WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Calder Cup Playoffs Edition
Ted Nolan has a contract extension offer from the Sabres. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Two days after Ted Nolan appeared devastated discussing the sudden departure of his close friend, Pat LaFontaine, igniting speculation he could also be leaving the Sabres, the interim coach sounded like someone who’s staying put.
Nolan has an extension on the table from the Sabres, something he said he might tackle next week.
“There’s a lot more important issues than getting my contract signed,” Nolan told reporters Tuesday in Tampa Bay. “It’s in ... Read the full article
Cory Conacher was waived today. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Hey, winger Cory Conacher might fit in pretty well in Buffalo. The 24-year-old Canisius product has four goals and 20 points in 59 games this season. Only five Sabres have more points.
The Ottawa Senators waived Conacher today, immediately igniting speculation the Sabres, who have the first claim thanks to their 30th overall ranking, would grab him.
On the surface, it seems like a natural fit. Conacher’s the most decorated local NCAA product ever. ... Read the full article
The Sabres acquired Matt Moulson on Oct. 27. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Buffalo Sabres winger Matt Moulson isn’t on the ice this morning for the team’s skate in Dallas, according to reports.
It’s very possible the Sabres are working on a deal. The 30-year-old, an unrestricted free agent following the season, is expected to be traded before Wednesday’s deadline.
Update: Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters in Dallas the skate was optional and Moulson will play tonight.
Sabres general manager Tim Murray said Sunday he didn’t ... Read the full article
Ted Black (left) and Tim Murray discuss the Sabres’ tumultuous weekend Sunday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – A Sabres icon bolted less than four months after returning to the team he loved. The franchise goalie and captain got traded.
The Sabres just endured perhaps the most trying weekend in their 43-year history. That was before the popular coach sounded like he might want to leave.
“It’s a lot for our fans to swallow in a short amount of time,” Sabres president Ted Black said Sunday, a day after Pat LaFontaine ... Read the full article
Chris Stewart tries to score on Jaroslav Halak during their first Sabres practice Sunday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – They’re only human, you know. Leaving the St. Louis Blues, a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, for the rebuilding Sabres wasn’t easy at first for goalie Jaroslav Halak and winger Chris Stewart.
But the veterans, part of Friday’s blockbuster Ryan Miller-Steve Ott deal, have accepted they’re now playing for the NHL’s worst team, at least temporarily.
Rumors are swirling the Sabres will flip them before Wednesday’s trade deadline. Halak, an unrestricted free agent ... Read the full article
Ted Black (left) and Tim Murray address the media this afternoon. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres president Ted Black understands Pat LaFontaine’s stunning resignation as president of hockey operations creates uncertainty for a team that had finally seemed to stabilize itself.
“It’s something that fans are going to be upset by,” Black said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center, a day after LaFontaine abruptly bolted from the organization after less than four months.
Still, Black said, LaFontaine was only one person.
“I don’t know if it impacts ... Read the full article
Pat LaFontaine (left) shakes Tim Murray’s hand Jan. 9. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – In a stunning development, Sabres legend Pat LaFontaine, the team’s president of hockey operations less than four months, resigned today.
LaFontaine will return to the job he had with the NHL.
According to TVA’s Renaud Lavoie, the last straw for LaFontaine was Friday’s blockbuster deal in which the Sabres sent Ryan Miller to the St. Louis Blues.
LaFontaine wanted to give the 33-year-old Miller an extension. New general manager Tim Murray, who LaFontaine ... Read the full article
The Sabres acquired William Carrier on Friday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Goalie Jaroslav Halak and winger Chris Stewart, the established NHL players the Sabres received in Friday’s blockbuster Ryan Miller-Steve Ott trade with the St. Louis Blues, are relatively well known.
Halak has played 260 games and backstopped Montreal to the 2010 Eastern Conference final. Stewart has 115 goals, including a 28-score season in 2010-11.
But what about 6-foot-2, 196-pound forward William Carrier, the 19-year-old prospect the Sabres also received? The Blues selected ... Read the full article
Steve Ott (left) and Ryan Miller discuss their trade from the Sabres on Friday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Ryan Miller had almost a year to prepare for a trade. Still, the moment hit him hard. When the Sabres dealt the franchise goalie and captain Steve Ott to the St. Louis Blues on Friday night, emotion overwhelmed Miller.
“It just kind of hits you all at once,” Miller said as he broke down inside a packed First Niagara Center media room.
Then Miller, a former Vezina Trophy winner and the face of ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller began his Sabres career in 2002-03. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres’ trade with the St. Louis Blues is official: goalie Ryan Miller and captain Steve Ott are gone.
In return, the Sabres acquired goalie Jaroslav Halak, forwards Chris Stewart and William Carrier, a first-round pick in 2015 and another conditional pick.
Miller and Ott will talk to the media during the first intermission tonight. General manager Tim Murray will speak after the second period.
Update: Here are some quotes from an emotional ... Read the full article
