Rolston - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Matt Ellis happy to be with Sabres organization: ‘Where I wanted to be’

BUFFALO – This place, Matt Ellis said recently, is “where my heart is.” Five years ago this Tuesday, the Sabres claimed the forward from Los Angeles. As an injury fill-in, Ellis figured his stint could be short.

Sure enough, the Sabres waived Ellis weeks later, nearly losing him.

But the 32-year-old has stayed and carved out an important role with the organization, playing 197 NHL games and captaining two AHL affiliates.

In July, five months ... Read the full article

Sabres waive Alexander Sulzer

BUFFALO – The Sabres placed defenseman Alexander Sulzer on waivers this afternoon, possibly ending the German’s 32-game career with the club.

Sulzer made only two preseason appearances and had fallen to eighth or ninth on the team’s depth chart.

The 29-year-old played just two games under new coach Ron Rolston last year before suffering a season-ending ACL injury on Feb. 23.

Still, the Sabres re-signed Sulzer to a one-year, $725,000 deal in July. He ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Mike Weber endured long road to opening night duty

BUFFALO – Ron Rolston noticed Mike Weber’s patience and resolve long before he began coaching the Sabres, back when the gritty defenseman was often sitting as a healthy scratch, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Rolston watched Weber quietly channeling his energy toward becoming an NHL regular.

“Everything was about the team and he’d get his opportunity,” Rolston said Saturday inside the First Niagara Center. “Just his overall attitude is exceptional.”

That attitude’s finally ... Read the full article

Nikita Zadorov’s cut finger won’t force Sabres to keep rookie; Rasmus Ristolainen earns roster spot

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov cut his finger blocking a shot in Friday’s exhibition finale and is out about two weeks, coach Ron Rolston said.

“It just kind of smashed it on the tip,” Rolston said Saturday inside the First Niagara Center.

The 18-year-old rookie had the injury stitched up, Rolston said.

Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster ... Read the full article

Cut finger to sideline Sabres rookie Nikita Zadorov two weeks

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov cut his finger blocking a shot in Friday’s exhibition finale and is out about two weeks, coach Ron Rolston said this afternoon.

“It just kind of smashed it on the tip,” Rolston said inside the First Niagara Center.

The rookie had the injury stitched up, Rolston said.

Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster back ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Nikita Zadorov injures hand in exhibition finale

BUFFALO – Defenseman Nikita Zadorov injured his hand blocking a shot during the Sabres’ 1-0 loss to the Hurricanes tonight and will be evaluated, coach Ron Rolston told reporters in Carolina after the team’s preseason finale.

The 18-year-old Russian has impressed the Sabres throughout training camp, scoring one goal in four exhibition appearances.

Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Drew Stafford optimistic and refreshed after ‘nightmare’ season

BUFFALO – When the worst season of Drew Stafford’s career mercifully ended five months ago – he describes the six-goal, 18-point campaign as hitting “rock bottom” – the Sabres winger stopped dwelling on it.

“You got to get over it,” Stafford said Thursday inside the First Niagara Center after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s preseason finale in Carolina. “It was an absolute nightmare. It’s one of those things where you can’t change the past, what’s ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Joel Armia out indefinitely with broken hand

BUFFALO – Rookie winger Joel Armia broke his hand in Wednesday’s 3-0 exhibition win and is out indefinitely, Sabres coach Ron Rolston said this afternoon.

Rolston said a slash from a Columbus Blue Jackets player injured Armia. He doesn’t think the 20-year-old Finn will need surgery, although that hasn’t been determined yet.

Armia impressed Rolston during his first NHL training camp, compiling a goal and three points in four preseason games.

“He was doing a ... Read the full article

Junior still likely destination for Sabres prospect Nikita Zadorov after signing entry-level contract

BUFFALO – The three-year, entry-level contract defenseman Nikita Zadorov signed Wednesday doesn’t affect the 18-year-old’s immediate NHL future, Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said.

The team always intended to lock up Zadorov, the 16^th overall pick in June, as quickly as possible. It’s only a coincidence the sides reached a deal in the midst of an impressive training camp from the Russian.

“I think if you can deal with it in his first year ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ron Rolston believes NHL wants coaches to think about enforcer use

BUFFALO – Now, in the wake of Sunday’s mega brawl in Toronto and the fine he received, coaches will think about using their enforcers, Sabres coach Ron Rolston said.

“It’ll definitely be in the mindset,” Rolston, who was fined a reported $10,000 by the NHL for his role, said Wednesday prior to the Sabres’ 3-0 exhibition win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. “They don’t want altercations like that and how it escalated. They are ... Read the full article