Ratzlaff - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres sign goalie Alexandar Georgiev to one-year contract

When the Buffalo Sabres signed veteran Alex Lyon in free agency, they appeared to have solidified the goaltending position.

Lyon would back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Buffalo, while Devon Levi would return to the Rochester Americans for another year of development.

So, why did the Sabres on Thursday night, a week before training camp opens, sign veteran goalie Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year, $825,000 contract?... Read the full article

Sabres goalie prospect Samuel Meloche plays calm style similar to Carey Price

From his seat in the Bell Centre eight years ago, Samuel Meloche began studying the craft of goaltending and developing a special appreciation for Carey Price’s talent. Watching the Montreal Canadiens star move around the crease fascinated the youngster.

Price, who won the Hart and Vezina trophies in 2014-15, possessed athleticism and a special calmness in his game. Meloche wanted to be like him.

“I just fell in love with his game,” the Buffalo Sabres ... Read the full article

After difficult two years, Sabres goalie prospect Topias Leinonen thriving

BUFFALO – When the Sabres drafted goalie Topias Leinonen 41st overall in 2022, they likely believed he would be ready to begin his career in North America in three years.

Sure enough, Leinonen, having signed his entry-level contract in March, is expected to start the upcoming season with the Rochester Americans or the Jacksonville Icemen, their ECHL affiliate.

Leinonen, 21, just enjoyed a standout season for Mora IK, a second-tier pro team in Sweden, compiling ... Read the full article

NHL Draft: Sabres select Radim Mrtka ninth overall

ORCHARD PARK – Early last season, Radim Mrtka, the right-shot defenseman the Buffalo Sabres selected ninth overall tonight at the NHL Draft, briefly played pro hockey in his native Czechia.

While he enjoyed competing against men, he received limited action. If he wanted to keep developing, he needed more minutes. So he chose to play junior for the Western Hockey League’s Seattle Thunderbirds.

The 6-foot-6, 218-pound Mrtka arrived in North America unable to speak or ... Read the full article

Sabres legend Ryan Miller happy in role as goalie scout and development coach with Sharks

ROCHESTER – Right now, Buffalo Sabres legend Ryan Miller is busy interviewing goalie prospects and writing reports, his final preparations for the NHL Draft.

Later this month, Miller, 44, will be in Texas watching prospects at the World Under-18 Junior Championship.

These days, Miller, who retired in 2021, works as a goalie scout and development coach for the San Jose Sharks. It’s a job, given his long and successful career and cerebral approach to hockey, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Quinn on torrid streak, still disappointed in season: ‘Pretty brutal’

OTTAWA – In the midst of a career-best stretch, fresh off consecutive three-point outings, Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn’s disappointment is still evident.

Quinn, 23, entered Tuesday’s game against the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre on a tear, having scored four goals and eight points in his last four outings.

But in what was expected to be a breakout season, he has struggled at both ends of the ice – he began Tuesday’s game ... Read the full article

Sabres sign prospect Scott Ratzlaff to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday signed goalie prospect Scott Ratzlaff, who recently looked impressive during NHL preseason action, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 6-foot-1, 177-pound Ratzlaff did not allow a goal in 51 minutes of exhibition play over two appearances with the Sabres.

Ratzlaff, 19, has carried that strong netminding into his junior season, posting a 3-0-0 record with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage in three games with the ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects get final chance to impress

Two wins and a third-period lead against an NHL lineup isn’t bad, right? The group of Sabres closing out the preseason in Buffalo as the regular team prepares for Friday’s season opener in Czechia has looked impressive.

Following two 3-2 road wins, a team mostly comprised of Rochester Americans led the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Saturday before falling 6-3.

Tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, that group B group closes out ... Read the full article

Goalie prospect Scott Ratzlaff seizing chance, impressing Sabres

BUFFALO – For Sabres prospect Scott Ratzlaff, playing against NHL players he had only seen on television like Sean Monahan feels surreal.

In a normal training camp, the goalie would’ve been sent back to the Seattle Thunderbirds after about a week. But the Sabres’ season-opening trip to Europe has created unique opportunities for players left in camp.

Ratzlaff, 19, has seized his chance, looking impressive during his first NHL preseason outings.... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Noah Ostlund, other prospects earn another game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres split into two groups Tuesday – the regular team traveled overseas to start the season, while the B group stayed here to complete training camp – a special opportunity materialized for some players.

Prospects and minor leaguers who would’ve normally received little or no action have an extended look as the Sabres complete their preseason schedule.

On Tuesday, a group filled with youngsters and AHL talent won a 3-2 road ... Read the full article