Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Size, skill make Sabres’ Anton Wahlberg intriguing prospect: ‘Maybe a steal’

BUFFALO – Vinny Prospal listened to the question about Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg’s brief stint with the Rochester Americans, leaned forward to the microphone and offered a one-word answer.

“Size,” a smiling Prospal said of what stood out about the youngster.

When Wahlberg, 19, arrived in Rochester late last season, his 6-foot-3, 198-pound frame quickly grabbed the assistant coach’s attention.

Among Amerks forwards last year, only 6-foot-5 Brett Murray was taller. Among drafted Sabres forwards ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich focused on becoming grittier, stronger presence

BUFFALO – Over his first two seasons, Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich morphed from a one-dimensional scorer who relied on his blistering shot into a more mature center.

Through some tough love, former Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert helped Kulich, 20, realize he needed to evolve and develop a more versatile style.

So when the Czech endured a two-month scoring slump last season, he used the time to hone his “B game” and contribute in other ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Patrick Geary growing into unique talent at Michigan State

BUFFALO – During their chats leading up to the NHL Draft, Hamburg native Patrick Geary told the Sabres that in the past, he had often played a raw, undisciplined game.

“He used the term that a couple of coaches used with him, he was a little bit of a cowboy on the ice at times,” assistant general manager Jerry Forton said June 29 after the Sabres selected Geary in the sixth round, 174th overall, at ... Read the full article

Former Sabres prospects have landed all over after leaving Rochester

It happens every year or so. One of the Buffalo Sabres’ unheralded mid- or late-round draft picks quickly grabs some attention. Maybe a YouTube sizzle reel builds a little hype. Other times his exploits in training or development camp can raise expectations.

“Who the heck is this guy?” fans might ask.

Matej Pekar’s aggressive antics just days after the Sabres drafted him in 2018 – he hit Casey Mittelstadt, Buffalo’s top forward prospect at ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius set to play in North America in 2024-25

Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius will be playing in North America in the 2024-25 season.

Tappara, Helenius’ Finnish team in Liiga, announced Monday on its social media platforms the center has left to join the Sabres organization.

Helenius, the 14th overall pick June 28, signed his entry-level NHL contract July 8.... Read the full article

Former Sabres prospects, Amerks have landed new contracts as free agents

A year ago, the Rochester Americans’ top nine scorers returned, a remarkable number for an AHL team. This upcoming season, that number might be three.

The Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate was bound to experience some overturn in free agency this offseason after enjoying stability rarely seen in the minors. Some updates are below.... Read the full article

Former Sabres quickly found work as free agents this summer

In past offseasons, it sometimes took former Buffalo Sabres time to find work. Some went overseas or returned to the minors. Some never played in the NHL again.

But earlier this month, seven players from the 2023-24 squad quickly signed NHL contracts as free agents. Some updates are below.

– Winger Jeff Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The Sabres, of course, bought out the final three seasons of Skinner’s ... Read the full article

Ex-Sabres prospect Linus Weissbach signs contract in native Sweden

Winger Linus Weissbach has returned home to play in the Swedish Hockey League.

The former Buffalo Sabres prospect on Saturday signed a two-year contract with Frolunda HC.

Weissbach, 26, spent the last three seasons with the Rochester Americans, scoring 52 goals and 117 points in 192 AHL games. He added four goals and 11 points in 18 contests in the Calder Cup Playoffs.... Read the full article

Sabres newcomer Sam Lafferty enjoyed career season after trade

BUFFALO – Sabres center Sam Lafferty’s first three NHL teams utilized him in a checking role, deploying him for faceoffs in enemy territory for a whopping 73.7 percent of his zone starts.

Then last year, after the Vancouver Canucks acquired Lafferty, 29, from the Toronto Maple Leafs days before the season, they gave him a dual role.

For the first time in his five-year career, he had more offensive zone starts than defensive starts (51.3 ... Read the full article

Sabres sign prospect Konsta Helenius to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday signed center prospect Konsta Helenius, the 14th overall pick on June 28, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Finn, having spent the last two years competing against stronger and more experienced talent in Liiga, could continue his pro hockey in North America next season.

Helenius, 18, and Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams have both said they’re open to different options, including playing in Buffalo or with the Rochester Americans.... Read the full article