Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray has never seen a multi-player/piece blockbuster he didn't like as he fashions the franchise in his image. In fact his first trade as GM was a five-player/two draft pick trade that featured Buffalo's franchise goalie at the time, Ryan Miller and their captain, Steve Ott. Although one could say that trade with St. Louis wasn't wholly his as his predecessor laid some of the foundation, Murray follow that trade up with three more multi-piece deals at the 2014 trade deadline a week later.
One deal of note was the trade of Rochester Americans defenseman Brayden McNabb and forward Jonathan Parker, to the Los Angeles Kings for a couple of forward prospect up-front in "heavies" Nicolas Deslauriers and Hudson Fasching. Also going back to Los Angeles were the two second-round picks Buffalo received from the Kings in the Robyn Regehr trade in April, 2013.
It's become an annual tradition for Murray to pull off a multi-piece, blockbuster trade as last season prior to the trade deadline he and his Winnipeg counterpart, Kevin Cheveldayoff made an eight-piece trade featuring Evander Kane and Tyler Myers. And this year, Murray got together with his uncle Bryan Murray to put together a seven-player trade with the Ottawa Senators.
Showing posts with label Phil Varone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phil Varone. Show all posts
Monday, February 29, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Sabres hit Arizona having won three of four
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
It was a good stretch for the Buffalo Sabres dating back to the Sunday before last. The Sabres headed to the frozen outpost of Winnipeg Manitoba on a six-game losing streak before their tilt with the Jets which included lots of familiar faces skating for both sides. Five of eight pieces from the February 11, 2015 blockbuster trade between the Sabres and the Jets were on the ice.
The centerpiece of the trade for Buffalo was Evander Kane. The malcontent of Manitoba was at the center of a media circus because of his exploits. He hit the ice, literally, as he fell out of the gates during warmups much to the satisfaction of the crowd who jeered him at every turn. A raucous Winnipeg hockey community dubbed the game, Track-suit Night, in honor of an infamous incident, but Kane and the Sabres would get the last laugh.
It was a good stretch for the Buffalo Sabres dating back to the Sunday before last. The Sabres headed to the frozen outpost of Winnipeg Manitoba on a six-game losing streak before their tilt with the Jets which included lots of familiar faces skating for both sides. Five of eight pieces from the February 11, 2015 blockbuster trade between the Sabres and the Jets were on the ice.
The centerpiece of the trade for Buffalo was Evander Kane. The malcontent of Manitoba was at the center of a media circus because of his exploits. He hit the ice, literally, as he fell out of the gates during warmups much to the satisfaction of the crowd who jeered him at every turn. A raucous Winnipeg hockey community dubbed the game, Track-suit Night, in honor of an infamous incident, but Kane and the Sabres would get the last laugh.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Ullmark on the mark. Rochester wins two of three over the weekend.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
It's One Buffalo for Pegula Sports and Entertainment and fans of Western New York. With the Buffalo Bills on their NFL bye-week, the focus turned to hockey. Save for the World Series and one particular WGR host who, unfortunately for him today, is a devoted NY Mets fan (the Kansas City Royals won the Series 4-1.)
Although the sports-talk airwaves invariably come back the Bills quarterback situation (which if you listen too long will develop into worms eating away at your brain from the inside) the Western New York pro hockey scene had plenty positives. The Buffalo Sabres had a 3-1 record for the week including their first two-game winning-streak of the season to finish it off. After defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 at home on Friday the Sabres travelled to Brooklyn for their first appearance in the new home of the NY Islanders--Barclay Center--and came away with a 2-1 win.
Rookie goaltender Linus (pronounced, Lee-nus) Ullmark was sharp in net while allowing only one goal in each of those victories for Buffalo. The 6'4' 212 lb. native of Lugnvik, Sweden faced 58 shots and came away with a .966 save percentage. After last night's game in Brooklyn, Ullmark was quick to credit his teammates for his performance. "As a team we've become better and better," he told the post-game media at the Barclay Center, "We're buying in [to the system] every day. It's not me that's making the difference, it's the team that's making the difference every game, every night."
