Murray - 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 won’t re-sign Brett Murray for Rochester Amerks

Winger Brett Murray, who spent the last six seasons with the Rochester Americans and scored a career-high 27 goals in 2024-25, won’t be re-signed by the Buffalo Sabres, Dave Gagner, his agent, told the Times Herald.

Gagner said Rochester general manager Jason Karmanos informed him the Sabres don’t plan to bring back the unrestricted free agent.

Murray played 26 games for the Sabres over parts of four seasons, registering two goals and six points. ... Read the full article

Season with Calder Cup hopes ends for Rochester Amerks with loss in Laval

To veteran winger Brett Murray, reaching the do-or-die Game 5 against the Laval Rocket illustrates what a special group the Rochester Americans had this season.

The Amerks, whose 5-0 road loss Sunday afternoon ended a season with championship hopes, faced the daunting task of having to win two out of three games against the AHL’s top team in Place Bell, a hostile rink for visitors, to advance in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

After losing Game ... Read the full article

As time in Sabres organization possibly nears end, Lukas Rousek starring for Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – In what could be his final game here, Americans winger Lukas Rousek displayed the talent and smarts that helped him play 17 contests for the Buffalo Sabres and earn a one-way NHL contract.

To wit: in Friday’s 5-3 come-from-behind win in Game 2 of the AHL North Division final, Rousek, 26, scored the tying goal late in the second period before his slick pass created center Jiri Kulich’s go-ahead power-play goal in the ... Read the full article

With lineup weakened, Sabres look to Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak and others

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-2 win, Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker, two of the Sabres’ top wingers, each played about three minutes under their season averages.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators he believed the virus that has recently run through the team was no longer a problem.

Two hours before the contest, the Sabres recalled center Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans. Dunne and defenseman Jacob Bryson ... Read the full article

Before trade to Senators, Dylan Cozens wanted to find solution with Sabres

BUFFALO – Center Dylan Cozens, one of the Sabres’ core assets just a few weeks ago, emerged from the visiting dressing room clad in black, red and gold gear and walked to a backdrop adorned with logos of the Ottawa Senators.

Then Cozens, sporting a backwards baseball hat and his customary smile, began answering questions about the deadline trade that sent him to the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rival.

“It still really doesn’t feel real ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris frustrated by injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – The Sabres and Josh Norris want to be smart about his mid-body injury, so while the newcomer marked tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators on the calendar after they recently traded him, he won’t rush back for it.

If everything goes well, then perhaps Norris, 25, will be ready for next Tuesday’s game in Ottawa.

That, of course, is a big if.

Tonight’s game will be the sixth straight contest the center has ... Read the full article

For Sabres’ Brett Murray, Rochester has become second home

BUFFALO – Winger Brett Murray’s prospect status expired a year or two ago. At 26, six seasons into his pro career, he has established himself as one of the Rochester Americans’ top scorers and a respected young veteran.

Recalls to the NHL, however, have been infrequent. He played two games last season. Zero in 2022-23.

Monday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins marked his first appearance with the Sabres in 15 months and just ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen making game-changing saves, finding form

BUFFALO – In earning his third win in his last four starts, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen enjoyed another light workload, facing just 19 shots in nearly 65 minutes of action in Monday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins.

Still, the Sabres’ first road victory since Jan. 21 stands out as one of the Finn’s most notable outings in recent months.

As he has endured an inconsistent and underwhelming campaign, only occasionally recapturing his dynamic ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich in concussion protocol as JJ Peterka nears return

BUFFALO – Center Jiri Kulich, who left Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 shootout win after getting hit in the head, is in concussion protocol and did not accompany the Sabres to Boston, where they begin a four-game road trip tonight against the Bruins.

The rookie could eventually join the team.

“That could be tomorrow,” Ruff said following Sunday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “It’s a day-by-day (situation) to see where it’s at.”

Kulich left Saturday’s game after Vegas ... Read the full article