THE BUFFALO BULLETIN
New GM Leaves Mark Early
It didn't take long for GM Renney to make his first move. Only days after being hired he signaled his intentions for the Sabres, sending Buffalo's 2024 5th to the Vancouver Canucks for Ryan Kesler and 3 picks in the 2023 draft (80,93,141). A day later Buffalo acquired Mikko Koivu, Colton Dach and Patrik Puistola in exchange for the 5th round pick (141) gained the previous day. That's 7 assets in exchange for next years 5th round pick. 1 additional minor deal was made sending Buffalo's 2023 4th (92) to the NYR in exchange for three 2023 5ths (122,123,145). As of today, Koivu, Kesler and Puistola all pencil into next years lineup. Buffalo now has 7 picks in 2023. It's clear the new GM wants to restock the cupboards.
2023 Draft Recap
There was no surprise in virtual Nashville when Calgary stepped to the podium to take Connor Bedard first overall. There was, however, at the Buffalo Sabres table when Leo Carlsson, the 2nd ranked prospect fell to them at pick #5.
"We're ecstatic to add a player of this caliber," said Renney. "This is the type of guy that wins championships, a future captain."
The Sabres made a total of 7 picks this year, adding a variety of new faces to the organization.
1st round, 5th overall - Leo Carlsson. A 6'3 all around center with no weakness in his game. He is expected to play the upcoming year in Sweden before joining the team next fall.
2nd round, 32nd overall - Andrew Cristall. A diminutive winger who packs an offensive punch. An adept stickhandler, he possesses the potential to be a top 6 threat with both shooting and playmaking. Currently lacks a step skating wise. The Sabres will be investing what they can to improve this next year in Rochester.
3rd round, 80th overall - Jayden Perron. Another consistent small offensive winger in the same category as Cristall. If all goes right he could be a legitimate playmaking option. Buffalo will need some luck with this one.
4th round, 93rd overall - Luca Cagnoni. Offense first, offense always. A small puck moving defender who projects to lead the blueline in Rochester but could find a role as a bottom pairing powerplay specialist.
5th round, 122nd overall - Konnor Smith. A punishing 6'5 stay at home defender with a projected hitting of 90. Unfortunately the rest of his game will be more suited to the AHL.
5th round, 123rd overall - Emil Järventie. The third small winger added will take some time before hopefully finding a home in Rochester.
5th round, 145th overall - Thomas Milic. An overage, inconsistent goaltender who made a name for himself at the World Juniors. Standing 6'0 tall, the odds are forever stacked against him to be anything more than a warm body in the AHL.
Roster Shakeup
David Pastrnak & Jeremy Roy have been sent to the Winnipeg Jets along with recent acquisition Colton Dach. In return the Buffalo Sabres have received two 2024 first round picks (NSH,WPG) and a 2024 third (TB). The move continues the new GM's plan to revamp the roster.
The Buffalo Bulletin
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Sharp Stick Bisons
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Re: The Buffalo Bulletin
THE BUFFALO BULLETIN 01 -02
Out With The Old, In With The Older?
The Buffalo Sabres announced today the following changes to the team's coaching and development staffs:
Lindy Ruff has been relieved of his duties as head coach after 26 years behind the bench. Replacing him will be former Sabres captain Jim Schoenfeld. Schoenfeld, taken 5th overall by the Sabres in 1972, played 584 games across parts of 11 seasons with Buffalo. Since retiring in 1985 he has served on numerous coaching staffs including as head coach of New Jersey, Washington and Phoenix. "We're ecstatic at the opportunity to come back to Buffalo. It's always been home." said the new head coach. "We need some direction and I think I can help more at the rink than watching on tv. Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be!"
Patrice "The Breezer" Brisebois, Dominik "The Dominator" Hasek and Randy Ladouceur will also be leaving their positions. Taking their places will be:
Phil Housley - assistant. The Hall of Fame defenceman played 608 of his 1495 NHL games with the Sabres, the most of any team. His electric offensive ability led to multiple Norris nominations. He will run the defence and powerplay.
Brad May - assistant. Mayday, Mayday! What more can we say? A leader on and off the ice. This is May's first job behind the bench as he hopes to set the tone for the next generation of Sabres.
