Pominville - Buffalo Hockey Beat

With 10 picks and stars to deal, draft day could dramatically change rebuilding Sabres

NEWARK, N.J. – By tonight, following what promises to be a busy, even chaotic day at the NHL Entry Draft inside the Prudential Center, the Buffalo Sabres could be radically reshaped for the future.

With four of the first 52 picks in a deep draft, including the eighth and 16^th selections, the Sabres should nab some elite prospects. But general manager Darcy Regier’s rebuild goes beyond simply adding draft picks.

Starting goalie Ryan Miller ... Read the full article

Sabres owner Pegula defends Regier, wants Miller and Vanek back

BUFFALO – Terry Pegula has finally spoken again.

In a rare “interview,” the Sabres owner fielded questions on his team’s radio program, “Sabres Hockey Hotline,” this morning, chatting 25 minutes by phone with hosts and team employees Kevin Sylvester and Andrew Peters.

Most notably, Pegula defended general manager Darcy Regier, whose teams have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, asking, “What’s he done wrong?” Pegula said he wants Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, ... Read the full article

Regier warns Sabres’ Stanley Cup goal ‘may require some suffering’

BUFFALO – The Sabres want their rabid fan base to understand something, general manager Darcy Regier said. The organization’s new philosophy – one that embraces building for a Stanley Cup, not simply making the playoffs – could require some suffering.

“We have gone with more determination in a very distinct direction, which is about the Stanley Cup,” Regier said Monday during a contentious and even bizarre 46-minute season-ending news conference inside the First Niagara Center. ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jhonas Enroth feels ready to be No. 1 goalie following strong finish

BUFFALO – After 45 NHL starts, Sabres backup Jhonas Enroth believes he’s ready to assume regular duty. The 24-year-old wants to be a No. 1 goalie badly.

There’s just one problem.

“Ryan’s the starter here,” Enroth said Saturday as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers inside the First Niagara Center.

But how much longer will Ryan Miller be the starter?

It’s widely believed the Sabres will try to trade the franchise goalie following their disappointing ... Read the full article

Stars Miller and Vanek know their Sabres careers could be over

BUFFALO – With his future as the Sabres’ franchise goalie iffy, Ryan Miller said he’s trying to find a balance. The veteran doesn’t want to jump to any conclusions as rumors swirl he’ll be traded from the struggling club this offseason.

For years, one of Miller’s greatest strengths has been becoming “really focused and fired up,” he said. But that hurt him at times.

So the 32-year-old wants to “let go just a little bit.”... Read the full article

Sabres’ Miller relaxed, ‘not going to try to worry too much’ about getting traded

For years, one of Miller’s greatest strengths has been becoming “really focused and fired up,” he said. But that hurt him at times.

The 32-year-old wants to let go a bit now.

“I’m just trying to be open ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Vanek enters season finale with uncertain future

BUFFALO – So, has slick winger Thomas Vanek given thought to tonight possibly being his last game with the Sabres?

“A little bit,” Vanek said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “But at the same time, not really because I do have a year left (on my contract). We’ll see.”

Some Sabres will almost certainly be making their final appearance in blue and gold during tonight’s season finale against the New York Islanders.

It’s ... Read the full article

Sabres know a loss to Rangers would likely end playoff hopes

BUFFALO – The Sabres have shattered the widespread belief they would finish a lost season meekly and perhaps contend for a lottery pick instead of making an unlikely run at the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot.

In dealing captain Jason Pominville and two other respected veterans for draft picks and prospects prior to the April 3 trade deadline, general manager Darcy Regier openly talked about the future and shifting the focus to next season.

The ... Read the full article

Amerks captain Matt Ellis transitioning from Sabres back to AHL

BUFFALO – Reminders of the Sabres’ recent roster overhaul are all over Matt Ellis’ Clarence neighborhood.

Each day, the hardworking forward drives by “For Sale” signs in front of the homes Jordan Leopold and Jason Pominville recently left. When Ellis picks up neighbor Cody McCormick, instead of going downtown, the teammates drive 75 miles down the thruway to Rochester, their new playing home.

“The only one left in our neighborhood is (Thomas Vanek),” Ellis, ... Read the full article

Amerks’ Chadd Cassidy impressed by new Sabres prospect Johan Larsson

BUFFALO – Chadd Cassidy called Johan Larsson’s new situation “very difficult.” A week ago, the 20-year-old prospect was preparing for his second NHL game. Then Minnesota yanked the center from its morning skate.

Not only was Larsson going back to the AHL, the Wild had sent him to the Sabres as a key figure in the Jason Pominville trade.

So far, Larsson has impressed Cassidy through three games, scoring one goal and three points.... Read the full article