Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka quickly impressing with Rochester Amerks

ROCHESTER – For the time being at least, Buffalo Sabres prospect Radim Mrtka is adapting to the rigors of pro hockey as a member of the Americans.

The AHL, of course, can be unforgiving for teenagers and other neophytes, especially defenseman. But after earning a long look in training camp, rather than sending Mrtka, 18, back to junior hockey, the Sabres assigned him to the Amerks.

How long could the Czech stay? Remember, Sabres general ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris will miss ‘significant amount of time’ with injury

Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters this morning in Boston that center Josh Norris will miss “a significant amount of time” after suffering an upper-body injury in Thursday’s season-opening loss to the New York Rangers.

“I don’t know what that amount is for sure,” Ruff said prior to tonight’s game against the Bruin in TD Garden.

Ruff said Norris, who was injured taking a faceoff late in the 4-0 loss, is still being evaluated.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris out injured; Zach Benson to leave hospital

BUFFALO – Fresh off the most productive summer of his career, a healthy Josh Norris seemed poised to enjoy a breakout season as the Sabres’ new No. 1 center.

The oft-injured Norris, 26, dazzled during four preseason outings, scoring three goals and an NHL-high seven points.

But just one game into the season, he’s hurt again, joining five teammates on the sideline.

What the heck is going on?

“Maybe it’s just a test for us ... Read the full article

Alexandar Georgiev part of Rochester’s roster; Sabres make recall

BUFFALO – Veteran Alexandar Georgiev, who earlier this week cleared waivers, is one four goalies on Rochester Americans’ season-opening roster.

Devon Levi, Topias Leinonen and Scott Ratzlaff are the Amerks’ other netminders.

Georgiev, 29, hasn’t played in the AHL since an 11-game stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2018-19. He signed a one-year, one-way contract last month.... Read the full article

As excited Colten Ellis arrives in Buffalo for first chance, Sabres waive goalie

BUFFALO – As the Sabres searched to improve their goaltending, they targeted Colten Ellis, a St. Louis Blues prospect whose path to the NHL was blocked by Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer.

Ellis, 25, needed to clear waivers to be returned to the AHL, where he has spent most of the last two seasons tending goal for the Springfield Thunderbirds.

So when, as expected, he hit the wire, the Sabres claimed him Monday.... Read the full article

Sabres to trim roster by waiving goalie Alexandar Georgiev

BUFFALO – The Sabres will be placing goalie Alexandar Georgiev on waivers today, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Georgiev, who struggled during the preseason, became expendable Monday when the Sabres claimed goalie Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

“When Ellis became available, he’s someone that as an organization we felt really highly about,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following today’s practice in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres claim rookie goalie Colten Ellis off waivers from Blues, finalize roster

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ crease is getting crowded.

The team on Monday added its fourth goalie, claiming Colten Ellis, 25, off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Ellis, who has never played in the NHL, joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Alexandar Georgiev in Buffalo.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said on Monday that Luukkonen, who has been sidelined by a lower-body injury, won’t be ready for Thursday’s season opener against the New York Rangers.

When ... Read the full article

Sabres get closer to finalizing 23-man roster by waiving player

The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday waived center Josh Dunne and will assign him to the Rochester Americans if he clears.

The Sabres, who open the season Thursday, must finalize their regular-season roster by today.

They have 27 players left on their training camp roster. They can reach the 23-man limit by placing four of their six players who have been sidelined – goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, wingers Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway and defensemen Michael Kesselring, ... Read the full article

Radim Mrtka among four prospects Sabres send to Rochester

Defenseman Radim Mrtka on Saturday was among four prospects the Buffalo Sabres assigned to the Rochester Americans.

They also sent center Noah Ostlund and defensemen Vsevolod Komarov and Zachary Metsa to their AHL affiliate.

The Sabres, who open the season Thursday, must finalize their 23-man roster by Monday. They have 28 players left on their training camp roster.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tyson Kozak focused on staying healthy after successful NHL stint

BUFFALO – In his first taste of the NHL last season, Sabres center Tyson Kozak learned that if he wants to stick around, he must stay healthy.

Talent isn’t an issue. Kozak, 22, showcased a gritty, mature style that belied his limited experience.

If he can limit his injuries – given his history, that’s a big if – he might someday entrench himself among the Sabres’ bottom-six forwards.... Read the full article