Mitch Korn - goalie coach. It's only fitting that the man replacing Dominik Hasek was his coach while he played here. Returning to the team after stints with Nashville and Washington, fans hope he can rekindle the same magic he shared with Hasek.
Darcy Regier has been outed from the head office as well. Replacing him as Assistant General Manager will be newly unemployed Lindy Ruff. Joining him upstairs will be 3 new scouts: Maxim Afinogenov, Mike Peca and Ryan Miller. It is believed Afinogenov will run overseas scouting, Peca will focus on the CHL, with Miller scouting the NCAA.
With each of the new additions already being team alumni, they will be hoping to reignite their previous success and to usher in a new era for the Buffalo Sabres organization and their fans.
It is also rumoured that Jason Pominville has been offered a position with the Rochester Americans. Pominville last played in the AHL in 2021/22 scoring 5 G, 9 P over 10 GP. Dependent on retirement he will either be a coach or player coach with the Americans next season. There are no more changes expected for Rochester's front office at this time.
Out With The Old, In With The Older?
The Buffalo Sabres announced today the following changes to the team's coaching and development staffs:
Lindy Ruff has been relieved of his duties as head coach after 26 years behind the bench. Replacing him will be former Sabres captain Jim Schoenfeld. Schoenfeld, taken 5th overall by the Sabres in 1972, played 584 games across parts of 11 seasons with Buffalo. Since retiring in 1985 he has served on numerous coaching staffs including as head coach of New Jersey, Washington and Phoenix. "We're ecstatic at the opportunity to come back to Buffalo. It's always been home." said the new head coach. "We need some direction and I think I can help more at the rink than watching on tv. Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be!"
Patrice "The Breezer" Brisebois, Dominik "The Dominator" Hasek and Randy Ladouceur will also be leaving their positions. Taking their places will be:
Phil Housley - assistant. The Hall of Fame defenceman played 608 of his 1495 NHL games with the Sabres, the most of any team. His electric offensive ability led to multiple Norris nominations. He will run the defence and powerplay.
Brad May - assistant. Mayday, Mayday! What more can we say? A leader on and off the ice. This is May's first job behind the bench as he hopes to set the tone for the next generation of Sabres.
Mitch Korn - goalie coach. It's only fitting that the man replacing Dominik Hasek was his coach while he played here. Returning to the team after stints with Nashville and Washington, fans hope he can rekindle the same magic he shared with Hasek.
Darcy Regier has been outed from the head office as well. Replacing him as Assistant General Manager will be newly unemployed Lindy Ruff. Joining him upstairs will be 3 new scouts: Maxim Afinogenov, Mike Peca and Ryan Miller. It is believed Afinogenov will run overseas scouting, Peca will focus on the CHL, with Miller scouting the NCAA.
With each of the new additions already being team alumni, they will be hoping to reignite their previous success and to usher in a new era for the Buffalo Sabres organization and their fans.
It is also rumoured that Jason Pominville has been offered a position with the Rochester Americans. Pominville last played in the AHL in 2021/22 scoring 5 G, 9 P over 10 GP. Dependent on retirement he will either be a coach or player coach with the Americans next season. There are no more changes expected for Rochester's front office at this time.
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Re: The Buffalo Bulletin
THE BUFFALO BULLETIN 01 - 03
Free Agency Summary
After a whirlwind week of free agent offers the dust has settled with the Sabres acquiring a number of players. A total of 10 new faces join the organization: 6 forwards, 3 defencemen and a goalie. Headlining the additions is 7.25 million dollar man Brent Seabrook, joining on a 1 year deal. After prolonged negotiations, Seabrook agreed to start the season in Buffalo with the intent to move on retained salary to a cup contender later in the season. Having tasted Stanley Cup glory twice before, it appears he has a thirst that can not be quenched. A thirst for Stanley Cups! With his recent improvement in endurance he should be able to effectively hold off father time for the year, making him a valuable asset for any team with cup dreams.
