WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Jason Zucker is Buffalo’s oldest player. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Having shown few signs of graying at 33, an advanced age in the NHL, Sabres winger Jason Zucker would’ve had plenty of suitors on the open market.
Still, the veteran chose to eschew free agency and sign a two-year, $9.5 million contract extension with the last-place Sabres hours before Friday’s trade deadline Why?
Well, for starters, Zucker has enjoyed what he called the “fun challenge” of being the team’s oldest and most experienced ... Read the full article
Zemgus Girgensons recently joined Tampa Bay. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
In past offseasons, it sometimes took former Buffalo Sabres time to find work. Some went overseas or returned to the minors. Some never played in the NHL again.
But earlier this month, seven players from the 2023-24 squad quickly signed NHL contracts as free agents. Some updates are below.
– Winger Jeff Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
The Sabres, of course, bought out the final three seasons of Skinner’s ... Read the full article
Buffalo signed Jason Zucker on Monday. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – During his four-year tenure in Pittsburgh, Sabres newcomer Jason Zucker regularly enjoyed plum assignments skating alongside legendary Penguins centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Zucker, who believes his speed and forechecking ability are his top assets, added grit to the future Hall of Famers’ lines, retrieving pucks and utilizing his 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame to wreak havoc around the net.
“If pucks end up in the corners, go get them back and let their ... Read the full article
James Reimer has played 501 NHL games. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Having decided to utilize two young goalies next season, the Sabres needed to find a veteran to provide depth at the critical position.
So on Tuesday, they signed James Reimer, 36, to a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million.
That salary, of course, is hefty for a No. 3 goalie who will likely play in the minors. Still, general manager Kevyn Adams, who recently said the Sabres plan to have Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 25, ... Read the full article
Florida captain Aleksander Barkov won the Stanley Cup last month. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – Two early-season visits from the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are among the highlights of the Sabres’ 2024-25 schedule the NHL released Tuesday.
After beginning the season against the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, on Oct. 4 and 5, the Sabres open their schedule at KeyBank Center versus the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 10. The Panthers, the Sabres’ Atlantic Division rival, visit Oct. 12.
The Sabres host the Panthers again Oct. ... Read the full article
Jason Zucker has played 697 NHL games. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
BUFFALO – In signing Jason Zucker to a one-year, $5 million contract, the Sabres believe they added a versatile veteran winger they can utilize up and down the lineup.
“His ability to play anywhere in our lineup, I think, is critical in style,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Monday in KeyBank Center. “He’s played plenty with top skill guys or he could play more of that hard-checking role.”
Meanwhile, center Sam Lafferty, the Sabres’ ... Read the full article
Beck Malenstyn (13) had spent his whole career in Washington’s organization. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
LAS VEGAS – Considering how aggressively general manager Kevyn Adams has spent the offseason pursuing trades to upgrade the Buffalo Sabres, leaving the NHL Draft with one new roster player, winger Beck Malenstyn, seems disappointing.
Still, in trading the 43rd overall pick on Saturday to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Malenstyn, 26, the Sabres addressed a significant need by becoming tougher to play against.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Malenstyn, a pending restricted free agent, gives ... Read the full article
Jeff Skinner joined Buffalo in 2018. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
LAS VEGAS – Winger Jeff Skinner’s enigmatic six-year career with the Buffalo Sabres is over.
General manager Kevyn Adams said Saturday following the NHL Draft the Sabres have initiated the process to buy out the remaining three seasons of Skinner’s eight-year, $72 million contract.
“It’s a step-by-step process,” Adams said in The Sphere. “That process was started early this morning.”
Update: The Sabres announced this afternoon they’ve bought out the remainder of Skinner’s contract.
The ... Read the full article
Jeff Skinner struggled the second half of last season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
LAS VEGAS – The Buffalo Sabres have been exploring their options for veteran winger Jeff Skinner, including asking him to waive the no-movement clause in his eight-year, $72 million contract.
Not surprisingly, Skinner, who has three seasons remaining on his massive deal, said, uh, no thanks.
“There’s been honest communication, but no indication that that’s something they’re willing to look at,” Adams said Thursday of Skinner and his representatives at Newport Sports. “But all you ... Read the full article
Tij Iginla goes through fitness testing June 8 at the NHL Scouting Combine in LECOM Harborcenter. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu
LAS VEGAS – As the son of a legend, 2024 NHL Draft prospect Tij Iginla deals with extra attention, expectations and pressure – at least from the outside.
Iginla’s father, Jarome, a former Calgary Flames star, scored 625 goals during his 20-year Hall of Fame career. The elder Iginla, who always seems to have a smile etched on his face, is regarded as one of hockey’s all-time good guys.
There’s a lot that accompanies being ... Read the full article