Leone - Buffalo Hockey Beat

In Rochester rookie Vsevolod Komarov, Sabres might have special prospect

ROCHESTER – One night earlier this season in Utica, when defenseman Vsevolod Komarov was still looking for his first pro goal, Americans coach Mike Leone figured the rookie deserved a chance to score on the power play.

“The bench was, ‘Let’s get Komy his goal,’” Leone recently told the Times Herald following a practice in Blue Cross Arena.

The excitement from his coach and teammates illustrates how badly the Amerks wanted to see the Buffalo ... Read the full article

‘Window’s closing’ for Sabres prospect Aleksandr Kisakov in Rochester

ROCHESTER – In his third and likely final season here, Buffalo Sabres prospect Aleksandr Kisakov has become a spare part, playing just seven of the Americans’ first 45 games.

The Russian winger enjoyed semi-regular duty in his first two AHL campaigns, playing 48 and 32 games, respectively, before sitting out in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

But this year, Kisakov, 22, has often been a healthy scratch for weeks at a time, earning only occasional action.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius ends slump with goal for Rochester

ROCHESTER – In scoring five goals in his first 10 games, Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius sent early notice he was adapting to a different brand of hockey as an AHL rookie.

Then the Americans center endured a 10-game goal drought. After scoring again Dec. 4, he began a 17-game goalless stretch that ended 10:06 into Friday’s 4-0 win over the Belleville Senators.

Helenius spent the last two seasons playing pro hockey in Liiga, a ... Read the full article

After weak response to illegal hit on Tage Thompson, Sabres hold meeting: ‘Won’t happen again’

BUFFALO – No one would reveal any details of the meeting.

But on Monday, less than a day after an illegal hit knocked Tage Thompson out of their 4-3 win, the Sabres canceled practice and instead discussed why they did not go after Stefan Noesen following his suspension-worthy check to their leading scorer’s head.

“It was dealt with yesterday. Everything,” Sabres winger Alex Tuch said prior to Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund playing mature defensive game in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund possesses maturity rarely seen in rookies.

Mike Leone said Ostlund, 20, is perhaps the most responsible player in the defensive zone he has ever coached. Vinny Prospal said the coaches don’t worry when the Swede’s line is playing in its own zone.

Ostlund, a center the Sabres drafted 16th overall in 2022, arrived in North America late last season. He has played just 10 games for the Americans ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi evolving in Rochester, sparking surging Amerks

ROCHESTER – On Tuesday, goalie Devon Levi arrived at Paul Louis Arena, a 70-year-old rink the Americans occasionally use to practice, and found Carl Hirner, the team’s equipment manager, had put a winter hat around the top of his mask.

The antiquated single-pad facility is less than a mile from Blue Cross Arena, the Amerks’ regular home, and, for lack of a better term, absolutely freezing.

It was New Year’s Eve, and the Amerks had ... Read the full article

After mistake, Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius dazzles for Rochester

ROCHESTER – Before Americans coach Mike Leone talked about how center Konsta Helenius’ soft hands and terrific vision created the tying goal, he brought up a mistake the rookie made early in Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Hershey Bears.

“Yeah, there were some things, though,” Leone said following the game in Blue Cross Arena.

Just 4:40 into the contest, Helenius’ turnover helped Hershey open the scoring. When the Buffalo Sabres prospect returned to the ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg using size, skill to make impact as rookie in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Americans rookie Anton Wahlberg’s ability to impact games without scoring makes him a unique prospect for the Buffalo Sabres.

To wit: in the third period of Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 overtime loss, coach Mike Leone said the 6-foot-4, 198-pound winger leveled one of the Toronto Marlies and generated three or four scoring chances simply by “playing to his identity and his strengths.”

“With his physical tools, he’s able to get in on the forecheck, ... Read the full article

Devon Levi matured as Sabres’ backup goalie, excited to play for Rochester: ‘Happy to be here’

ROCHESTER – As goalie Devon Levi watched game after game, sometimes for more than a week at a time, he embraced the unique experience and lessons serving as the Buffalo Sabres’ backup offered him.

Levi, who on Monday was assigned to the Americans, had never been a No. 2 in his life. So he used the last month or so to learn what he called “a new kind of process.”

“Not playing as much ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Isak Rosen generated offense for Rochester, tried to evolve before recall to Buffalo

ROCHESTER – Don’t let Isak Rosen’s numbers fool you. The four goals and team-leading 13 points the Buffalo Sabres prospect has scored in 14 games illustrate just part of his performance this season.

Rosen, who on Monday was recalled by the Sabres, has been an offensive driver for the Americans in the opening weeks of his third AHL season.

Still, other aspects of the winger’s game need work.... Read the full article