Dmitri Kulikov is a left-handed defenseman. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres trade Mark Pysyk, picks to Panthers for Dmitry Kulikov

BUFFALO – The Sabres swapped defensemen and draft picks with the Florida Panthers this morning, trading Mark Pysyk and the 38th and 89th selections to the Florida Panthers for Dmitry Kulikov and the 33rd pick.

The Sabres used that selection to take Swedish center Rasmus Asplund, who centered Alexander Nylander, the eighth overall pick by Buffalo, at the world junior championship.

Kulikov, 25, could be the left-handed defenseman Sabres general manager Tim ... Read the full article

Alexander Nylander (center) was all smiles Friday with Sabres owner Terry Pegula. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Alexander Nylander fits Sabres’ blueprint

BUFFALO – Swedish winger Alexander Nylander and his older brother, William, are close. Before the Sabres drafted Alexander eighth overall Friday, he spent the entire day with William, someone he has leaned on for advice throughout the NHL Draft process.

But besides being siblings and friends, Alexander, 18, and William, 20, are now, in many ways, enemies. William plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sabres’ closest and fiercest rival.

“It’s going to be a ... Read the full article

Alexander Nylander talks to the media tonight. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Alexander Nylander excited to join Sabres

BUFFALO – Swedish winger Alexander Nylander and his older brother, William, are close. Before the Sabres drafted Alexander eighth overall tonight, he spent the entire day with William, someone he has leaned on for advice throughout the NHL Draft process.

But besides being siblings and friends, Alexander, 18, and William, 20, are now, in many ways, enemies. William plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sabres’ closest and fiercest rival.

“It’s going to be a ... Read the full article

Tim Murray drafted a forward early. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres draft Alexander Nylander

BUFFALO – The Sabres selected winger Alexander Nylander with the eighth overall pick tonight at the NHL Draft.

The hometown crowd inside the First Niagara Center responded by roaring in approval.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Nylander scored 28 goals and 75 points in 57 games with the Mississauga Steelheads in 2015-16, earning Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League top rookie honors.

To NHL Central Scouting Dave Gregory, the Swede “might be the most skilled guy ... Read the full article