Ullmark continued to say that the team has "great confidence" in their style of play but also mentioned that he feels more comfortable in his game after an inauspicious start to his NHL career. Although the 4-3 loss at the hands of New Jersey was not 100% on him, it was a bit of a shaky beginning for him. He righted the ship and has Sabreland buzzing about his potential.
It's One Buffalo for Pegula Sports and Entertainment and fans of Western New York. With the Buffalo Bills on their NFL bye-week, the focus turned to hockey. Save for the World Series and one particular WGR host who, unfortunately for him today, is a devoted NY Mets fan (the Kansas City Royals won the Series 4-1.)
Although the sports-talk airwaves invariably come back the Bills quarterback situation (which if you listen too long will develop into worms eating away at your brain from the inside) the Western New York pro hockey scene had plenty positives. The Buffalo Sabres had a 3-1 record for the week including their first two-game winning-streak of the season to finish it off. After defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 at home on Friday the Sabres travelled to Brooklyn for their first appearance in the new home of the NY Islanders--Barclay Center--and came away with a 2-1 win.
Rookie goaltender Linus (pronounced, Lee-nus) Ullmark was sharp in net while allowing only one goal in each of those victories for Buffalo. The 6'4' 212 lb. native of Lugnvik, Sweden faced 58 shots and came away with a .966 save percentage. After last night's game in Brooklyn, Ullmark was quick to credit his teammates for his performance. "As a team we've become better and better," he told the post-game media at the Barclay Center, "We're buying in [to the system] every day. It's not me that's making the difference, it's the team that's making the difference every game, every night."
Ullmark continued to say that the team has "great confidence" in their style of play but also mentioned that he feels more comfortable in his game after an inauspicious start to his NHL career. Although the 4-3 loss at the hands of New Jersey was not 100% on him, it was a bit of a shaky beginning for him. He righted the ship and has Sabreland buzzing about his potential.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Tough sports weekend in Buffalo, but Rochester pulls out a win
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
While sports radio in Buffalo this morning is filled with who was to blame for the Bills' loss to the previously 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, it should be noted the Peace Bridge has effectively been cleared of the few Sabres fans who are ready to jump off at the team's 2-6 start. And if you want a sliver of hope in an otherwise dire weekend, the Rochester Americans did manage to pull out a victory yesterday for Pegula Sports and Entertainments only win of the weekend.
The untamed braggadocio that emanated from One Bills Drive has effectively been shuttered after the loss yesterday while the unfettered enthusiasm emanating from the foot of Washington St. has been tempered considerably after the Sabres dropped back-to-backs at home by a combined 11-4 score. Seven of those goals against were scored by a Stanley Cup contending Montreal Canadians team who came in with a 9-0 record to start the season and the other four came with a rookie goalie in net making his first NHL start.
Even the Amerks were cause for concern as they were humiliated at home by the rival Toronto Marlies (TOR) 8-2 on Friday, the same night the Sabres were getting buried by the Canadiens 7-2. After starting out the season 2-0, Rochester proceeded to lose three straight road games before getting smoked by Toronto. "I was at a loss for words," said Amerks head coach Randy Cunneyworth after the Toronto game. "After every period to go into [the locker room] and give them advice on how we can be better, and it seems to fall on deaf ears, I don't know. Somebody's got to come up with some answers. There's got to be some guys looking in the mirror."
While sports radio in Buffalo this morning is filled with who was to blame for the Bills' loss to the previously 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, it should be noted the Peace Bridge has effectively been cleared of the few Sabres fans who are ready to jump off at the team's 2-6 start. And if you want a sliver of hope in an otherwise dire weekend, the Rochester Americans did manage to pull out a victory yesterday for Pegula Sports and Entertainments only win of the weekend.
