Leone - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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

Sabres preseason: Noah Ostlund, other prospects earn another game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres split into two groups Tuesday – the regular team traveled overseas to start the season, while the B group stayed here to complete training camp – a special opportunity materialized for some players.

Prospects and minor leaguers who would’ve normally received little or no action have an extended look as the Sabres complete their preseason schedule.

On Tuesday, a group filled with youngsters and AHL talent won a 3-2 road ... Read the full article

Competitive style could help Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich earn spot

BUFFALO – Having scored 51 goals over two seasons in the minors and already earned a recall to the NHL, a strong argument could’ve been made prior to the Prospects Challenge that Sabres center Jiri Kulich had outgrown the rookie tournament.

Then Kulich, 20, performed dominantly over the three games, scoring five goals, including two in Monday afternoon’s finale, an 8-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in LECOM Harborcenter.

“He blew the doors off the ... Read the full article

Prospect Olivier Nadeau impressing Sabres after demotion to ECHL

BUFFALO – Through two games of the Prospects Challenge, winger Olivier Nadeau, the only player with an NHL contract the Sabres assigned to the ECHL last season, has emerged as perhaps their biggest surprise.

Nadeau, 21, has showcased an aggressive, heavy game, scoring a power-play goal in Friday’s opener and generating offense both nights. With the Sabres trailing by one goal late in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, his dogged backchecking ... Read the full article

After injury-plagued season, Sabres still high on prospect Tyson Kozak

BUFFALO – Fresh off a standout rookie season in which he established himself as one of the Sabres’ best forward prospects, Tyson Kozak never found a groove last year.

The aggressive center battled injuries throughout a difficult campaign with the Rochester Americans, leaving the lineup for long stretches and missing 31 total games.

“When you come back, your confidence is a little gone,” Kozak told the Times Herald prior to Friday’s 3-1 win over the ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich focused on becoming grittier, stronger presence

BUFFALO – Over his first two seasons, Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich morphed from a one-dimensional scorer who relied on his blistering shot into a more mature center.

Through some tough love, former Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert helped Kulich, 20, realize he needed to evolve and develop a more versatile style.

So when the Czech endured a two-month scoring slump last season, he used the time to hone his “B game” and contribute in other ... Read the full article

Jon Cooper, other NHL coaches helped Rochester Amerks’ Mike Leone grow: ‘People I lean on’

Mike Leone said he considers himself to be probably the luckiest guy in hockey.

The new Rochester Americans coach retired from playing at 28, never rising above the ECHL. But at each level of hockey during his days as a forward – junior, college and pro – he learned from someone who had been an NHL coach or would become one.

As a teenager with the Texarkana and St. Louis Bandits, Leone played for future ... Read the full article

NHL Draft: Rochester Amerks coach Michael Leone made impact on prospect Artyom Levshunov

BUFFALO – Two years ago, Artyom Levshunov arrived in the United States speaking little English. Today, the defenseman can comfortably hold court in front of a throng of reporters and cameras, joking and showcasing his personality.

At the NHL Scouting Combine, the affable Levshunov, 18, smoothly fielded questions, explaining his hockey journey from Belarus to the NHL Draft, where he could be selected as high as second overall June 28.

New Rochester Americans coach Mike ... Read the full article

Sabres hire Michael Leone as Rochester Amerks’ new coach

The Buffalo Sabres have hired another coach from junior hockey to be the Rochester Americans’ bench boss.

The Sabres on Thursday named Michael Leone, who spent the last two seasons as the general manager and coach of the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers, as head coach of their AHL affiliate.

The 36-year-old replaces Seth Appert, who earned a promotion to Lindy Ruff’s staff in Buffalo last month following four seasons with the Amerks.... Read the full article