McDavid - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Paul Maurice says range makes Sabres’ Tage Thompson special talent

BUFFALO – Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice said if you analyze elite NHL players, they all have soft hands, terrific shots and a mind for the game.

What makes 6-foot-6 Sabres center Tage Thompson such a unique talent is the range he possesses.

“The ability to control the puck across that body,” Maurice said prior to tonight’s game against the Sabres in KeyBank Center. “The standard thing you can say defensively against any elite players ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff impressed by Zach Benson’s ability: ‘He does a lot’

BUFFALO – Having coached against Zach Benson last year and examined game tape throughout the offseason, Lindy Ruff knew the tenacious Sabres winger possessed maturity that belied his limited NHL experience.

Still, as Ruff watched Benson, 19, up close during training camp, he quickly developed a greater appreciation for the youngster. Until he coached him, he did not fully understand what makes him such a unique talent.

“I watched a lot of games, I liked ... Read the full article

After trading down, Sabres could have NHL-ready talent in Konsta Helenius

In November, four months before Konsta Helenius developed into Jukurit’s best player and seven months before the Buffalo Sabres traded down and drafted him 14th overall, his coach, Olli Jokinen, said the prospect would play in the NHL this upcoming season.

At just 17, Helenius was one of the youngest players in Liiga, a high-level pro league in his native Finland. After a year with Jukurit, the center had finally earned enough trust to ... Read the full article

2024-25 Sabres schedule features two visits from Panthers, long break

BUFFALO – Two early-season visits from the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are among the highlights of the Sabres’ 2024-25 schedule the NHL released Tuesday.

After beginning the season against the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, on Oct. 4 and 5, the Sabres open their schedule at KeyBank Center versus the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 10. The Panthers, the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rival, visit Oct. 12.

The Sabres host the Panthers again Oct. ... Read the full article

NHL Draft Lottery: Sabres likely won’t get chance to pick Macklin Celebrini, but should land strong prospect

The Buffalo Sabres possess the 11th-best odds in tonight’s NHL Draft Lottery, just 3 percent, meaning they likely won’t win the right to select center Macklin Celebrini, a prospect so talented he could transform a franchise.

Celebrini, a lock to be picked first overall June 28 at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas, just enjoyed a dynamic season at Boston University, becoming the youngest player in history and fourth freshman to win the Hobey Baker ... Read the full article

As career in Buffalo nears end, Victor Olofsson helping Sabres again

DETROIT – Finally, nine months later, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson can settle in and enjoy what will almost certainly be his final days in Buffalo.

Right now, the affable Swede has a regular spot in the lineup again and a place on the power play – where he’s most dangerous – as the Sabres fight for a playoff spot.

Last spring, when his disappointing 2022-23 season ended, Olofsson, 28, began waiting to be traded. Then ... Read the full article

After surprising demotion to Rochester, Tyson Jost playing regularly for Sabres

BUFFALO – Tyson Jost impressed the Sabres so much after they plucked him off waivers last season that he earned regular duty and a $2 million contract. So, yes, when they waived the center in late December and assigned him to the minors – he had played just 13 games in the AHL in his career – he had a difficult time handling it.

“It was extremely tough,” Jost told the Times Herald prior to ... Read the full article

Sabres respond after trades, beat Oilers in overtime and shootout

BUFFALO – The game ended dramatically, with Sabres defenseman Owen Power scoring with 2.0 seconds left in overtime as the capacity crowd implored him to shoot.

The giddy Sabres jumped over the boards to celebrate Saturday afternoon’s much-needed 3-2 triumph over the heavyweight Edmonton Oilers, saluted the fans in KeyBank Center and left the ice.

In the dressing room, players began taking off their equipment. Oilers general manager Ken Holland and some Sabres coaches left ... Read the full article

2023-24 Sabres schedule features early home games, two visits from Toronto

NASHVILLE – The Buffalo Sabres begin the 2023-24 season at home Oct. 12 against the New York Rangers and play five of their first six games at KeyBank Center.

So the 82-game schedule released Tuesday features an early opportunity for the Sabres, who struggled at home last season, to roar out of the gate.

The Sabres play five of their Atlantic Division opponents – the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning ... Read the full article

In Connor Bedard, NHL might have the next Connor McDavid

BUFFALO – Connor Bedard prefers to live in the moment. With all the outside noise and hype surrounding him, the ultra-talented center, a lock to be the first overall pick at the upcoming NHL Draft, said it allows him to enjoy things “kind of be where your feet are.”

“That’s good advice I’ve got from a few guys,” Bedard said Friday in LECOM Harborcenter, where the NHL Scouting Combine is taking place this week.

That’s ... Read the full article