Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Ted Nolan wants Sabres goalie Ryan Miller to stay in Buffalo

BUFFALO – In Ted Nolan’s mind, franchise goalie Ryan Miller, an unrestricted free agent following the season, is more of a building block for the struggling Sabres than an asset.

“You build around him versus as a pawn to try to get something to make you better,” the interim coach said Wednesday. “You learn to deal with the now as a coach, and we got one of the better goaltenders in the world here. I’d ... Read the full article

Sabres send Brayden McNabb to Amerks for one game

BUFFALO – Defenseman Brayden McNabb, a healthy scratch the last two games, will play tonight for the Rochester Americans before returning to the Sabres.

Sitting long isn’t good for the 22-year-old, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said. The Amerks host the Utica Comets tonight.

“The greatest thing about having the Rochester Americans so close he can go down and play,” Nolan said this afternoon following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “He sat out ... Read the full article

Sabres could send Mikhail Grigorenko to play with Russians or to junior

BUFFALO – The Sabres are “discussing all possibilities” to find 19-year-old prospect Mikhail Grigorenko playing time, interim coach Ted Nolan said Tuesday.

That means the Sabres could loan the center, a healthy scratch the last two games, to Russia for the world junior championship later this month if he’s invited. He could also get sent back to the junior Quebec Remparts.

“We’re not 100 percent sure what we’re going to do,” Nolan said following practice ... Read the full article

Sabres’ youngsters thriving back in development leagues

Some quick updates on the rookies the Buffalo Sabres’ new regime reassigned to the AHL and junior Nov. 19.

Not surprisingly, the youngsters are thriving outside the NHL. You think these prospects should’ve been sent down earlier?

Johan Larsson, winger, Rochester Americans

The 22-year-old Swede, who had one assist in 17 NHL games, has two goals and seven points in six AHL games as winger beside center Kevin Porter and rookie Joel Armia. ... Read the full article

Report: Patrick Kaleta has torn ACL, done for season; Sabres planned recall

BUFFALO – Agitating winger Patrick Kaleta, who was trying to develop a calmer style in the minors following a series of NHL suspensions, tore his right ACL Friday and is done for the season, according to the Buffalo News.

Here’s the kicker, though: Kaleta was going to be recalled from Rochester on Monday, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters today in New Jersey.

“We were going to bring him up after the ... Read the full article

Report: Amerks’ Patrick Kaleta suffers ‘serious’ right leg injury

BUFFALO – Agitating winger Patrick Kaleta, who’s trying to develop a calmer style in the minors following a series of NHL suspensions, suffered a “serious injury” to his right knee or ankle Friday, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

Update: Kaleta has a torn ACL and is done for the season, according to the Buffalo News.

“It didn’t look good,” Rochester coach Chadd Cassidy told the paper following the Americans’ 5-3 win ... Read the full article

Matt D’Agostini ready for any role with Sabres

BUFFALO – Matt D’Agostini had just experienced NHL waivers, what he described as “the most anxious 24 hours of your life.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins, his third team since the beginning of last season, released him Tuesday. The 27-year-old winger could’ve gone to the minors for the first time in four years.

But the hapless Sabres claimed D’Agostini on Wednesday, awarding him perhaps his final NHL chance.

So before D’Agostini spoke to the media Thursday ... Read the full article

Late penalty dooms Sabres in loss to Canadiens; Matt D’Agostini expected to join team today

BUFFALO – Tyler Ennis said he was simply trying to hit his spot on the Sabres’ set breakout. Both wingers are supposed to loop. He had no intention of trying to pick Ryan White.

“All of a sudden he was going to my ice,” Ennis said Wednesday following the Sabres’ 3-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, their fifth straight defeat.

With the Sabres down 2-1 with 2:58 remaining, a referee whistled Ennis for interference, giving ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ted Nolan impressed with Mikhail Grigorenko’s two games

BUFFALO – Anybody will notice 19-year-old center Mikhail Grigorenko’s skill set, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said.

“He sees the ice very well,” Nolan said this afternoon following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “He’s a big man. He has a tremendous shot.”

But Nolan also sees “a young kid” within all that talent.

“A young kid that’s finding his way,” he noted.

That’s why Nolan’s exercising patience with the rookie, who’s pointless in two ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan wants more emotion from struggling Sabres

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ emotional 3-1 victory in Ted Nolan’s debut as interim coach Nov. 15 is starting to feel like a distant memory.

Yes, the Sabres have been showcasing a better compete level at times. Yes, they’re starting games much better.

But the bottom-feeding club has been outscored 15-5 in four straight losses since beating Toronto. The Sabres, who have an NHL-low five wins and 11 points, are still really bad.

“I really liked ... Read the full article