Ostlund - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich captaining Team Czechia at World Juniors

Having already played in two World Junior Championships, won a silver medal and scored nine goals, Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich was the obvious pick to captain Team Czechia’s entry at this year’s tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The slick forward wanted to represented his country so badly that he asked the Sabres for permission to leave the Rochester Americans.

Kulich, 19, possesses the talent to enjoy a special tournament. His 16 goals this season are ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Amerks close to hiring assistant coaches; Buffalo open to adding another forward

BUFFALO – Instead of getting into a deep discussion of Xs and Os with job candidates or having them diagram plays, Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert prefers to conduct more personal interviews.

“I’m a people-oriented, relationship-oriented person,” the loquacious Appert said Sunday following the first session of Sabres development camp at LECOM Harborcenter.

Appert, whose two assistant coaches, Michael Peca and Mike Weber, both recently left for NHL jobs, said he wants to talk to ... Read the full article

Contracts for Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power in works; Kevyn Adams confident in goalies

BUFFALO – Following the season, some of the Sabres’ decision makers sat down with defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power and told them how much they believe in them and what they mean to the franchise.

“There was an excitement from both of them and a clear message to me that they both want to be here long-term,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Wednesday during a news conference in KeyBank Center to discuss the ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund to play next season in Sweden

Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund has decided to play in Sweden for another year.

Ostlund, the 16th overall pick in 2022, will be spending the 2023-24 season with Swedish Hockey League’s Vaxjo Lakers, the team announced Monday.

The center played 11 games in the SHL in 2021-22 with his former team, Djurgardens, before it was relegated to HockeyAllsvenskan, a second-division league.... Read the full article

In prized Sabres prospect Matt Savoie, Rochester Amerks add new weapon

ROCHESTER – Before the Americans can think about utilizing slick Buffalo Sabres prospect Matt Savoie in the Calder Cup Playoffs, coach Seth Appert joked he needs to learn his new teammates’ names.

Savoie, 19, has experienced a whirlwind few days, traveling from Seattle, where his junior team lost in the Western Hockey League final, back to Winnipeg. Following some emotional goodbyes with his Ice teammates, he arrived in Western New York on Sunday.

After practicing ... Read the full article

Sabres assign prospect Matt Savoie to Rochester Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday assigned center prospect Matt Savoie, the ninth overall pick in 2022, to the Rochester Americans.

Savoie, 19, can join the Amerks, Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, because his junior campaign with the Winnipeg Ice ended Friday in the Western Hockey League championship. Teenagers who play for Canadian Hockey League teams aren’t eligible to play for AHL clubs until their season is over.

The Amerks begin the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final series ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund joins Amerks following Swedish season

Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund, the 16th overall pick last year, has joined the Rochester Americans to practice and get a feel for the organization.

The Amerks play the fifth and decisive game of their AHL North Division semifinal series tonight on the road against the Syracuse Crunch. Ostlund, however, likely won’t be participating in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Ostlund, 19, has been battling a foot injury that forced him to miss playoff games ... Read the full article

Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich and likely other Sabres prospects off limits in trades

BUFFALO – In his early days as general manager, Kevyn Adams began reshaping the Sabres by trading established assets.

Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen all fetched hefty returns and have helped the Sabres compile a deep and talented stable of prospects.

As the Sabres have developed into a playoff contender this season, Adams has learned how much other teams covet their young talent.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tage Thompson reflective after NHL All-Star selection: ‘A tough journey’

BUFFALO – When Sabres center Tage Thompson learned he had earned his first selection to the NHL All-Star Game, he reflected on his long, arduous journey to one of hockey’s premier events.

While Thompson, 25, made his big league debut with the St. Louis Blues in 2017, he struggled for years to secure regular duty and reach his vast potential. He endured demotions, a season-ending injury and other setbacks before enjoying a 38-goal breakout campaign ... Read the full article

Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen turning heads at World Juniors

Before Buffalo Sabres prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen left Rochester to join their respective countries at the World Junior Championship, Americans coach Seth Appert challenged the youngsters to rely on more than their skill during the tournament.

He said the AHL rookies have evolved over the past three months, displaying a willingness to play on the inside and attack the net. Without the puck, they’ve learned how to forecheck and about the physicality needed ... Read the full article