Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres recall Lawrence Pilut, send John Gilmour to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres swapped defensemen with the Rochester Americans today, recalling Lawrence Pilut and sending John Gilmour back to their AHL affiliate.

Pilut, 24, has compiled zero points in 11 NHL games this season. He has produced offensively with the Amerks, scoring six goals and 23 points in 37 outings.

The Swede has been shuttling between Buffalo and Rochester over the past several weeks.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jason Botterill happy Zach Bogosian landed with Lightning

BUFFALO – Before the Sabres terminated Zach Bogosian’s contract, general manager Jason Botterill said the team tried on its own and worked with the defenseman to find a solution.

“It didn’t materialize,” Botterill said Monday inside KeyBank Center.

So the Sabres cut ties with Bogosian, 29, on Friday, putting him on termination waivers after he was suspended for refusing to report the Rochester Americans. The Sabres originally waived the Massena native Feb. 14.

On ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jonas Johansson dazzles in first NHL win

BUFFALO – After receiving two starts early in his NHL career, Sabres goalie Jonas Johansson took a backseat to veteran Carter Hutton two weeks ago.

Hutton’s emergence from a long slump allowed the Sabres to utilize him regularly again.

So Johansson, a rookie the Sabres recalled when Linus Ullmark suffered a lower-body injury, patiently waited to play another game.

Prior to earning his first NHL victory in Sunday’s afternoon 2-1 win against the Winnipeg ... Read the full article

Former Sabre Zach Bogosian clears waivers, becomes free agent

PITTSBURGH – Defenseman Zach Bogosian cleared waivers today, making the 12-year NHL veteran a free agent.

The Buffalo Sabres placed Bogosian on unconditional waivers Friday with the intention of terminating his contract.

Bogosian refused to report to the Rochester Americans after the Sabres assigned him to their AHL affiliate on Feb. 15, a day after waiving him.

The Massena native must sign with a new team before Monday’s trade deadline to be eligible for the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues stepping up game after trade request

BUFFALO – After playing 10 straight games, Sabres forward Evan Rodrigues will likely be scratched this afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sabres winger Michael Frolik has recovered from a nasty bout with the flu and is set to return, meaning one forward must sit out.

Based on Friday’s practice lines, Rodrigues will be a healthy scratch for the first time since Jan. 28.

Rodrigues, 26, sat out regularly over the first two months, often serving ... Read the full article

Sabres place Zach Bogosian on waivers to terminate contract

BUFFALO – Defenseman Zach Bogosian’s five-year career with the Sabres is over.

The Sabres placed Bogosian on unconditional waivers today with the intention of terminating his contract.

Bogosian refused to report to the Rochester Americans after the Sabres assigned him to their AHL affiliate on Saturday, a day after waiving him.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Michael Frolik set to return from flu

BUFFALO – Sabres forwards Jack Eichel, Michael Frolik and Kyle Okposo will likely play in Saturday afternoon’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“At the moment, everybody’s available,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said after the three players practiced this morning inside KeyBank Center.

Eichel and Okposo had maintenance days Thursday. The flu, meanwhile, sidelined Frolik the last two games.... Read the full article

Sabres suspend Zach Bogosian for failing to report to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres have suspended defenseman Zach Bogosian for failing to report to the Rochester Americans, the NHL club announced late Monday afternoon.

They assigned Bogosian, 29, to the Amerks on Saturday.

After morphing into a spare part – he was scratched 17 of the last 26 games – and often struggling during his sporadic appearances, the Sabres waived Bogosian on Friday.

“There will be no further information or comment at this time,” ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Taylor Leier to one-year, two-way contract

BUFFALO – The Sabres have signed winger Taylor Leier to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700,000, the team announced this morning.

Leier, 26, has spent the entire season with the Rochester Americans, scoring seven goals and eight points in 17 games.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Leier underwent offseason shoulder surgery following a freak training accident and did not play his first game until Dec. 11.... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Carter Hutton game-time decision for Maple Leafs

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Carter Hutton will be a game-time decision tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, coach Ralph Krueger said.

Hutton, who has won three straight starts, missed Saturday’s practice for maintenance.

“We’re testing him at the moment as a we speak here,” Krueger said this morning inside KeyBank Center.

If Hutton can’t play, Krueger said rookie Jonas Johansson will start.

The Sabres also recalled goalie Andrew Hammond from the Rochester Americans on Saturday.... Read the full article