Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres name Steve Ott and Thomas Vanek co-captains

BUFFALO – There they are, Steve Ott and Thomas Vanek, the Sabres’ new co-captains.

Surprised?

It appeared Sabres coach Ron Rolston would just pick one. Instead, the team announced today Vanek will serve as captain at home. Ott will wear the ‘C’ on the road. Christian Ehrhoff will be the permanent assistant captain.

“I think it’s good,” Vanek said about the co-captains today inside the First Niagara Center. “Picking a captain’s so hard. You look ... Read the full article

Healthy Ville Leino excited about new opportunities with Sabres

BUFFALO – Forget about Ville Leino’s shaky past with the Sabres and the widespread belief he’s a bust. Start judging the Finn differently.

The winger feels poised for a breakout season under new coach Ron Rolston.

Why should someone with only 10 goals and 31 points two seasons into a six-year, $27 million contract be given a clean slate?

Leino’s finally healthy after years of discomfort, having undergone a second hip surgery during the offseason... Read the full article

Sabres reach 23-man roster limit by placing Marcus Foligno on injured reserve

BUFFALO – With a muscle strain sidelining winger Marcus Foligno, the 23 players on the ice Monday – 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies – could comprise the Sabres’ opening-night roster, coach Ron Rolston said.

Foligno, who was injured last Sunday in Toronto, was placed on injured reserve Monday. The Sabres had to hit the 23-man roster limit by 5 p.m.

Rolston said Foligno could practice today. Still, he’s likely out for Wednesday’s ... Read the full article

Sabres set 23-man opening night roster

BUFFALO – With a muscle strain sidelining winger Marcus Foligno, the 23 players on the ice this morning – 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies – could be on the Sabres’ opening night roster Wednesday in Detroit, coach Ron Rolston said.

“I don’t see it Wednesday,” Rolston said about Foligno inside the First Niagara Center. “I think he’ll be in a position tomorrow where he’ll practice. But I don’t think one day is going ... Read the full article

Matt Ellis happy to be with Sabres organization: ‘Where I wanted to be’

BUFFALO – This place, Matt Ellis said recently, is “where my heart is.” Five years ago this Tuesday, the Sabres claimed the forward from Los Angeles. As an injury fill-in, Ellis figured his stint could be short.

Sure enough, the Sabres waived Ellis weeks later, nearly losing him.

But the 32-year-old has stayed and carved out an important role with the organization, playing 197 NHL games and captaining two AHL affiliates.

In July, five months ... Read the full article

Sabres waive Alexander Sulzer

BUFFALO – The Sabres placed defenseman Alexander Sulzer on waivers this afternoon, possibly ending the German’s 32-game career with the club.

Sulzer made only two preseason appearances and had fallen to eighth or ninth on the team’s depth chart.

The 29-year-old played just two games under new coach Ron Rolston last year before suffering a season-ending ACL injury on Feb. 23.

Still, the Sabres re-signed Sulzer to a one-year, $725,000 deal in July. He ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Mike Weber endured long road to opening night duty

BUFFALO – Ron Rolston noticed Mike Weber’s patience and resolve long before he began coaching the Sabres, back when the gritty defenseman was often sitting as a healthy scratch, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Rolston watched Weber quietly channeling his energy toward becoming an NHL regular.

“Everything was about the team and he’d get his opportunity,” Rolston said Saturday inside the First Niagara Center. “Just his overall attitude is exceptional.”

That attitude’s finally ... Read the full article

Nikita Zadorov’s cut finger won’t force Sabres to keep rookie; Rasmus Ristolainen earns roster spot

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov cut his finger blocking a shot in Friday’s exhibition finale and is out about two weeks, coach Ron Rolston said.

“It just kind of smashed it on the tip,” Rolston said Saturday inside the First Niagara Center.

The 18-year-old rookie had the injury stitched up, Rolston said.

Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster ... Read the full article

Cut finger to sideline Sabres rookie Nikita Zadorov two weeks

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov cut his finger blocking a shot in Friday’s exhibition finale and is out about two weeks, coach Ron Rolston said this afternoon.

“It just kind of smashed it on the tip,” Rolston said inside the First Niagara Center.

The rookie had the injury stitched up, Rolston said.

Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster back ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Nikita Zadorov injures hand in exhibition finale

BUFFALO – Defenseman Nikita Zadorov injured his hand blocking a shot during the Sabres’ 1-0 loss to the Hurricanes tonight and will be evaluated, coach Ron Rolston told reporters in Carolina after the team’s preseason finale.

The 18-year-old Russian has impressed the Sabres throughout training camp, scoring one goal in four exhibition appearances.

Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster ... Read the full article