Nathan Beaulieu and Jared McCann both join the team on 3 year deals. Beaulieu is an offense minded two way defender who has averaged over 22 minutes a night during his career. McCann is defensive centerman with excellent faceoffs and positioning. They should provide quality minutes and help the team transition to a new era of Sabres hockey. Logan Shaw, Nikolay Goldobin, Saku Salminen and Marc Staal sign aboard for 2 years, each for less than a million while Brock Nelson and Joe Pavelski sign for 1 year. With each of these signing having previous EHEC experience, they add proven quality to an otherwise unexceptional roster. The Sabres also signed 19 year old goalie prospect Kevin Reidler to a 1 year deal.
Training Camp Underway
35 players arrived this week to begin Sabres training camp. 6 rookie invitees look to earn valuable experience alongside the 29 players, plus 3 unsigned RFA, competing for the 23 roster spots. Robert Mastrosimone, Vitali Kravtsov and Matvei Guskov remain sidelined without contracts. Fortunately the Sabres start camp without any injuries. Leo Carlsson enters as the most intriguing prospect, with fans eagerly looking forward to seeing their future star in action. Up front, EHEC veterans Joe Pavelski, Ryan Kesler, Brock Nelson and Mikko Koivu battle youngsters Patrik Puistola, Jan Jenik and under developed Adam Musil for roles on the team. On the back end it will be between newly signed vet Marc Staal, sophomore Christian Krygier and journeyman Alex Peters for the number 6 position.
Free Agency Summary
After a whirlwind week of free agent offers the dust has settled with the Sabres acquiring a number of players. A total of 10 new faces join the organization: 6 forwards, 3 defencemen and a goalie. Headlining the additions is 7.25 million dollar man Brent Seabrook, joining on a 1 year deal. After prolonged negotiations, Seabrook agreed to start the season in Buffalo with the intent to move on retained salary to a cup contender later in the season. Having tasted Stanley Cup glory twice before, it appears he has a thirst that can not be quenched. A thirst for Stanley Cups! With his recent improvement in endurance he should be able to effectively hold off father time for the year, making him a valuable asset for any team with cup dreams.
Nathan Beaulieu and Jared McCann both join the team on 3 year deals. Beaulieu is an offense minded two way defender who has averaged over 22 minutes a night during his career. McCann is defensive centerman with excellent faceoffs and positioning. They should provide quality minutes and help the team transition to a new era of Sabres hockey. Logan Shaw, Nikolay Goldobin, Saku Salminen and Marc Staal sign aboard for 2 years, each for less than a million while Brock Nelson and Joe Pavelski sign for 1 year. With each of these signing having previous EHEC experience, they add proven quality to an otherwise unexceptional roster. The Sabres also signed 19 year old goalie prospect Kevin Reidler to a 1 year deal.
Training Camp Underway
35 players arrived this week to begin Sabres training camp. 6 rookie invitees look to earn valuable experience alongside the 29 players, plus 3 unsigned RFA, competing for the 23 roster spots. Robert Mastrosimone, Vitali Kravtsov and Matvei Guskov remain sidelined without contracts. Fortunately the Sabres start camp without any injuries. Leo Carlsson enters as the most intriguing prospect, with fans eagerly looking forward to seeing their future star in action. Up front, EHEC veterans Joe Pavelski, Ryan Kesler, Brock Nelson and Mikko Koivu battle youngsters Patrik Puistola, Jan Jenik and under developed Adam Musil for roles on the team. On the back end it will be between newly signed vet Marc Staal, sophomore Christian Krygier and journeyman Alex Peters for the number 6 position.
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Re: The Buffalo Bulletin
THE BUFFALO BULLETIN 01-04
It's Been A Season
Hello Buffalo Sabres fans! Please ignore the chanting in the streets, I can personally assure that the GM job is in completely competent hands. Despite the recent string of 15 losses in the last 20 games, the GM has informed me it is intentional. Something about high draft picks being the key to rebuilding the franchise. I am no expert myself, being a beat writer for the Buffalo Bulletin, however, it is refreshing to hear there is supposedly a plan in place.
It has been quite some time since our last update. Our apologies, the printing press ran out of paper. What? It's a digital upload? Well, we're still sticking to this excuse. Good news, our lack of press updates has not stopped GM Renney from making his fair share of moves in an attempt to reshape the roster. A whopping 9 trades with 7 different teams have been completed since the start of the season, Colorado and Philly being the doubles.
