Zucker - Buffalo Hockey Beat

With lineup weakened, Sabres look to Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak and others

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-2 win, Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker, two of the Sabres’ top wingers, each played about three minutes under their season averages.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators he believed the virus that has recently run through the team was no longer a problem.

Two hours before the contest, the Sabres recalled center Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans. Dunne and defenseman Jacob Bryson ... Read the full article

Sabres fight their way to shootout win over Golden Knights after Jiri Kulich injured: ‘We look like a real team’

BUFFALO – Tomas Hertl had the game-clinching goal on his stick, only open ice and an empty net ahead, when he decided to give former Sabres captain Jack Eichel another chance to tell the locals to buzz off.

Instead of shooting the puck from the right circle with 37 seconds left to give the Vegas Golden Knights a two-goal lead, the veteran backhanded it to Eichel in the slot.

Eichel, who had put Vegas up ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris misses practice with injury; Buffalo recalls prospect

BUFFALO – Sabres center Josh Norris missed Friday’s practice with an undisclosed injury he has been battling, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff did not have an update on Norris, who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators prior to last Friday’s trade deadline.

“He’s just being evaluated by our medical staff today,” Ruff said following the session in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin strongly denies report he would ask for trade

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin processed the question and wanted a little clarification.

“Who?” Dahlin asked incredulously when he was told a member of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast said he would ask general manager Kevyn Adams for a trade if the last-place Sabres don’t improve.

When informed it was Paul Bissonnette, the Swede asked again.

“Who wants to be moved?” he asked.... Read the full article

Strong belief in Sabres helped Jason Zucker sign contract extension

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

Trades show Terry Pegula believes in Kevyn Adams’ vision for Sabres

BUFFALO – In the weeks ahead of the trade deadline, Sabres general manger Kevyn Adams said owner Terry Pegula gave him the same message: What do we need to do to make this team better?

“Everything we should be thinking about is we need to improve, and what are those decisions?” Adams said Pegula told him. “And, Kevyn, come up with answers.”

That last part, of course, is important. While the Sabres rank last in ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Zucker signs extension; Buffalo makes two minor trades

When Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams first discussed a contract extension with winger Jason Zucker almost two months ago in Seattle, he challenged him a little bit.

Adams asked Zucker, 33, why he wanted to stay with the Sabres.

“He just said, ‘I’ve fallen in love with this town and the locker room and these young guys, and I want to see this through. I know how good this team can be, and I ... Read the full article

Sabres sign veteran Jason Zucker to two-year contract extension

The Buffalo Sabres this morning signed veteran winger Jason Zucker to a two-year contract extension worth $4.75 million per season.

If the Sabres did not re-sign Zucker, 33, prior to the 3 p.m. trade deadline, he would’ve been an attractive rental option for a contender.

He signed a one-year, $5 million contract as a free agent July 1 and could’ve become unrestricted again following the season.... Read the full article

As trade deadline approaches, Sabres must make difficult roster decisions

BUFFALO – It’s over for this edition of Sabres. The same group of young talent that appeared to be on the precipice of something special two years ago will almost certainly be broken up in the coming days and months.

Expect some moves, possibly minor ones, to be made prior to Friday’s trade deadline. The last-place Sabres, after all, have players set to become unrestricted free agents following the season.

Significant deals, of course, usually ... Read the full article

Sabres lock up Jordan Greenway with two-year contract extension

Since arriving in a trade two years ago, winger Jordan Greenway has given the Buffalo Sabres a physical element they sorely need.

When he’s injured – he has missed 49 games over the past two years, including 34 this season after undergoing surgery to repair a mid-body injury – his absence is noticeable.

While he has scored just three goals this season, the 6-foot-6, 231-pound Greenway is one of the Sabres’ most valuable forwards and ... Read the full article