Leone - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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

After strong stint with Sabres, prospect Jiri Kulich scoring goals in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich laughed. The Czech center possesses one of hockey’s most dynamic shots. In his career, he said he has scored twice by tipping the puck.

Kulich, 20, just happened to score his first NHL goal Oct. 17 by getting a piece of linemate Dylan Cozens’ shot.

“I don’t know if I’m really a tip guy,” a smiling Kulich said Friday prior to scoring in the Americans’ 6-3 win over ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius on hot streak, scoring goals for Rochester

ROCHESTER – Not much has changed recently for Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius. Well, other than the goal-scoring streak the center extended to four games in Friday’s 6-3 win.

Helenius, 18, has pretty much played the same way from the get-go as a rookie, Americans assistant coach Vinny Prospal said.

“Basically the only thing (that) changed (is) that he found the net (on a) couple of occasions,” Prospal said prior to tonight’s game ... Read the full article

Sabres prospects Noah Ostlund, Tyson Kozak out injured with Rochester

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund scored one goal this season before getting injured.

“Not many guys can have an impact on a game when they’re not producing the offense,” Americans coach Mike Leone said of the center.

Meanwhile, Tyson Kozak, another versatile forward prospect, scored a team-leading five goals before going down.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Tyson Kozak off to hot start with Rochester Amerks; Noah Ostlund scores first goal

ROCHESTER – The most impressive part of Buffalo Sabres prospect Tyson Kozak’s performance Wednesday wasn’t the goal he scored by driving to the net and deftly backhanding a rebound in.

No, while Kozak displayed tenacity and skill in scoring his team-leading third goal, his play later in the Americans’ 6-1 win was more notable.

With the Amerks comfortably up 5-0, he raced into his own zone to thwart a breakaway attempt by the Cleveland Monsters.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius looks sharp late in Rochester debut

ROCHESTER – In the opening minutes of his AHL debut, Konsta Helenius looked a bit overwhelmed, turning the puck over twice in his own zone during a power play. During a man advantage later in the first period, the Buffalo Sabres prospect fell down at the point, creating a breakaway for the Belleville Senators.

But as Friday’s game progressed, Helenius, 18, settled in, displaying some of the talent that made him the 14th overall pick... Read the full article

Before first season with Amerks, Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund dazzles in NHL

BUFFALO – Sometimes the NHL preseason must be analyzed appropriately. What kind of competition was that prospect who scored a nifty goal or enjoyed a standout night facing? Was he competing against top talent or minor leaguers and undersized youngsters?

If you dissect Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund’s recent exploits – the center scored one goal, an overtime winner, and four points in four exhibition outings – everything probably looks more impressive than first thought.

Ostlund, ... Read the full article

For Zach Metsa, other Sabres prospects, chance to play NHL games special

BUFFALO – The Sabres think highly enough of defenseman Zach Metsa they signed him to a two-year AHL contract in 2023 and immediately awarded him regular duty on a tryout during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

He followed that up by standing out on a deep blue line as a rookie last season in Rochester, registering 24 points in 54 games for the Americans.

So Metsa, 25, is beginning a critical season. While he possesses talent, ... Read the full article

Goalie prospect Scott Ratzlaff seizing chance, impressing Sabres

BUFFALO – For Sabres prospect Scott Ratzlaff, playing against NHL players he had only seen on television like Sean Monahan feels surreal.

In a normal training camp, the goalie would’ve been sent back to the Seattle Thunderbirds after about a week. But the Sabres’ season-opening trip to Europe has created unique opportunities for players left in camp.

Ratzlaff, 19, has seized his chance, looking impressive during his first NHL preseason outings.... Read the full article