Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Canisius product Cory Conacher thrilled to join Sabres

BUFFALO – Cory Conacher woke up early this morning knowing he’d have a new team by noon. The ensuing hours weren’t easy. The 24-year-old winger said he experienced a mix of excitement and sickness passing through waivers.

Finally, late in the morning, the Canisius College product found out the rebuilding Sabres had claimed him from the Ottawa Senators.

“I’m very excited,” Conacher told the Times Herald by phone this afternoon. “It was a long 24 ... Read the full article

Sabres trade Brayden McNabb and draft picks to Kings for two prospects

BUFFALO – The Sabres have made their first trade of the day, sending 23-year-old defenseman Brayden McNabb and two second-round picks to the Los Angeles Kings for 18-year-old wing prospect Hudson Fasching and 23-year-old AHL winger Nicolas Deslauriers.

Fasching, the 118^th overall pick in June, has 12 goals and 27 goals in 31 games as a freshman at the University of Minnesota. The American’s 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds.

Deslauriers, the 84^th overall pick ... Read the full article

Sabres claim Canisius product Cory Conacher off waivers

BUFFALO – Cory Conacher is returning to Buffalo, where he starred at Canisius College for four seasons.

The Sabres claimed the 24-year-old winger off waivers today, a move many expected after the Ottawa Senators waived him Tuesday.

Thanks to their 30^th overall standing, the Sabres had the first claim.

Todd Reynolds, Conacher’s agent, said by phone Tuesday he wouldn’t be surprised if the rebuilding Sabres nabbed him.

Given the connections – Sabres general manager ... Read the full article

Sabres have plenty of assets to offer before trade deadline

BUFFALO – Expect the rebuilding Sabres to be busy prior to today’s 3 p.m. NHL trade deadline. No one’s off limits this year. Remember, new general manager Tim Murray has no attachment to any players on the roster.

This could be the team’s busiest and biggest deadline ever. Today might help reshape the franchise for the next five or 10 years.

Here are some Sabres who could be dealt and their contract status:

Winger Matt ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan focusing on Sabres, will worry about new contract later

BUFFALO – Two days after Ted Nolan appeared devastated discussing the sudden departure of his close friend, Pat LaFontaine, igniting speculation he could also be leaving the Sabres, the interim coach sounded like someone who’s staying put.

Nolan has an extension on the table from the Sabres, something he said he might tackle next week.

“There’s a lot more important issues than getting my contract signed,” Nolan told reporters Tuesday in Tampa Bay. “It’s in ... Read the full article

Don’t be shocked if Sabres pass on Canisius product Cory Conacher (update: OK, maybe they won’t)

Hey, winger Cory Conacher might fit in pretty well in Buffalo. The 24-year-old Canisius product has four goals and 20 points in 59 games this season. Only five Sabres have more points.

The Ottawa Senators waived Conacher today, immediately igniting speculation the Sabres, who have the first claim thanks to their 30^th overall ranking, would grab him.

On the surface, it seems like a natural fit. Conacher’s the most decorated local NCAA product ever. ... Read the full article

Drew Stafford playing perhaps best hockey of career, wants to stay with Sabres

BUFFALO – Drew Stafford remembers last year’s NHL trade deadline well. The Sabres winger stayed by his phone all day, stressed out. By 4 p.m., as rumors circulated he was on the move, it started “blowing up.”

“I think that was one of my first experiences with the power of social media and how one little thing can turn into another thing as far as rumors and speculation go,” Stafford said Thursday inside the First ... Read the full article

Report: Sabres’ Matt Moulson missing from morning skate

Buffalo Sabres winger Matt Moulson isn’t on the ice this morning for the team’s skate in Dallas, according to reports.

It’s very possible the Sabres are working on a deal. The 30-year-old, an unrestricted free agent following the season, is expected to be traded before Wednesday’s deadline.

Update: Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters in Dallas the skate was optional and Moulson will play tonight.

Sabres general manager Tim Murray said Sunday he didn’t ... Read the full article

Sabres insist Pat LaFontaine wasn’t fired; Ted Nolan upset over departure

BUFFALO – A Sabres icon bolted less than four months after returning to the team he loved. The franchise goalie and captain got traded.

The Sabres just endured perhaps the most trying weekend in their 43-year history. That was before the popular coach sounded like he might want to leave.

“It’s a lot for our fans to swallow in a short amount of time,” Sabres president Ted Black said Sunday, a day after Pat LaFontaine ... Read the full article

Leaving Blues for lowly Sabres wasn’t easy for Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart

BUFFALO – They’re only human, you know. Leaving the St. Louis Blues, a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, for the rebuilding Sabres wasn’t easy at first for goalie Jaroslav Halak and winger Chris Stewart.

But the veterans, part of Friday’s blockbuster Ryan Miller-Steve Ott deal, have accepted they’re now playing for the NHL’s worst team, at least temporarily.

Rumors are swirling the Sabres will flip them before Wednesday’s trade deadline. Halak, an unrestricted free agent ... Read the full article