Zucker - Buffalo Hockey Beat

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

Sabres notes: Mattias Samuelsson plays after sitting as healthy scratch

BUFFALO – After becoming a healthy scratch and recovering from a lower-body injury, Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson seemed to recapture some of his old form and solidify a regular spot.

Well, Samuelsson, 24, briefly fell out of the lineup again.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff reinserted him for Tuesday’s 6-2 setback to the San Jose Sharks after scratching him for Monday’s 4-3 overtime road loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

To create a spot, the Sabres scratched ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jacob Bryson dazzles in return to lineup: ‘Played a fearless game’

BUFFALO – Four minutes into Saturday’s second period, Sabres defenseman Jacob Bryson zoomed into the left corner in the Montreal zone and made quick work of Jake Evans, blocking his clearing attempt before outworking him for the puck.

Bryson knew a teammate had covered his position, so he skated behind the net and fed winger Alex Tuch, who beat Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes to tie the game at 1.

In his first action in 21 ... Read the full article

‘Brutal’ play late in second period costs Sabres in loss to Canadiens

BUFFALO – In the waning seconds of Saturday’s second period, with skaters at four per side following coincidental minors, the Sabres went into penalty-mode killing mode.

The Sabres looked timid as the Montreal Canadiens passed the puck around their zone, acting as if the visitors had a power play.

As the final seconds ticked down, Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson skated from the point into the right circle in front of Sabres winger Alex Tuch.

Instead ... Read the full article

With trade deadline approaching, Jason Zucker injured; Sabres to make lineup changes against Canadiens

BUFFALO – After blocking a shot last Saturday and crawling off the ice injured, Sabres winger Jason Zucker returned to the game and played again Tuesday.

Zucker, 33, seemed to be fine.

Well, not quite. The veteran will his miss his second straight game tonight with a lower-body injury.

What’s going on?

“He’s just having trouble with his injury,” coach Lindy Ruff said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens at ... Read the full article