Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Rasmus Dahlin’s concussion another worry for struggling Sabres

BUFFALO – Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin often struggled in the Sabres’ first 24 games this season, looking like a youngster in need of a confidence boost.

Still, Dahlin, who suffered a concussion in Monday’s 5-2 road loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning when Erik Cernak elbowed him in the face, is a dynamic talent. The reeling Sabres sorely need him in the lineup.

Update: Dahlin is out indefinitely, according to the Sabres.

The Sabres haven’t given ... Read the full article

Erik Cernak suspended two games for elbowing Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin

BUFFALO – The NHL has suspended Erik Cernak two games for his elbow to the face that concussed Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in Monday’s 5-2 road loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The reeling Sabres haven’t given an update on Dahlin, who left the game with about 2:30 remaining in the second period. They had today off following their 10th loss in 12 games (2-8-2).

With the Sabres on the power play, Cernak, a defenseman, ... Read the full article

Elbow to head gives Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin concussion

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin suffered a concussion when Erik Cernak elbowed him in the head during the second period of Monday’s 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, coach Ralph Krueger said.

Cernak wasn’t penalized for the hit, which occurred just after Dahlin passed the puck. Dahlin left the game and did not return.

“Very disappointing,” Krueger told reporters in St. Petersburg. “We’ll let the league deal with the judgment of what happened. Right ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Jean-Sebastien Dea from Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres recalled forward Jean-Sebastien Dea from the Rochester Americans this morning.

Having lost center Evan Rodrigues to an undisclosed injury in Sunday afternoon’s 5-2 road win against the Florida Panthers, the Sabres needed to summon a forward before tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Right now, the Sabres have four injured forwards. They dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen Sunday. Curtis Lazar, a healthy scratch against the Panthers, was their only ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Devante Stephens to Lightning for Matthew Spencer

The Buffalo Sabres traded Devante Stephens to the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight in exchange for Matthew Spencer, a swap of ECHL defensemen.

The Sabres have assigned Spencer, 22, to the Cincinnati Cyclones.

The Lightning drafted the 6-foot-2, 206-pound Spencer in the second round in 2015, 44th overall. He has split his three pro seasons between the AHL Syracuse Crunch and ECHL, compiling five goals and 25 points in 106 total games.

Spencer played two games ... Read the full article

John Gilmour clears waivers, assigned by Sabres to Amerks

Defenseman John Gilmour has cleared waivers and been assigned to the Rochester Americans, the Buffalo Sabres announced this afternoon.

Gilmour, 26, compiled zero points in four games with the Sabres. Following an impressive training camp, they scratched him 18 times, including the first 11 contests.

The Montreal native made his last appearance as a winger in Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.... Read the full article

Interim Sabres assistant Chris Taylor to resume role as Amerks coach

The Buffalo Sabres announced this morning interim assistant coach Chris Taylor will be resuming his regular role as the Rochester Americans’ head coach next week.

Taylor, 47, has been filling in for assistant Don Granato, who returned to the Sabres on Wednesday after taking a leave of absence. Granato, 52, was hospitalized with severe pneumonia before the season.

The Amerks have started the season 11-3-1-2 under interim coach Gord Dineen, one of Taylor’s assistants.... Read the full article

Sabres waive John Gilmour; Zach Bogosian likely set to return

The Buffalo Sabres waived defenseman John Gilmour today, meaning veteran Zach Bogosian is likely ready to play after missing the first 22 games this season.

Gilmour, 26, compiled zero points in four games. Following an impressive training camp, the Sabres scratched him 18 times, including the first 11 contests.

The Montreal native made his last appearance as a winger in Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.... Read the full article

Reeling Sabres’ reshuffling lands Jimmy Vesey spot on top line

BUFFALO – When the Sabres acquired Jimmy Vesey in the summer, it seemed like he could earn an opportunity to play with top center Jack Eichel.

Of course, no one thought that chance would materialize after scoring zero goals in his first 18 outings. But right now, Vesey is the reeling Sabres’ No. 1 left winger.

“Getting put up there kind of gives you a shot in the arm and a little bit of a ... Read the full article

Don Granato returns to Sabres; Jimmy Vesey promoted to top line

BUFFALO – Finally, some good news for the struggling Sabres.

Assistant coach Don Granato, who took a leave of absence Oct. 1 after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia, returned to the Sabres today.

Granato, 52, was on the ice for practice inside KeyBank Center and accompanied the Sabres on their three-game road trip, which begins Thursday in Boston.

“That was a real-life story,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “It’s amazing that was Sept. 28 when ... Read the full article