Rudolph - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Before trade, Sabres’ Louis Crevier beat long odds and developed confidence to stick in NHL

BUFFALO – In his early days with the Chicago Blackhawks, Sabres newcomer Louis Crevier couldn’t settle down. He said he played too nervously, afraid he would make a mistake.

“It was just mental,” the 6-foot-8, 236-pound defenseman said following Friday’s session of training camp in LECOM Harborcenter.

So Crevier, who joined the Sabres on June 23 in the blockbuster trade that sent defenseman Bowen Byram to the Windy City, tackled his problem.... Read the full article

Josh Doan says Sabres will be fine after losing players in trades: ‘A better team’

BUFFALO – Alex Tuch’s departure from the Sabres earlier this summer via a sign-and-trade deal with the Washington Capitals hardly surprised winger Josh Doan.

In the weeks before free agency opened, it appeared the veteran first-line winger’s run in Buffalo could be ending after five seasons.

“There was noise around whether or not he was staying or go,” Doan said prior to throwing out the first pitch at Saturday’s Bisons game against the Worcester Red ... Read the full article

Is trading for Connor Hellebuyck worth the steep price for the Sabres?

As you read this, Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen could be deep into trade talks again with Kevin Cheveldayoff, his counterpart in Winnipeg, trying to pry goalie Connor Hellebuyck away from the Jets.

On Thursday, Hellebuyck, 33, confirmed through a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, what had long been suspected: he wants to get the heck out of Winnipeg just two seasons into a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension.

Hellebuyck said he ... 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

Instead of trading first-rounders, Sabres take Daxon Rudolph and Ilia Morozov in NHL Draft

ORCHARD PARK – As the first round of Friday’s NHL Draft approached and he held two first-round picks – the fourth and 20th selections – general manager Jarmo Kekalainen informed other teams the Buffalo Sabres had all their options open.

They were willing to move up or down, or perhaps trade for established talent.

Teams coveted the fourth pick the Sabres acquired in Tuesday’s blockbuster trade that sent defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks. ... Read the full article

Sabres select Daxon Rudolph fourth overall in NHL Draft; Ilia Morozov taken with 20th pick

ORCHARD PARK – During the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month in Buffalo, the Sabres never met with defenseman Daxon Rudolph, the prospect they selected fourth overall tonight in the NHL Draft at KeyBank Center.

Until a few days ago, the Sabres owned just one first-round selection, the 20th pick, which they snared as part of the trade that sent defenseman Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks. They began the month with the 27th ... Read the full article