Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Nathan Paetsch leaves Rochester for head coaching job in Youngstown

Nathan Paetsch, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans, has left the Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate to become head coach of the Youngstown Phantoms.

The Phantoms, a junior team, play in the United States Hockey League. Ryan Ward, their last coach, recently moved up to the AHL to become an assistant with the Providence Bruins.

Paetsch, 43, spent 17 seasons in Buffalo’s organization as player, assistant coach ... Read the full article

After long junior career, former Sabres standout Jay McKee ready to coach pro with AHL Hamilton Hammers

In his early days as a coach, Jay McKee said he visualized success the same way he had as a player. The popular former defenseman, a linchpin on some beloved Buffalo Sabres teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s, wanted to reach the highest level as quickly as possible.

“As a former athlete … you strive to be at the top level,” said McKee, who played his first NHL game at 18 and secured ... Read the full article

Former Sabres found new jobs as free agents this summer

In his sixth pro season, forward Josh Dunne finally stuck in the NHL. Other than a one-game stint with the Rochester Americans in October, he spent all year in Buffalo, playing a career-high 34 games as he established himself as a versatile and rugged presence on the Sabres’ fourth line.

On another team, the affable Dunne, 27, might’ve enjoyed more regular duty. But the Sabres possessed depth up front, so he moved in and out ... Read the full article

2026-27 Sabres schedule features early home stand, rugged stretches on road before Christmas

An early five-game home stand, two road contests against the Montreal Canadiens in a five-day span in October and a rigorous stretch in which they play 10 of 12 games on the road in late November and early December are among the highlights of the Buffalo Sabres’ 2026-27 schedule the NHL released Thursday.

The 84-game schedule – the NHL has added two regular-season contests and cut the preseason from six games to four – means ... Read the full article

Sabres bring in John Davidson as senior advisor; Buffalo makes minor trade

The Buffalo Sabres have added to their front office by hiring John Davidson, a popular former goalie and broadcaster who has spent most of the past 20 years working as a president of hockey operations, as a senior advisor, the team announced Monday.

Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, 60, and Davidson, 73, know each other well, having worked closely together with the Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues.

Shortly taking over as president of ... Read the full article

Sabres add goalie depth for Rochester by signing Matt Villalta

The Buffalo Sabres on Saturday added goalie depth, signing Matt Villalta to a one-year, two-way contract.

Villalta, 27, gives the Sabres a veteran netminder for the Rochester Americans. He will likely share the net with prospects Topias Leinonen or Scott Ratzlaff, both of whom spent time in the AHL last season.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Villalta has spent most of his career in the AHL, compiling 123-83-20 record with a 2.93 goals-against average, a .903 save ... Read the full article

Sabres sign Aidan McDonough to two-way contract; Matthew Peca inks AHL deal with Rochester

Two established scoring forwards should be joining the Rochester Americans next season.

The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday signed Aidan McDonough to a one-year, two-way contract. Meanwhile, veteran Matthew Peca inked a two-year AHL deal.

McDonough, 26, played with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last season on an AHL contract, setting career highs across the board by registering 23 goals, a team-high 44 points, a plus-18 rating and 24 penalty minutes in 65 games.... Read the full article

Sabres make depth signings, trade after free agency opens; Jarmo Kekalainen open to making more moves

BUFFALO – After free agency opened Wednesday, the Sabres stayed pretty quiet, signing four depth players likely ticketed for the minors and trading goalie Devon Levi.

While more notable moves could materialize – “We’re still open for business,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in LECOM Harborcenter – the roster might be pretty much set.

“By no means we’re desperate to add anything right now,” Kekalainen said. “It needs to be a perfect fit both from ... Read the full article

Sabres re-sign Trevor Kuntar, ink Conor Sheary in free agency

BUFFALO – The Sabres this afternoon added forward depth in free agency, signing forward Trevor Kuntar to a two-year contract and Conor Sheary and Jason Polin to one-year deals.

Kuntar, 25, enjoyed a breakout year last season, scoring 21 goals for the Rochester Americans and playing his first NHL game.

The Williamsville native signed an AHL contract last summer before earning an NHL deal during the season. His new contract is a two-way deal.... Read the full article

Sabres announce six hires, including Milan Lucic as pro scout

BUFFALO – Former Boston Bruins winger Milan Lucic, whose ferocious open-ice hit in 2011 concussed goalie Ryan Miller and made him public enemy No. 1 in these parts, has joined the Sabres as a pro scout.

His hire was one of six the Sabres announced Tuesday. This is general manager Jarmo Kekalainen’s first offseason running the team.

Lucic, 38, recently retired from playing after spending last season with the Fife Devils, an Elite Ice Hockey ... Read the full article