamic season for Rochester

ROCHESTER – Americans defenseman Zac Jones has already registered 19 assists this season despite earning two recalls to Buffalo and some of his most talented teammates being summoned to the Sabres for extended periods.

So, what if Jones, 25, stays put in Rochester? Of course, given his offensive exploits – he ranks second in the AHL in assists and first with 15 power-play helpers – and the rugged nature of the defense position, that’s unlikely. ... Read the full article

After spending preseason with Sabres, Alexandar Georgiev made positive impression in Rochester

While goalie Alexandar Georgiev played just two games for Rochester before the Buffalo Sabres terminated his contract earlier this week, he left a strong impression on Americans coach Mike Leone.

It never felt like Georgiev, less than two years removed from a 38-win season with the Colorado Avalanche, would stay with the Amerks.

Georgiev, who twice appeared in the NHL All-Star Game and led the league in wins in each of those seasons, hadn’t played ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jack Quinn confident he can start scoring; Buffalo trims roster

BUFFALO – Over the past month, Sabres winger Jack Quinn has often fought what he called “a battle I kind of have within myself.”

Quinn, 24, carried a 13-game goal drought into Friday’s contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. He scored his last goal Oct. 22, his third in the first seven games.

“I’m very frustrated I haven’t scored,” Quinn said Friday morning in KeyBank Center. “But there’s also some positives I am creating.”

Actually, Quinn ... Read the full article

Lindy Ruff stresses Mason Geertsen still part of Sabres; Rochester’s Mike Leone takes brief leave of absence

BUFFALO – When the Sabres waived Mason Geertsen, coach Lindy Ruff, who helped bring the tough guy back to the NHL following a four-year absence, told him he’s still a part of the team.

It’s just that right now, carrying an enforcer is a luxury the Sabres, who must activate winger Jason Zucker from injured reserve before tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, can no longer afford.

“We’ve got a long list of players that ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi pulled from game during career-worst slump with Rochester: ‘He’s got to be better’

ROCHESTER – The fifth puck past Americans goalie Devon Levi, a shot from the far bottom of the right circle, forced coach Mike Leone to make a late goaltending change.

For the just the second time in his 76-game AHL career, Levi, the Buffalo Sabres’ top goalie prospect, got yanked from a game.

In Wednesday’s 6-4 loss in Blue Cross Arena, the Amerks roared back late, scoring three straight goals after the Belleville Senators ... Read the full article