Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres activate Zach Benson from IR, send prospect to Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon activated winger Zach Benson from injured reserve and sent rookie center Anton Wahlberg back to the Rochester Americans.

Benson, who missed the last four games, is expected to play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Sabres close a three-game road trip.

He hasn’t played since suffering an upper-body injury when he crashed into the boards Feb. 2 in Florida.... Read the full article

Following move to center with Amerks, prospect Anton Wahlberg receives first recall to Sabres

ROCHESTER – After Konsta Helenius’ first NHL recall last month left the Americans thin at center, coach Mike Leone shifted Buffalo Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg up to pivot the Americans’ top line.

Normally, a neophyte about 100 games into his AHL career wouldn’t have been thrust into such a high-profile role.

“It’s extremely difficult to do what he’s doing right now as a young player,” Leone said last month of the 20-year-old.... Read the full article

Sabres recall prospect from Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres this morning recalled center prospect Anton Wahlberg, a second-round pick in 2023, from the Rochester Americans.

The youngster has never played an NHL game. His arrival could mean Sabres center Tage Thompson, who just won a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics, will miss Wednesday’s road game against the New Jersey Devils.

Wahlberg, 20, has quietly enjoyed a strong season with the Amerks, compiling six goals, 25 points and ... Read the full article

Sabres recall defenseman from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres this morning recalled rookie defenseman Zach Metsa, who returned to the AHL during the Olympic break, from the Rochester Americans.

Metsa, 27, played two games during the break, his first appearances with the Amerks since early December. After being summoned that month, he enjoyed semi-regular duty with the Sabres, often skating short minutes on the third defense pair.

He practiced with the Sabres this morning in LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi happy with Rochester, no longer feels ‘rushed’

BRIGHTON – These days, Devon Levi possesses a narrow focus. Naturally, the Buffalo Sabres prospect thinks about his future. But by embracing what the present offers him, he believes he can achieve his ultimate goal of becoming an elite NHL goalie.

Almost three years after nearly backstopping the Sabres to an unlikely playoff berth just weeks out of college, Levi, 24, has spent all season with the Rochester Americans.

“I know that over time I’ll ... Read the full article

Mature, tenacious style helping Sabres prospect Isak Rosen enjoy special year with Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – Isak Rosen’s third goal of the night in his return to the Americans, a nifty two-on-one he converted after Konsta Helenius corralled a bouncing puck and fed his linemate, illustrates the special chemistry the Buffalo Sabres prospects share.

Rosen and Helenius, both of whom will play in tonight’s AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford, Illinois, have morphed into one of the league’s elite duos.

If Helenius, 19, can feed him the puck, there’s a ... Read the full article

After first taste of NHL, Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius can help Rochester

ROCHESTER – In his last outing before the Buffalo Sabres assigned him to the Americans, rookie Konsta Helenius shared the ice with Pittsburgh Penguins superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, two hockey icons.

“I watched their highlight videos (growing up), so it was pretty cool,” Helenius said prior to Friday’s game against the Springfield Thunderbirds in Blue Cross Arena.

Earlier in his first trip to the NHL, Helenius, 19, faced Los Angeles Kings defenseman defenseman ... Read the full article

Tage Thompson (72) battles with Pittsburgh’s Kevin Hayes on Thursday.

Sabres look sloppy in loss to Penguins; Buffalo makes roster moves

BUFFALO – In the Sabres’ final outing before the Milano Cortina Games, center Tage Thompson showcased why he earned a coveted spot on Team USA’s stacked Olympic squad.

Thompson was often the best player on the ice in Thursday’s 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring his 30th goal and narrowly missing a few more prime chances.

The American certainly outplayed the Penguins’ two biggest stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

On most nights, that ... Read the full article

Sabres recall prospect from Rochester, send defenseman to Amerks

BUFFALO – These days, when the Sabres recall winger Isak Rosen, he possesses a strong belief he belongs in the NHL.

That, of course, wasn’t always the case. In his first 15 games prior to this season, he struggled to produce and find a role.

But earlier this season, the Sabres cast Rosen, 22, in scoring role, awarding him duty on a top line and the power play. He responded by registering his first ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Zach Metsa feeling more comfortable in NHL; Michael Kesselring happy to record first point

TORONTO – Zach Metsa’s first tour around the NHL has given him a special opportunity to visit come of hockey’s most hallowed rinks and soak in each unique experience.

“I’ve been fired up for it,” the Buffalo Sabres rookie told the Times Herald prior to Tuesday’s game against the Maple Leafs. “I’m lucky.”

Metsa, 27, made his big league debut in Montreal’s Bell Centre and earlier this month played his first game at New York’s ... Read the full article