Ratzlaff - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Newcomer Matt Villalta gives Rochester Amerks No. 1 goalie, Sabres depth

ROCHESTER – Having grinded in the minors for years and occasionally earned trips to the NHL, goalie Matt Villalta symbolizes the new-look Americans.

The Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate still has some strong young talent, most notably defenseman Radim Mrtka, the ninth overall pick in 2025.

But the Amerks have become a veteran club this season. Their most dynamic youngsters in 2025-25 – forwards Konsta Helenius and Noah Ostlund – have graduated to Buffalo.... Read the full article

Sabres waive eight players, including first-rounder, assign 17 to Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday placed eight players on waivers, including defenseman Ryan Johnson, a first-round pick in 2019, for the purpose of assigning them to the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres also waived goalie Matt Villalta, defenseman Dennis Gilbert and forwards Mason Geertsen, Trevor Kuntar, Aidan McDonough, Carson Meyer and Jason Polin.

Update: Everyone on waivers cleared.

In addition, the Sabres also assigned the following players to the Amerks, their AHL affiliate: goalies Talyn ... Read the full article

Sabres add goalie depth for Rochester by signing Matt Villalta

The Buffalo Sabres on Saturday added goalie depth, signing Matt Villalta to a one-year, two-way contract.

Villalta, 27, gives the Sabres a veteran netminder for the Rochester Americans. He will likely share the net with prospects Topias Leinonen or Scott Ratzlaff, both of whom spent time in the AHL last season.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Villalta has spent most of his career in the AHL, compiling 123-83-20 record with a 2.93 goals-against average, a .903 save ... Read the full article

JJ Peterka won’t say if he wanted to be traded from Sabres: ‘Focus is on Utah’

BUFFALO – Utah Mammoth winger JJ Peterka wanted no part of the questions and revisiting that part of his past here.

Before the Sabres traded him on June 26, did he request to be dealt? Did he want out of Buffalo?

“I met so many great people in the organization,” Peterka replied prior to Tuesday’s game, his first at KeyBank Center as a visitor. “I made so many good friends. But, yeah, I think ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka quickly impressing with Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – For the time being at least, Buffalo Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka is adapting to the rigors of pro hockey as a member of the Americans.

The AHL, of course, can be unforgiving for teenagers and other neophytes, especially defenseman. But after earning a long look in training camp, rather than sending Mrtka, 18, back to junior hockey, the Sabres assigned him to the Amerks.

How long could the Czech stay? Remember, Sabres general ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris will miss ‘significant amount of time’ with injury

Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters this morning in Boston that center Josh Norris will miss “a significant amount of time” after suffering an upper-body injury in Thursday’s season-opening loss to the New York Rangers.

“I don’t know what that amount is for sure,” Ruff said prior to tonight’s game against the Bruin in TD Garden.

Ruff said Norris, who was injured taking a faceoff late in the 4-0 loss, is still being evaluated.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris out injured; Zach Benson to leave hospital

BUFFALO – Fresh off the most productive summer of his career, a healthy Josh Norris seemed poised to enjoy a breakout season as the Sabres’ new No. 1 center.

The oft-injured Norris, 26, dazzled during four preseason outings, scoring three goals and an NHL-high seven points.

But just one game into the season, he’s hurt again, joining five teammates on the sideline.

What the heck is going on?

“Maybe it’s just a test for us ... Read the full article

Sabres claim rookie goalie Colten Ellis off waivers from Blues, finalize roster

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ crease is getting crowded.

The team on Monday added its fourth goalie, claiming Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Ellis, who has never played in the NHL, joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Alexandar Georgiev in Buffalo.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said on Monday that Luukkonen, who has been sidelined by a lower-body injury, won’t be ready for Thursday’s season opener against the New York Rangers.

When ... Read the full article

Devon Levi, Konsta Helenius among players Sabres assign to Rochester

BUFFALO – Goalie Devon Levi and forward Konsta Helenius were among 24 players the Sabres assigned to the Rochester Americans following Saturday afternoon’s 5-2 preseason win over the Detroit Red Wings.

Levi, 23, is expected to begin the year as Rochester’s No. 1 goalie after securing an NHL roster spot out of training camp in each of his first two seasons.

Meanwhile, Helenius, 19, recorded one goal and three points in four exhibition games. In ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Riley Fiddler-Schultz used time as scratch wisely, earned NHL contract: ‘Amazing story’

BUFFALO – Over those difficult six weeks, as he sat out game after game as a healthy scratch, doubt would creep into Sabres prospect Riley Fiddler-Schultz’s head.

A year ago, fresh off a terrific rookie season with the Jacksonville Icemen, Fiddler-Schultz graduated to the Rochester Americans, then promptly morphed into spare part.

From opening night until Nov. 20, when he made his season debut, the Amerks scratched the speedy forward 14 straight games.... Read the full article