Zach Benson played in Buffalo’s first two preseason games. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres prospect Zach Benson could earn more preseason action; Matt Savoie close to returning

BUFFALO – In the beginning of training camp, coach Don Granato said the Sabres penciled prospect Zach Benson in for three preseason games, a number he will hit tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

But Benson, the 13th overall pick this year, has looked so impressive in his early action he might earn more games. The Sabres have three more after tonight’s in Pittsburgh.

“Now, based on how he’s playing, there’s intrigue that he may get ... Read the full article

The Joe Thornton Community Centre is ready for the Sabres. ©2023

Jacob Bryson, Sabres excited to play in Hockeyville: ‘It’s very special’

ST. THOMAS, Ont. – When the Buffalo Sabres arrived via a police escort at Joe Thornton Community Centre to prepare for tonight’s Kraft Hockeyville game, defenseman Jacob Bryson, who grew up in nearby London, left the bus first to greet excited fans.

“I would say I was ordered,” joked Bryson, who will play in tonight’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Of course, Bryson gladly, as he said, “led the charge.” He occasionally practiced ... Read the full article

(From left) Devon Levi, Lukas Rousek and Victor Olofsson are three intriguing participants in training camp. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres begin training camp with Devon Levi, prospects and Victor Olofsson in spotlight

BUFFALO – The deepest and most talented Sabres team since the rollicking post-lockout days of the mid-2000s will hit the ice today shouldering the expectation it can end the franchise’s embarrassing 12-year playoff drought.

Coming off a season in which they fell one win short of the postseason, the Sabres begin training camp with three sessions at KeyBank Center.

They have a whopping 64 players on their camp roster: seven goalies, 21 defensemen and 36 ... Read the full article

Lukas Rousek had a team-high 56 points for Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres re-sign prospect Lukas Rousek to two-year contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday re-signed winger Lukas Rousek, who played his first two NHL games late last season, to a two-year, $1.55 million contract.

Rousek, 24, enjoyed a breakout season with the Rochester Americans in 2022-23, establishing himself as one of the Sabres’ top forward prospects. His 40 assists and 56 points both led the Amerks. His 16 goals tied for fifth on the team.

The Czech added five goals and 12 points ... Read the full article

Rochester’s Jiri Kulich celebrates his first-period goal Wednesday with Linus Weissbach (13), Filip Cederqvist (71) and Joseph Cecconi (3). ©2023, Tori Hartman, Hershey Bears

Rookies Jiri Kulich, Lukas Rousek star as Rochester Amerks stay alive

In losing three straight games and moving to the brink of elimination from the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Rochester Americans suddenly had trouble scoring goals.

After scoring 41 times during a rollicking seven-game winning streak, they mustered just four goals against the Hershey Bears’ stifling defense.

Rookies Jiri Kulich and Lukas Rousek and captain Michael Mersch, three of the Amerks’ top forwards, combined for zero goals during that rough stretch.... Read the full article

Rochester’s Sean Malone battles for position Saturday between Hershey’s Logan Day and goalie Hunter Shepard. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Rochester Amerks lose, fall behind to Hershey: ‘Tackle football out there’

ROCHESTER – After the Americans opened the AHL Eastern Conference finals by scoring another five goals, it felt like their offense might overwhelm another opponent.

In winning two Calder Cup Playoffs series, the Amerks averaged six goals a game in their six victories. They seemed to be picking up where they left off.

But in Games 2 and 3 against the Hershey Bears, the Amerks have been forced to play what coach Seth Appert called ... Read the full article

Buffalo prospect Olivier Nadeau joined Rochester earlier this month. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres prospect Olivier Nadeau offers Amerks another intriguing rookie

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Olivier Nadeau needed this new experience. Earlier this month, the end of his junior career angered him.

Nadeau, 20, enjoyed a terrific year with the Gatineau Olympiques, a team built to win a championship this season. After recovering from shoulder surgery, he scored 22 times in 34 games, including a four-goal outing Feb. 9. Gatineau, which acquired him in the offseason, named him captain just 18 games into his tenure.... Read the full article

Matt Savoie mostly skated on the fourth line Thursday. ©2023, Tori Hartman, Hershey Bears

Rochester Amerks’ torrid stretch ends in loss to Bears; Sabres prospect Matt Savoie makes pro debut

It turns out the Rochester Americans can be stopped.

Not only did they lose Thursday, ending a seven-game winning streak during the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Hershey Bears shut them out.

In beating the Amerks 2-0 at Giant Center, the Bears tied the best-of-seven AHL Eastern Conference final 1-1 and sent a strong message they won’t go away quietly.

The Amerks entered the game on a tear, having scored 41 goals during their torrid stretch. ... Read the full article

Youngstown native Joseph Cecconi skates to the bench after scoring for Rochester 14 seconds into Tuesday’s game. ©2023, Tori Hartman, Hershey Bears

Rochester Amerks stay red hot, defeat Hershey in conference final opener

Seven straight victories in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Forty-one goals scored during that torrid stretch.

In Tuesday’s AHL Eastern Conference final opener, the Rochester Americans stayed red hot, pouncing on the Hershey Bears early and cruising to a 5-1 win at Giant Center.

Defenseman Joseph Cecconi, a Youngstown native, scored 14 seconds into the contest before winger Brett Murray made it 2-0 at 9:04.... Read the full article

Brett Murray has enjoyed a career season in Rochester. ©2023, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Amerks’ Brett Murray hopes career year can create more chances with Sabres

ROCHESTER – A season after spending nearly two months in Buffalo and playing 19 NHL games, Sabres prospect Brett Murray stayed put in the AHL nearly all year.

Murray, 24, joined the Sabres just once, skating in the pregame warm-up Dec. 10 before getting scratched. They returned him to the Americans following the game.

The Sabres, of course, have beefed up their forward depth and prospect pool over the last year. They also remained remarkably ... Read the full article