Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres trim training camp roster by 17

BUFFALO – Forward prospects Justin Bailey and Evan Rodrigues were among 17 players the Sabres assigned to the Rochester Americans this morning.

Also sent to the AHL club: William Carrier, Dan Catenacci, Eric Cornel, Jean Dupuy, Vaclav Karabacek, Justin Kea, and Cole Schneider; defensemen Brady Austin and Brycen Martin; goalie Jason Kasdorf.

Catenacci and Schneider, a Williamsville native, must clear waivers.

Five players have also been released from their tryouts and will ... Read the full article

Justin Falk, Casey Nelson battling for Sabres’ last defense spot

BUFFALO – The blue line has been set for three months. When Dmitry Kulikov arrived via a trade at the NHL Draft, the Sabres had their sixth and final piece, a physical, puck-moving defenseman capable of playing top-pair minutes.

So barring an injury, a Rasmus Ristolainen contract problem or a very impressive training camp from a depth defender, the Sabres have their opening-night lineup: Kulikov, Ristolainen, Zach Bogosian, Cody Franson, Josh Gorges and ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tyler Ennis strong in debut, will face Leafs

BUFFALO – In his first game in almost nine months Tuesday, slick Sabres winger Tyler Ennis skated aggressively, proving the season-ending concussion he suffered Dec. 30 wasn’t lingering in his mind.

“I like the way he skated,” coach Dan Bylsma said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “He played with some urgency, he played with some jam. In the third period, he drew the penalty with his skating.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander enjoys special night against brother

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – Growing up, Buffalo Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander and his brother, William, a Toronto Maple Leafs youngster, were ultra-competitive in whatever game or sport they played.

So, despite being very close, the Nylanders would occasionally get a little emotional.

“We fought a lot, there was a lot when we were playing knee hockey, shinny,” an excited Alexander Nylander said Thursday morning prior to the Sabres’ 1-0 preseason shootout win, their first-ever meeting ... Read the full article

Rasmus Ristolainen practicing as ‘goodwill’ gesture to Sabres

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, an unsigned restricted free agent a week into training camp, started practicing with his teammates Thursday as a “goodwill” gesture, his agent said.

“His agent has asked and Rasmus has asked to be able to skate,” coach Dan Bylsma said Thursday morning inside KeyBank Center before the Sabres traveled for their third preseason game.

Sabres general manager Tim Murray gave the OK, and Ristolainen skated ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander ready for meeting with brother

BUFFALO – Growing up, Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander and his brother, William, a Toronto Maple Leafs youngster, were ultra-competitive in whatever game or sport they played.

So, despite being very close, the Nylanders would occasionally get a little emotional.

“We fought a lot, there was a lot when we were playing knee hockey, shinny,” Alexander Nylander said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “We always came clean after it and were best buddies again.”

Don’t expect ... Read the full article

Rasmus Ristolainen set to practice with Sabres

BUFFALO – Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, still an unsigned restricted free agent a week into training camp, will start practicing with the Sabres today, coach Dan Bylsma said.

“His agent has asked and Rasmus has asked to be able to skate,” Bylsma said inside KeyBank Center. “(General manager) Tim (Murray) has said that will be alright, so we will see Rasmus get back on the ice.”

Ristolainen, 21, was the Sabres’ best defenseman last season, ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel sets bar high for Sabres

BUFFALO – Jack Eichel spoke with conviction rarely heard from teenage athletes. After growing together for a season, the talented center said, the Sabres possess the belief and talent to make the playoffs.

“Anything less than that,” Eichel said Wednesday, “is an underachievement this year for us.”

Eichel, 19, just returned from a three-week gig at the World Cup of Hockey. His time with Team North America, a rollicking squad comprised of elite 23-and-under talent, ... Read the full article

Dmitry Kulikov finally joins Sabres

BUFFALO – Coach Dan Bylsma noticed it right away. So did some others on the ice for Wednesday’s practice, the Sabres’ first training camp session with defenseman Dmitry Kulikov.

“A couple comments on the D-man (being) able to get the puck up to the forwards with Dmitry,” Bylsma said inside KeyBank Center. “It’s good to see.”

The Sabres acquired Kulikov from the Florida Panthers on June 25 for a slew of reasons, including his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel happy to be part of history at World Cup of Hockey

BUFFALO – There had never been a squad assembled like Jack Eichel’s Team North America, the collection of 23-and-under talent that wowed at the World Cup with its exciting, fast brand of hockey.

“It’s been a hit,” Eichel said this afternoon following his first practice with the Sabres. “Looking at the way the tournament has been received, there’s been a lot of buzz around it, which is great. I think, as a league, we definitely ... Read the full article