First it was AHL depth defender Vojtech Budik being flipped to Colorado for a trio of players - AHL top scorer Ivan Morozov, as well as prospects Oscar Back and Guillaume Richard. Since the trade Morozov has fulfilled expectation, currently leading the AHL with 124 points in 58 GP, 1 point ahead of second place Roope Hintz. Oscar Back has stepped into a depth role on the Sabres exceptionally, currently sitting 5th in team points and being one of few players with a positive plus minus. We'll get to Richard momentarily.
A month later Buffalo and Colorado hooked up again, this time completing somewhat of a blockbuster shipping out multiple recent free agent signings. Brent Seabrook, Logan Shaw, Vitali Kravtsov and two 3rd rounds picks make their way to the Avs in exchange for middle sixer Janne Kuokkanen, hard hitting bottom sixer Ostap Safin, top prospect Oskar Olausson and two young defenders Antti Tuomisto and Helge Grans. Seabrook, who was promised a chance to play for a contender (at least more of a contender than the Sabres), had 50% of his contract retained. A key value point in returning Oskar Olausson.
"This trade took some time to sort out. It took some balancing to make the money work," said the Sabres GM. "We weren't ecstatic to lose Logan or Vitali but you have to make concessions in this league. We can see Oskar being a part of out future top 6."
The new GM wasn't finished reshaping the roster there. In mid November he pulled the trigger buying out summer time acquisition Mikko Koivu in order to free up the cap space to send recent addition Guillaume Richard to Philadelphia in exchange for playmaker William Nylander. Nylander has 4 years remaining on his current deal at 3.3 million.
When asked about the move the Buffalo manager replied, "He's a proven asset. A 5 time 50+ point scorer. He can put the puck in the net and set others up. He plays the wing and can win face-offs if need be. Versatility as well as reliability while we're rebuilding. He'll be a good role model for the young guns."
Two minor moves were made regarding AHL goaltending with Kevin Reidler being shipped to Florida for Trent Miner and Mackenzie Blackwood going to San Jose in exchange for Erik Portillo. Neither of the new acquisitions have made their Sabres debut as of yet.
Christmas was a time of presents for the Buffalo faithful with FA acquisition Nik Goldobin making his way to Philly in exchange for a familiar name in Guillaume Richard. Fan favourite Jan Jenik also left the team going to the Rangers in exchange for Filip Chytil. Chytil's stop in Buffalo, however, was brief. Not a month later he was shipped to Tampa in exchange for Ondrej Kase, a streaky scorer, and a 2026 3rd round pick.
Buffalo's final un-reported move was without any names as Winnipeg's 2024 1st round pick, acquired in the summer for scorer David Pastrnak and defender Jeremy Roy, was sent back to Winnipeg. Why would Buffalo do this you ask? We aren't really sure either. Maybe it was a good deal, maybe it had something to do with stopping the phone from ringing off the hook. Regardless, the Sabres receive the surprisingly struggling Penguins 2024 1st and potentially a 3rd in 2025 if things in Pittsburgh sort themselves out.
As far as the on ice product goes, there is less to report. After a surprising pre-season which saw the Sabres finish atop the table, it has been nothing but a down hill slide. The line of Ritchie, MacInnis and Musil has been one of few bring spots in an otherwise darkness filled season. Rookies David Jiricek and Oscar Back appear to be settling in nicely. While tank commander Gabe Carlsson leads to way to a top pick at -38. Fortunately he's only taken 3 penalties so far. At least he has that going for him.
Currently the Sabres sit at 42 points in 58 games tied with the Washington Capitals for last in the east, 2 points ahead of the tumultuous Edmonton Oilers for last in EHEC. Fear not Buffalo Sabres fanbase, if we're to believe in this supposed plan you should be excited about the up coming draft. Another top prospect to play with Swedish sensation Leo Carlsson could be exactly what's needed to bring us to the promise land! Or at least get us out of the basement.
It's Been A Season
Hello Buffalo Sabres fans! Please ignore the chanting in the streets, I can personally assure that the GM job is in completely competent hands. Despite the recent string of 15 losses in the last 20 games, the GM has informed me it is intentional. Something about high draft picks being the key to rebuilding the franchise. I am no expert myself, being a beat writer for the Buffalo Bulletin, however, it is refreshing to hear there is supposedly a plan in place.
