Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Time in Seattle helped Sabres’ Radim Mrtka develop into special prospect

BUFFALO – When the Seattle Thunderbirds selected Radim Mrtka 71st overall in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in 2024, they took a flier on a talented defenseman.

Coach Matt O’Dette said the Thunderbirds knew Mrtka planned to play pro hockey in his native Czechia last season. Still, if he did not receive the opportunity he wanted, there was a chance he could join the junior team.

Mrtka, the ninth overall pick by the Sabres... Read the full article

Sabres sign goalie Alexandar Georgiev to one-year contract

When the Buffalo Sabres signed veteran Alex Lyon in free agency, they appeared to have solidified the goaltending position.

Lyon would back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Buffalo, while Devon Levi would return to the Rochester Americans for another year of development.

So, why did the Sabres on Thursday night, a week before training camp opens, sign veteran goalie Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year, $825,000 contract?... Read the full article

After strong season, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen focused on sticking in NHL

BUFFALO – On Friday, winger Isak Rosen will suit up for the Sabres in his fourth Prospects Challenge. Given his slick skill set and experience, there’s an expectation he will be a dominant presence in the rookie tournament.

Rosen has registered 48 goals and 105 points over the last two seasons in the AHL and played 15 NHL games. Last year, he developed into the Rochester Americans’ top offense threat, scoring 28 goals and 55 ... Read the full article

Radim Mrtka, Noah Ostlund highlight first-rounders on Sabres’ Prospects Challenge roster

Four first-round picks, including defenseman Radim Mrtka, the ninth overall selection this year, and center Noah Ostlund, who finished last season in the NHL, highlight the 26-man Prospects Challenge roster the Buffalo Sabres released Tuesday.

Forwards Konsta Helenius and Isak Rosen, who has played 15 games for the Sabres over the last two seasons, are the other Buffalo first-rounders who will be participating in the rookie camp tournament that runs from Friday to Monday in ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris gives designer bags to Zach Benson in exchange for No. 9

BUFFALO – In late July, Sabres center Josh Norris texted his teammate, Zach Benson, and asked what it would take for him to give up No. 9.

Benson said he thought Norris, who wore No. 13 in his first three games with the Sabres before a torn oblique muscle ended his season, was joking.

“I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not,” Benson said Saturday after throwing out the first pitch before the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris switches to No. 9 after making ‘offer’ to Zach Benson

Buffalo Sabres center Josh Norris made teammate Zach Benson an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Benson, who wore No. 9 throughout his first two NHL campaigns, has allowed Norris, who sported No. 13 in his first three outings with the Sabres before a torn oblique muscle ended his season, to take the digit. Benson will now be wearing No. 6.

“Nine’s just been a number that I’ve liked and worn for a lot of my career,” ... Read the full article

Sabres to wear ‘Goathead’ jersey 15 times in 2025-26 season

The Buffalo Sabres will be wearing their black and red “Goathead” jersey 15 times during the upcoming season at KeyBank Center, including seven times for “Throwback Thursday” games, the team announced Tuesday.

The Sabres brought back the popular jersey, which they sported from 1996-97 to 2005-06, as their alternate three years ago.

The complete schedule for the jersey is below.... Read the full article

Former Sabres prospects have found new jobs all over this offseason

In early June, just days after the Buffalo Sabres relinquished the rights to Viljami Marjala, a high-scoring forward they drafted in the fifth round in 2021, the Edmonton Oilers snapped up the prospect, signing him to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Marjala, fresh off a breakout season in which he registered 44 assists and 52 points in 54 games for TPS Turku, will likely begin the upcoming campaign with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.

Perhaps ... Read the full article

Sabres to appear on national TV seven times during 2025-26 schedule

The Sabres will be appearing on national television broadcasts seven times during the upcoming season, NHL rights holders announced Wednesday.

The schedule features four games on TNT and three exclusive games on ESPN+/Hulu (subscription streaming).

The complete schedule is below.... Read the full article

After winning second Stanley Cup with Panthers, Sabres legend Rick Dudley has no plans to retire

Rick Dudley knows the end of his long and remarkable life in hockey is looming.

The 76-year-old Lewiston resident, a senior advisor to Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito, is one of game’s oldest and most respected executives.

The Stanley Cup eluded Dudley, who has spent 56 years in hockey as a player, coach and executive, until last season. Now, the septuagenarian has won back-to-back championships as part of the Panthers’ brain trust.... Read the full article