Luukkonen - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Riley Fiddler-Schultz used time as scratch wisely, earned NHL contract: ‘Amazing story’

BUFFALO – Over those difficult six weeks, as he sat out game after game as a healthy scratch, doubt would creep into Sabres prospect Riley Fiddler-Schultz’s head.

A year ago, fresh off a terrific rookie season with the Jacksonville Icemen, Fiddler-Schultz graduated to the Rochester Americans, then promptly morphed into spare part.

From opening night until Nov. 20, when he made his season debut, the Amerks scratched the speedy forward 14 straight games.... Read the full article

Sabres sign goalie Alexandar Georgiev to one-year contract

When the Buffalo Sabres signed veteran Alex Lyon in free agency, they appeared to have solidified the goaltending position.

Lyon would back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Buffalo, while Devon Levi would return to the Rochester Americans for another year of development.

So, why did the Sabres on Thursday night, a week before training camp opens, sign veteran goalie Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year, $825,000 contract?... Read the full article

After terrific season in AHL, Sabres sign goalie Devon Levi to two-year contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday locked up their last restricted free agent, signing goalie Devon Levi to a two-year, $1.625 million contract.

Levi, 23, just enjoyed a terrific season with the Rochester Americans, registering a 25-13-4 record with a 2.20 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage and a league-best seven shutouts in 42 games. He posted a 5-3 mark in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Sabres’ top goalie prospect also played nine games for Buffalo ... Read the full article

Four years ago, Sabres goalie Alex Lyon ignited NHL career by evolving: ‘Found another level of desperation’

The genesis of the Alex Lyon you’ve seen over the past four seasons – the goalie who won the Calder Cup, earned critical late-season victories for the Florida Panthers and played so well for the Detroit Red Wings that the Buffalo Sabres awarded him a two-year contract – can be traced to the 2021 offseason.

Following five years in the Philadelphia Flyers organization, he said the limited opportunities he found in free agency forced him ... Read the full article

After difficult two years, Sabres goalie prospect Topias Leinonen thriving

BUFFALO – When the Sabres drafted goalie Topias Leinonen 41st overall in 2022, they likely believed he would be ready to begin his career in North America in three years.

Sure enough, Leinonen, having signed his entry-level contract in March, is expected to start the upcoming season with the Rochester Americans or the Jacksonville Icemen, their ECHL affiliate.

Leinonen, 21, just enjoyed a standout season for Mora IK, a second-tier pro team in Sweden, compiling ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Kevyn Adams likes look of team after signings and trades

BUFFALO – In the past week, general manager Kevyn Adams has acquired six players for the Sabres who could be on their opening-night roster by making two trades and four notable signings.

While Adams possibly isn’t done making moves – he could use another top-six forward, and finding one is no easy task – he likes the look of the revamped Sabres.

“We like where our group’s at in terms of the way the roster ... 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

Kevyn Adams comfortable with Devon Levi and UPL, but will Sabres add veteran goalie in free agency?

BUFFALO – In each of the last two seasons, goalie Devon Levi cracked the NHL roster out of training camp only to be demoted by the Sabres in November.

While the Sabres occasionally recalled Levi, 23, he mostly stayed in Rochester, emerging as the Americans’ backbone and one of the AHL’s elite netminders.

Levi, having registered a 2.28 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in the minors, has made a strong case he’s ready to ... Read the full article

After ending season on tear, will Sabres’ James Reimer retire or keep playing?

BUFFALO – James Reimer’s superb goaltending down the stretch for the Sabres showed he possesses the talent to return for his 16th season.

Even at 37, an advanced age, he ranked among the NHL’s hottest netminders, compiling a gaudy 8-2-0 record from March 23 until the season ended, including a career-long seven-game winning streak. His win total during that torrid stretch was tied for first in the league with Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper, ... Read the full article