Montador - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: John Gilmour moves up to forward as injury replacement

BUFFALO – In the end, instead of recalling a forward or trading for one, the Sabres simply utilized defenseman John Gilmour as a winger for Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

Sabres coach Ralph Krueger, who has five injured forwards, said Monday the Sabres could dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.

The other option likely would’ve been recalling someone from the Rochester Americans. The AHL club, however, only has two healthy forwards on NHL ... Read the full article

Sabres to use John Gilmour up front, scratch Marco Scandella

BUFFALO – In the end, instead of recalling a forward or trading for one, the Sabres will simply utilize defenseman John Gilmour as a winger.

So for the first time since he was 15 or 16, Gilmour will skate up front tonight against the Minnesota Wild. He could also move back to the blue line, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said.

Krueger, who has five injured forwards, said Monday the Sabres could dress seven defensemen and ... Read the full article

Former Sabre Chris Butler retires happy after winning Stanley Cup with Blues

It finally hit Chris Butler after the Stanley Cup arrived at his door last week in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Even as Butler lifted hockey’s most coveted prize over his head on the TD Garden ice and kissed it June 12, it didn’t fully sink in he and his hometown St. Louis Blues had captured their first Cup.

“There’s such a wave of emotion going on at the time, almost disbelief of what just transpired,” said ... Read the full article

Trade from Sabres gives Mike Weber special opportunity with Capitals

BUFFALO – At times over a rough two-year stretch, as Mike Weber accumulated the NHL’s worst plus-minus rating, it appeared the ex-Sabres defenseman might never recapture his old form.

The passionate Weber, 28, often became the poster boy for the Sabres’ struggles during their run as the NHL’s laughingstock.

But Weber, not coincidentally, morphed back into his old self on the revamped Sabres this season.

Defensemen, especially reliable depth ones with Weber’s grit and ... Read the full article

Sabres help establish scholarship fund for Steve Montador

BUFFALO – The Sabres are helping launch a scholarship fund in memory of former defenseman Steve Montador, who died suddenly Feb. 15 at age 35.

The Steve Montador “Dream Big” Scholarship Fund has been started with an initial $10,000 donation funded by the Sabres, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association, current players and former Sabres minority own Larry Quinn.

Montador, who was popular with teammates and fans, used to write “dream ... Read the full article

Memories of Steve Montador special for Sabres’ Mike Weber

BUFFALO – The memories brought a warm smile to Mike Weber’s face. As a youngster trying to crack the NHL four years ago, Steve Montador mentored Weber. The Sabres defensemen often spent plane rides and meals together talking about hockey and life.

Montador, who played with the Sabres from 2009-11, was found dead Sunday morning in his Mississauga, Ontario, home, according to multiple reports. He was 35. Police do not suspect foul play.

“Monty will ... Read the full article

Former Sabres defenseman Steve Montador passes away at 35

Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Steve Montador has died, according to multiple reports.

The 35-year-old was found dead this morning in his Ontario home, according to the Mississauga News. Police do not suspect foul play.

Montador played 571 NHL games over 10 seasons, including 151 with the Sabres from 2009-2011. He last played in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011-12 before a concussion ended his season. He retired last season after playing in the ... Read the full article