It has been quite some time since our last update. Our apologies, the printing press ran out of paper. What? It's a digital upload? Well, we're still sticking to this excuse. Good news, our lack of press updates has not stopped GM Renney from making his fair share of moves in an attempt to reshape the roster. A whopping 9 trades with 7 different teams have been completed since the start of the season, Colorado and Philly being the doubles.
First it was AHL depth defender Vojtech Budik being flipped to Colorado for a trio of players - AHL top scorer Ivan Morozov, as well as prospects Oscar Back and Guillaume Richard. Since the trade Morozov has fulfilled expectation, currently leading the AHL with 124 points in 58 GP, 1 point ahead of second place Roope Hintz. Oscar Back has stepped into a depth role on the Sabres exceptionally, currently sitting 5th in team points and being one of few players with a positive plus minus. We'll get to Richard momentarily.
A month later Buffalo and Colorado hooked up again, this time completing somewhat of a blockbuster shipping out multiple recent free agent signings. Brent Seabrook, Logan Shaw, Vitali Kravtsov and two 3rd rounds picks make their way to the Avs in exchange for middle sixer Janne Kuokkanen, hard hitting bottom sixer Ostap Safin, top prospect Oskar Olausson and two young defenders Antti Tuomisto and Helge Grans. Seabrook, who was promised a chance to play for a contender (at least more of a contender than the Sabres), had 50% of his contract retained. A key value point in returning Oskar Olausson.
"This trade took some time to sort out. It took some balancing to make the money work," said the Sabres GM. "We weren't ecstatic to lose Logan or Vitali but you have to make concessions in this league. We can see Oskar being a part of out future top 6."
The new GM wasn't finished reshaping the roster there. In mid November he pulled the trigger buying out summer time acquisition Mikko Koivu in order to free up the cap space to send recent addition Guillaume Richard to Philadelphia in exchange for playmaker William Nylander. Nylander has 4 years remaining on his current deal at 3.3 million.
When asked about the move the Buffalo manager replied, "He's a proven asset. A 5 time 50+ point scorer. He can put the puck in the net and set others up. He plays the wing and can win face-offs if need be. Versatility as well as reliability while we're rebuilding. He'll be a good role model for the young guns."
Two minor moves were made regarding AHL goaltending with Kevin Reidler being shipped to Florida for Trent Miner and Mackenzie Blackwood going to San Jose in exchange for Erik Portillo. Neither of the new acquisitions have made their Sabres debut as of yet.
Christmas was a time of presents for the Buffalo faithful with FA acquisition Nik Goldobin making his way to Philly in exchange for a familiar name in Guillaume Richard. Fan favourite Jan Jenik also left the team going to the Rangers in exchange for Filip Chytil. Chytil's stop in Buffalo, however, was brief. Not a month later he was shipped to Tampa in exchange for Ondrej Kase, a streaky scorer, and a 2026 3rd round pick.
Buffalo's final un-reported move was without any names as Winnipeg's 2024 1st round pick, acquired in the summer for scorer David Pastrnak and defender Jeremy Roy, was sent back to Winnipeg. Why would Buffalo do this you ask? We aren't really sure either. Maybe it was a good deal, maybe it had something to do with stopping the phone from ringing off the hook. Regardless, the Sabres receive the surprisingly struggling Penguins 2024 1st and potentially a 3rd in 2025 if things in Pittsburgh sort themselves out.
As far as the on ice product goes, there is less to report. After a surprising pre-season which saw the Sabres finish atop the table, it has been nothing but a down hill slide. The line of Ritchie, MacInnis and Musil has been one of few bring spots in an otherwise darkness filled season. Rookies David Jiricek and Oscar Back appear to be settling in nicely. While tank commander Gabe Carlsson leads to way to a top pick at -38. Fortunately he's only taken 3 penalties so far. At least he has that going for him.
Currently the Sabres sit at 42 points in 58 games tied with the Washington Capitals for last in the east, 2 points ahead of the tumultuous Edmonton Oilers for last in EHEC. Fear not Buffalo Sabres fanbase, if we're to believe in this supposed plan you should be excited about the up coming draft. Another top prospect to play with Swedish sensation Leo Carlsson could be exactly what's needed to bring us to the promise land! Or at least get us out of the basement.