Neuchev - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres send 10 players to Rochester Amerks, waive six others

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday loaned 10 players, including center Konsta Helenius, their first-round pick earlier this year, to the Rochester Americans and placed six players on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to their AHL affiliate.

The Sabres also released nine players who are expected to join the Amerks from their training camp tryouts and returned goalie Scott Ratzlaff to the Seattle Thunderbirds, his junior team.... Read the full article

For Zach Metsa, other Sabres prospects, chance to play NHL games special

BUFFALO – The Sabres think highly enough of defenseman Zach Metsa they signed him to a two-year AHL contract in 2023 and immediately awarded him regular duty on a tryout during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

He followed that up by standing out on a deep blue line as a rookie last season in Rochester, registering 24 points in 54 games for the Americans.

So Metsa, 25, is beginning a critical season. While he possesses talent, ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects get final chance to impress

Two wins and a third-period lead against an NHL lineup isn’t bad, right? The group of Sabres closing out the preseason in Buffalo as the regular team prepares for Friday’s season opener in Czechia has looked impressive.

Following two 3-2 road wins, a team mostly comprised of Rochester Americans led the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Saturday before falling 6-3.

Tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, that group B group closes out ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects face stiff test in Columbus

The Buffalo Sabres’ squad comprised of prospects and AHL talent has exceeded expectations, winning both of its outings since the regular roster traveled overseas.

In each of those 3-2 road victories – Tuesday in Pittsburgh and Thursday in Ottawa, a game in which 2022 first-round pick Noah Ostlund scored in overtime – neither opponent dressed much NHL talent.

So tonight’s contest in Columbus will be the B team’s stiffest team. The Blue Jackets’ lineup will ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Noah Ostlund, other prospects earn another game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres split into two groups Tuesday – the regular team traveled overseas to start the season, while the B group stayed here to complete training camp – a special opportunity materialized for some players.

Prospects and minor leaguers who would’ve normally received little or no action have an extended look as the Sabres complete their preseason schedule.

On Tuesday, a group filled with youngsters and AHL talent won a 3-2 road ... Read the full article

Competitive style could help Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich earn spot

BUFFALO – Having scored 51 goals over two seasons in the minors and already earned a recall to the NHL, a strong argument could’ve been made prior to the Prospects Challenge that Sabres center Jiri Kulich had outgrown the rookie tournament.

Then Kulich, 20, performed dominantly over the three games, scoring five goals, including two in Monday afternoon’s finale, an 8-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in LECOM Harborcenter.

“He blew the doors off the ... Read the full article

Prospect Olivier Nadeau impressing Sabres after demotion to ECHL

BUFFALO – Through two games of the Prospects Challenge, winger Olivier Nadeau, the only player with an NHL contract the Sabres assigned to the ECHL last season, has emerged as perhaps their biggest surprise.

Nadeau, 21, has showcased an aggressive, heavy game, scoring a power-play goal in Friday’s opener and generating offense both nights. With the Sabres trailing by one goal late in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, his dogged backchecking ... Read the full article

After slow start, Sabres prospect Viktor Neuchev thriving in Rochester

ROCHESTER – In early November, Seth Appert decided rookie winger Viktor Neuchev needed a bit of a wake-up call. So the Americans coach typed some thoughts into Google Translate and handed the Buffalo Sabres prospect a two-page note in Russian.

Appert wanted Neuchev, 20, to understand the commitment and daily habits it takes to become a great AHL player. Early last season, Appert had a similar meeting with center Jiri Kulich, who would score 24 ... Read the full article

Sabres assign seven players to Amerks, release 14 from PTOs

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday made their first significant roster cuts of training camp, assigning seven players to the Rochester Americans and releasing 14 from their professional tryouts.

The Sabres have 39 players – 21 forwards, 13 defensemen and five goalies – left on their roster.

They loaned the following players to the Amerks: forwards Filip Cederqvist, Aleksandr Kisakov, Tyson Kozak, Olivier Nadeau, Viktor Neuchev and Linus Weissbach; defenseman Nikita Novikov.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo ‘blown away’ by chance to speak at ‘Unstoppable Africa’

BUFFALO – During the summer, captain Kyle Okposo told the Sabres a special opportunity had materialized for him to speak at the Global Africa Business Initiative’s “Unstoppable Africa” conference in New York.

The event organized by the United Nations Global Compact was being held Friday, so Okposo needed to be excused from the second day of training camp. The Sabres, of course, had no problem letting him go.

“Everybody recognized the opportunity,” Okposo said following ... Read the full article