Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres newcomer Nicolas Aube-Kubel injured in season opener

Buffalo Sabres winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel suffered a lower-body in Friday’s 4-1 season-opening loss to the New Jersey Devils and will miss today’s rematch, coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Prague, Czechia.

Ruff had no other update on Aube-Kubel. The newcomer was wearing a brace on his leg as he exited the dressing room following the game, according to The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Alex Tuch motivated after down season: ‘I know I need to be better’

BUFFALO – Alex Tuch always starts with himself. The Sabres winger knows he underperformed last season, failing to meet high expectations following his career year. Then he looks at the entire team and challenges everyone to be better.

The disappointment he experienced last season – his own struggles and the Sabres’ lackluster 84-point finish – drives him.

“First and foremost, I know I need to be better,” Tuch said last month after training camp opened ... Read the full article

Sabres send prospect to Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres on Friday loaned defense prospect Ryan Johnson to the Rochester Americans.

Johnson, 23, suffered a lower-body injury late in training camp.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Johnson compiled seven assists in 41 games as a rookie with the Sabres last season and nine assists in 27 contests with the Amerks.... Read the full article

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff impressed by Zach Benson’s ability: ‘He does a lot’

BUFFALO – Having coached against Zach Benson last year and examined game tape throughout the offseason, Lindy Ruff knew the tenacious Sabres winger possessed maturity that belied his limited NHL experience.

Still, as Ruff watched Benson, 19, up close during training camp, he quickly developed a greater appreciation for the youngster. Until he coached him, he did not fully understand what makes him such a unique talent.

“I watched a lot of games, I liked ... Read the full article

Sabres assign six players to Rochester Amerks after clearing waivers

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday assigned six players to the Rochester Americans after they cleared waivers.

Goalie Felix Sandstrom, defenseman Colton Poolman and Jack Rathbone and forwards Josh Dunne, Mason Jobst and Brett Murray have all joined the Sabres’ AHL affiliate.

All six players received an extended looking during NHL training camp because Buffalo’s regular team traveled to Europe last week for its season-opening trip.... Read the full article

Before first season with Amerks, Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund dazzles in NHL

BUFFALO – Sometimes the NHL preseason must be analyzed appropriately. What kind of competition was that prospect who scored a nifty goal or enjoyed a standout night facing? Was he competing against top talent or minor leaguers and undersized youngsters?

If you dissect Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund’s recent exploits – the center scored one goal, an overtime winner, and four points in four exhibition outings – everything probably looks more impressive than first thought.

Ostlund, ... Read the full article

Sabres send 10 players to Rochester Amerks, waive six others

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday loaned 10 players, including center Konsta Helenius, their first-round pick earlier this year, to the Rochester Americans and placed six players on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to their AHL affiliate.

The Sabres also released nine players who are expected to join the Amerks from their training camp tryouts and returned goalie Scott Ratzlaff to the Seattle Thunderbirds, his junior team.... Read the full article

For Zach Metsa, other Sabres prospects, chance to play NHL games special

BUFFALO – The Sabres think highly enough of defenseman Zach Metsa they signed him to a two-year AHL contract in 2023 and immediately awarded him regular duty on a tryout during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

He followed that up by standing out on a deep blue line as a rookie last season in Rochester, registering 24 points in 54 games for the Americans.

So Metsa, 25, is beginning a critical season. While he possesses talent, ... Read the full article

Rochester Amerks captain Michael Mersch retires from hockey

Rochester Americans winger Michael Mersch, who captained the Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate the last three seasons, has retired from hockey.

Mersch, 31, spent the last four seasons in Rochester, compiling 66 goals and 156 points in 220 games. The Amerks made the Calder Cup playoffs every season of his captaincy, advancing as far as the Eastern Conference final in 2023.

The Wisconsin product spent most of his 11-year pro career in the AHL, scoring 188 ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects get final chance to impress

Two wins and a third-period lead against an NHL lineup isn’t bad, right? The group of Sabres closing out the preseason in Buffalo as the regular team prepares for Friday’s season opener in Czechia has looked impressive.

Following two 3-2 road wins, a team mostly comprised of Rochester Americans led the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Saturday before falling 6-3.

Tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, that group B group closes out ... Read the full article