Nathan Gerbe was waived earlier this month. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Hurricanes sign Nathan Gerbe to two-way contract

BUFFALO – Former Sabres winger Nathan Gerbe has found a new home after getting waived and bought out earlier this month.

The Carolina Hurricanes today signed the 26-year-old American to a one-year, two-way deal. Gerbe receives $550,000 in the NHL, $150,000 in the AHL and is guaranteed at least $250,000, the Hurricanes said.

According to capgeek.com, the Sabres also owe Gerbe $616,666 over the next two years, part of the three-year, $4.3 million contract ... Read the full article

Ryan Miller tries to stop Taylor Pyatt on April 19. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Ryan Miller not a lock to represent Team USA at Olympics again

It’s no slam dunk Buffalo Sabres starter Ryan Miller, one of six goalies Team USA placed on its National Team Orientation Camp roster today, will be named to the Olympic team again for the upcoming Sochi Games.

Consider the other netminders the 2010 Vancouver Games hero is competing with for one of three spots in February:

– Ottawa’s Craig Anderson, who led the NHL in goals-against average (1.69) and save percentage (.941) last season.

– ... Read the full article

Darcy Regier talks about the Sabres’ offseason news Friday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres could still have Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek in fold when training camp opens

BUFFALO – With each passing day, general manager Darcy Regier acknowledged, it becomes more likely starting goalie Ryan Miller and slick winger Thomas Vanek will still be with the Sabres when training camp starts in September.

Regier has said both stars, whose contracts expire after next season, could be dealt from the rebuilding Sabres. He said he’s had some “discussions regarding both those players” with other teams.

“The nature of this business as you move ... Read the full article

Darcy Regier speaks this afternoon. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Darcy Regier: Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek could still be with Sabres come training camp

BUFFALO – With each passing day, general manager Darcy Regier acknowledged, it becomes more likely starting goalie Ryan Miller and slick winger Thomas Vanek will be on the Sabres when training camp convenes in September.

Regier has said both stars, whose contracts expire after next season, could be dealt from the rebuilding Sabres. He said he’s had some “discussions regarding both those players” with other teams.

“The nature of this business, as you move through ... Read the full article

Mikhail Grigorenko played 25 NHL games last season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

With roster place secure, Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko concentrating on next season

BUFFALO – Mikhail Grigorenko is staying put. No more shuttling between the NHL and junior. The Sabres have already given the slick Russian center a roster spot for next season, general manager Darcy Regier said last week.

What does that mean to the 19-year-old?

“I didn’t think about it at all,” Grigorenko said Wednesday inside the First Niagara Center following the first session of the team’s summer development camp. “I don’t think it changes ... Read the full article

David Leggio has developed into one of the AHL’s best goalies. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Goalie David Leggio signs with Capitals, grateful for time in Sabres organization

BUFFALO – David Leggio has no hard feelings toward the Sabres.

Three summers ago, the goalie figured his championship season in Finland would generate interest back in North America. But offers never materialized. Finally, as the summer dragged on, the Sabres gave Leggio a chance when no one else would, signing him to play behind Jhonas Enroth with the Portland Pirates.

At that point, the 28-year-old Williamsville native had played three AHL games.

“They believed ... Read the full article

Henrik Tallinder left the Sabres in 2010. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres bring back Henrik Tallinder from Devils

BUFFALO – Three years ago, Henrik Tallinder sensed his Sabres career was ending. Despite a strong season helping then-rookie Tyler Myers develop into of the NHL’s top defensemen, the Swede knew the team had little interest in awarding him a long-term contract.

So when free agency opened, Tallinder signed a four-year, $13.5 million deal with the New Jersey Devils.

Had the Sabres offered even three years to Tallinder, he said he might’ve considered staying with ... Read the full article

Drew Bagnall has spent almost all of his career in the AHL. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres stay quiet as free agency opens, only ink AHL defenseman Drew Bagnall for depth

BUFFALO – It didn’t take Sabres fans long to experience some of that suffering general manager Darcy Regier warned could lie ahead.

As free agency opened Friday afternoon and teams began piling up assets, the rebuilding Sabres remained quiet most of the day.

Finally, at about 9:30 p.m., TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported the Sabres had signed AHL defenseman Drew Bagnall to a two-year, two-way contract.

That depth move probably won’t make the team’s anxious fan ... Read the full article

Two years ago, the Sabres signed Ville Leino, a winger, to a six-year, $27 million contract to play center. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres likely won’t pursue big names during free agency

BUFFALO – The focus during free agency, general manager Darcy Regier said, will be on adding supporting pieces to the Sabres’ younger core group. The crazy spending of the past appears to be over, at least for this summer.

So, when free agency opens at noon today, don’t expect the Sabres to wildly overpay or overreach for any Ville Leino-types again. And don’t expect them to throw tens of millions of dollars at any ... Read the full article

Nathan Gerbe played 188 games for the Sabres. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Nathan Gerbe’s Sabres career over with team planning buyout

BUFFALO – Nathan Gerbe’s Sabres career is over.

The team placed the diminutive winger on waivers Wednesday for the purpose of buying him out, his agent, Jordan Neumann, told the Times Herald.

When asked if Gerbe had any warning, Neumann replied, “Absolutely none.” The Sabres still hadn’t contacted Neumann as of early Wednesday afternoon. Neumann said he understands the business, however.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told the media at least three times recently, ... Read the full article