Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres sign goalie Alexandar Georgiev to one-year contract

When the Buffalo Sabres signed veteran Alex Lyon in free agency, they appeared to have solidified the goaltending position.

Lyon would back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Buffalo, while Devon Levi would return to the Rochester Americans for another year of development.

So, why did the Sabres on Thursday night, a week before training camp opens, sign veteran goalie Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year, $825,000 contract?... Read the full article

After strong season, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen focused on sticking in NHL

BUFFALO – On Friday, winger Isak Rosen will suit up for the Sabres in his fourth Prospects Challenge. Given his slick skill set and experience, there’s an expectation he will be a dominant presence in the rookie tournament.

Rosen has registered 48 goals and 105 points over the last two seasons in the AHL and played 15 NHL games. Last year, he developed into the Rochester Americans’ top offense threat, scoring 28 goals and 55 ... Read the full article

Radim Mrtka, Noah Ostlund highlight first-rounders on Sabres’ Prospects Challenge roster

Four first-round picks, including defenseman Radim Mrtka, the ninth overall selection this year, and center Noah Ostlund, who finished last season in the NHL, highlight the 26-man Prospects Challenge roster the Buffalo Sabres released Tuesday.

Forwards Konsta Helenius and Isak Rosen, who has played 15 games for the Sabres over the last two seasons, are the other Buffalo first-rounders who will be participating in the rookie camp tournament that runs from Friday to Monday in ... Read the full article

Former Sabres prospects have found new jobs all over this offseason

In early June, just days after the Buffalo Sabres relinquished the rights to Viljami Marjala, a high-scoring forward they drafted in the fifth round in 2021, the Edmonton Oilers snapped up the prospect, signing him to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Marjala, fresh off a breakout season in which he registered 44 assists and 52 points in 54 games for TPS Turku, will likely begin the upcoming campaign with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.

Perhaps ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie prospect Samuel Meloche plays calm style similar to Carey Price

From his seat in the Bell Centre eight years ago, Samuel Meloche began studying the craft of goaltending and developing a special appreciation for Carey Price’s talent. Watching the Montreal Canadiens star move around the crease fascinated the youngster.

Price, who won the Hart and Vezina trophies in 2014-15, possessed athleticism and a special calmness in his game. Meloche wanted to be like him.

“I just fell in love with his game,” the Buffalo Sabres ... Read the full article

Sabres won’t re-sign Brett Murray for Rochester Amerks

Winger Brett Murray, who spent the last six seasons with the Rochester Americans and scored a career-high 27 goals in 2024-25, won’t be re-signed by the Buffalo Sabres, Dave Gagner, his agent, told the Times Herald.

Gagner said Rochester general manager Jason Karmanos informed him the Sabres don’t plan to bring back the unrestricted free agent.

Murray played 26 games for the Sabres over parts of four seasons, registering two goals and six points. ... Read the full article

Sabres won’t re-sign Mason Jobst for Rochester Amerks

Center Mason Jobst, who served as the Rochester Americans’ captain last season, won’t be returning to the Buffalo Sabres organization, a source told the Times Herald.

Jobst, an unrestricted free agent, spent the last three seasons with the Amerks and part of the 2021-22 campaign.

Following a 22-goal, 50-point season in 2023-24, the Sabres rewarded Jobst, 31, with a one-year, two-way NHL contract worth $350,000 in the minors, according to Puckpedia.com. He had played ... Read the full article

Former Sabres found new jobs as free agents this offseason

A year ago, Jeff Skinner lasted less than a day on the open market after the Buffalo Sabres bought out the final three seasons of his eight-year, $72 million contract.

The Edmonton Oilers believed he could play alongside superstars Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, so they quickly signed the winger to a one-year, $3 million deal.

In late December, the Oilers scratched Skinner for the first time, and he sat out all but five of ... Read the full article

After terrific season in AHL, Sabres sign goalie Devon Levi to two-year contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday locked up their last restricted free agent, signing goalie Devon Levi to a two-year, $1.625 million contract.

Levi, 23, just enjoyed a terrific season with the Rochester Americans, registering a 25-13-4 record with a 2.20 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage and a league-best seven shutouts in 42 games. He posted a 5-3 mark in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Sabres’ top goalie prospect also played nine games for Buffalo ... Read the full article

Williamsville’s Trevor Kuntar thrilled for fresh start in Sabres organization with Rochester Amerks: ‘Dream come true’

Trevor Kuntar takes a positive approach to the struggles every hockey player will inevitably endure. The Williamsville native said his parents, Les and Faye, ingrained that in him. So no matter how difficult the situation, he refuses to have a negative outlook.

Kuntar, 24, just experienced a difficult season in which he fell out of the Boston Bruins’ plans. Fresh off a strong rookie campaign with the Providence Bruins, if he cracked the lineup, his ... Read the full article