Buffalo drafted Ryan Johnson in 2019. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres prospect Ryan Johnson making strong impression: ‘Pretty talented kid’

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Ryan Johnson hadn’t experienced a week of hockey so jam-packed since his days of playing four games in two days at youth tournaments.

Last week, Johnson, 22, played four of the Sabres’ five preseason games, including three in a dizzying four-day stretch.

“I feel like I have not done that before in a long time,” the rookie said with a laugh following Monday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “… I like actually ... Read the full article

Ryan Johnson played four years at Minnesota. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

After wait, Sabres sign prospect Ryan Johnson to entry-level contract

As each day passed and defense prospect Ryan Johnson moved closer to free agency, it seemed less likely he would sign with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres spoke to Johnson, the 31st overall pick in 2019, in April after his collegiate season at Minnesota ended and said they wanted to sign him. Then they began waiting.

The ball, general manager Kevyn Adams said last month, was in Johnson’s court.... Read the full article

Toronto’s William Nylander scores a second-period power-play goal against Buffalo goalie Craig Anderson on Tuesday. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Maple Leafs throttle Sabres early in victory: ‘Horrendous start’

BUFFALO – The barrage mercifully ended about 12 minutes into the first period, when the Sabres, having been torched for four goals by the Toronto Maple Leafs, settled down and started stopping their opponent.

Much of the buzz prior to Tuesday’s 6-3 loss at KeyBank Center centered on the Sabres, one of the NHL’s up-and-coming young teams, and their pursuit of a playoff spot.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Sabres ... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly has played three games for Toronto. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Ryan O’Reilly happy with Maple Leafs, impressed by Tage Thompson, Sabres

BUFFALO – Four days into his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ex-Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly has played three games and practiced zero times.

O’Reilly, 32, joined the Leafs during a dizzying stretch, so other than participating in a Tuesday’s brief optional pregame skate, he has only been on the ice with his new teammates in games.

“It’s kind of weird just jumping right into the games,” O’Reilly said prior to scoring a hat trick ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson scored a career-high 38 goals last season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

After signing big contract, Sabres’ Tage Thompson motivated to keep growing

BUFFALO – Since center Tage Thompson signed a surprising seven-year, $50 million extension, general manager Kevyn Adams has often been asked why the Sabres gave such a huge contract to someone who has enjoyed just one standout season.

Heck, even Thompson, 24, seems a little surprised he earned the deal, which he signed Aug. 30 and begins next season.

“It’s a huge leap of faith from the organization and management,” Thompson said Thursday following ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson has one year left on his current contract. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Talent, maturity helped Sabres’ Tage Thompson earn massive contract

Talent is just one part of the equation that convinced the Buffalo Sabres to award Tage Thompson a seven-year, $50 million contract extension.

The deal, announced early Tuesday evening, raised some eyebrows. Yes, Thompson, 24, is coming off a breakout 38-goal season in which he morphed into the Sabres’ top scoring threat and No. 1 center. Still, he hadn’t scored more than eight goals in a campaign prior to last year.

The 6-foot-7 Thompson also ... Read the full article

The Sabres became a tight group this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Upstart Sabres believe they’ve started something special: ‘A different feeling’

BUFFALO – Before center Zemgus Girgensons reported to the rink Saturday morning, his wife, Katie, asked him what he would tell the Sabres’ brass during his end-of-season meetings.

Girgensons, the Sabres’ longest-tenured player, experienced a lot of losing and turmoil over his eight NHL seasons, so in previous years, he had plenty of gripes to share before he left town for the summer.

“Usually in the morning, you’re trying to gather thoughts of all the ... Read the full article

Owen Power has turned heads in his first four NHL games. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres notes: Owen Power’s terrific play belies limited NHL experience

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Don Granato doesn’t consider rookie Owen Power a young player.

Sure, the defenseman left college earlier this month and has played just four NHL games. And, yes, he doesn’t turn 20 for another seven months.

Still, Granato said “it’s a little bit disrespectful sometimes” when young guys get thrown in a category.

“This is a guy that’s studied the game of hockey at an extremely young age and developed himself like ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson has enjoyed a breakout season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres’ Tage Thompson faces Blues as one of NHL’s rising stars

BUFFALO – Sabres center Tage Thompson acknowledged that, yes, the Stanley Cup that Ryan O’Reilly won in 2019, his first season in St. Louis, is always in the back of his mind.

“But at the same time, it doesn’t change my objective,” Thompson said prior to Thursday’s 6-2 loss to the Blues, his former team, at KeyBank Center. “My objective is to come here and help our team win and help any way I can ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson has performed like a future star this season. ©2022, Micheline Veluvolu

Early adversity helped Sabres star Tage Thompson develop into special talent

TORONTO – Brent Thompson remembers his son, Tage, was beside himself that day almost eight years ago during their five-hour ride home to Long Island.

Tage Thompson, who has emerged as the Buffalo Sabres’ most lethal goal scorer this season, had just been cut from one of USA Hockey’s regional camps, and he left Syracuse angry and shocked.

If Thompson had advanced and earned one of 200 spots for the national camp at the Northtown ... Read the full article