Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Report: Sabres place Pardy on waivers

BUFFALO – The Sabres waived three players today, most notably defenseman Adam Pardy, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

The team also placed Rochester forwards Kevin Porter and Nick Tarnasky on waivers, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle’s Kevin Oklobjiza reported.

Pardy, a possible addition to Rochester despite his $2 million salary, leaves the Sabres with eight defensemen, a number they could carry on their regular-season roster.

The 28-year-old Pardy spoke Sunday about the excitement he experienced... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sulzer hoping to parlay late-season play into regular duty

BUFFALO – When was the last time Alexander Sulzer started an NHL season confident he could be a regular?

“Never, first time,” the Sabres defenseman said Wednesday inside the First Niagara Center.

Having a roster spot isn’t new for Sulzer. He’s spent parts of the past four seasons in the NHL, including the last two from beginning to end. It’s just that he rarely played prior to his Feb. 27 arrival from Vancouver.

From the ... Read the full article

Sabres disappointed to lose Finley on waivers

BUFFALO – The New York Islanders claimed hulking Rochester Americans defenseman Joe Finley, who played five games with the Sabres last season, off waivers Monday.

“Actually, it was disappointing, but I understand it,” Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said Monday inside the First Niagara Center following an intrasquad scrimmage. “(Isles general manager) Garth Snow called me just before waiver time to give me a courtesy call to let me know they were going to take ... Read the full article

Report: Islanders claim Joe Finley off waivers from Sabres

BUFFALO – The New York Islanders claimed Rochester Americans defenseman Joe Finley off waivers today, according to Newsday’s Arthur Staple.

Finley, a training camp invite last season, played five games with the Sabres in 2011-12, compiling 12 penalty minutes and a minus-3 rating.

The 6-foot-8, 249-pound American first earned an AHL contract, then a two-way deal after impressing the Sabres.

Finley’s size earned him a cult following among Sabres and Amerks supporters, with fans ... Read the full article

Lindy Ruff wants Mikhail Grigorenko’s play to force Sabres to keep him

BUFFALO – About 10 minutes into his first NHL practice, Mikhail Grigorenko calmed down, channeled his nervous energy and began showcasing the many talents that could land the 18-year-old in the Sabres’ opening-day lineup next week.

The slick Russian center enjoyed a solid showing on Sunday, the first day of training camp and the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.

But, as Lindy Ruff said, “practice drills are one thing.” Competition drills, where Grigorenko can utilize his 6-foot-3, ... Read the full article

All eyes on Sabres’ Mikhail Grigorenko as training camp begins

BUFFALO – Mikhail Grigorenko’s many talents – the passing and playmaking ability, the long strides – had caught everyone’s eye just a few minutes into the Sabres’ first training camp session this morning.

Most observers believe the top prospect will enjoy a long NHL career.

But when will the slick 18-year-old center’s big league tenure start? Will he be in the Sabres’ opening-day lineup next Sunday?

Stay tuned. The Sabres will be giving the Russian, ... Read the full article

Roster battles promise to make Sabres camp interesting

BUFFALO – Thanks to the agonizingly long NHL lockout, 281 days have passed since the Sabres last played a game. Thankfully, the team will finally start an abbreviated training camp today. The season opens in just a week.

So what’s changed in the last nine months? How’s this group different from the high-priced, ninth-place team that was built to win the Stanley Cup in 2011-12?

The Sabres got tougher, acquiring Steve Ott to be the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ruff readying for hectic season ahead

BUFFALO – Lindy Ruff had already endured 113 days of the NHL lockout, so waiting another 60 minutes to find out the work stoppage was over wouldn’t have bothered the Sabres coach.

“My phone had gone off while I was sleeping,” Ruff said Wednesday about how he heard the lockout had ended. “It was one of these, somebody had texted me at 6 a.m., ‘Congrats, it’s over.’ And (you think), ‘Wait an hour to ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ruff always believed NHL season would be played

BUFFALO – In his first meeting with local reporters since July, Lindy Ruff couldn’t wipe the smile off his face during a 20-minute chat this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. Clearly, the Sabres coach can’t wait for the season to start.

Ruff thanked the fans for their support before fielding questions about the upcoming season and how he spent his time during the NHL lockout.

Here are some quick highlights:

On if the season ... Read the full article

Sabres apologize for lockout, thank fans for patience

BUFFALO – Make no mistake, the Sabres supported the NHL’s 113-day lockout.

“I don’t want anyone to think we didn’t vote in favor of it,” Sabres president Ted Black said Tuesday during a 30-minute news conference inside the First Niagara Center to talk about the upcoming season.

But how does the new collective bargaining agreement benefit the Sabres? Terry Pegula, their billionaire owner, spends freely on the team. Money isn’t an issue. The Sabres operate ... Read the full article