The untamed braggadocio that emanated from One Bills Drive has effectively been shuttered after the loss yesterday while the unfettered enthusiasm emanating from the foot of Washington St. has been tempered considerably after the Sabres dropped back-to-backs at home by a combined 11-4 score. Seven of those goals against were scored by a Stanley Cup contending Montreal Canadians team who came in with a 9-0 record to start the season and the other four came with a rookie goalie in net making his first NHL start.
Even the Amerks were cause for concern as they were humiliated at home by the rival Toronto Marlies (TOR) 8-2 on Friday, the same night the Sabres were getting buried by the Canadiens 7-2. After starting out the season 2-0, Rochester proceeded to lose three straight road games before getting smoked by Toronto. "I was at a loss for words," said Amerks head coach Randy Cunneyworth after the Toronto game. "After every period to go into [the locker room] and give them advice on how we can be better, and it seems to fall on deaf ears, I don't know. Somebody's got to come up with some answers. There's got to be some guys looking in the mirror."
Saturday, July 18, 2015
More RFA signings for Buffalo
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Back on June 29th, the Buffalo Sabres tendered qualifying offers to seven of their restricted free agents, and as of yesterday only one remains unsigned.
On Monday of this week versatile forward Phil Varone agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the team. The 5'10" 185 lb. Varone played in 28 games for the Sabres last season, including a stint on the top line, scoring five points (3+2) while averaging 13:26 minutes of ice-time/game. The two-way deal would indicate Varone's slated for Rochester unless he blows the team away with an exceptional training camp.
The following day D, Mark Pysyk signed a two-year deal. Pysyk has largely been a victim of circumstance in the debacle that was the last two seasons, and despite his readiness to play with the big club he was limited to only seven games in Buffalo, yet in those games he scored two goals and added an assist in 18:10 TOI. The smooth and steady, puck-moving defenseman with shutdown acumen looks to be penciled in on the second pairing at this point.
Back on June 29th, the Buffalo Sabres tendered qualifying offers to seven of their restricted free agents, and as of yesterday only one remains unsigned.
On Monday of this week versatile forward Phil Varone agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the team. The 5'10" 185 lb. Varone played in 28 games for the Sabres last season, including a stint on the top line, scoring five points (3+2) while averaging 13:26 minutes of ice-time/game. The two-way deal would indicate Varone's slated for Rochester unless he blows the team away with an exceptional training camp.
The following day D, Mark Pysyk signed a two-year deal. Pysyk has largely been a victim of circumstance in the debacle that was the last two seasons, and despite his readiness to play with the big club he was limited to only seven games in Buffalo, yet in those games he scored two goals and added an assist in 18:10 TOI. The smooth and steady, puck-moving defenseman with shutdown acumen looks to be penciled in on the second pairing at this point.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Ramp-up to the trade deadline, plus some final thoughts on "Gus the All-Star"
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Hope y'all had a great All-Star break.
The Buffalo Sabres were off for eight days save for Zemgus Girgensons and the front office. While his teammates were spending time away from the ice tasting normalcy, Girgensons was busy rubbing elbows with an elite group of players in Columbus, OH for the All-Star festivities.
And while his players were off on their break, Sabres GM Tim Murray and his scouting staff were in the field taking in junior and college games. Murray, it's assumed, also had his phone attached to one ear as trade-deadline season is set to kick in.
If there's a player that as close to untradeable as one can get on a last place team, Girgensons is the one for the Sabres organization. As for the rest (save for Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorove, maybe,) there will be waves of emotions rising and falling as the NHL heads towards the March 2 trade deadline. If that's not enough, they'll be riding those emotional waves while trying to play the game of hockey on a last place team that comes back from an eight-day All-Star break with a west coast trip on the heels of a 11-game losing streak.
It's no surprise that the Sabres are in last place, but what's surprising is that they've managed fall to the bottom of the league only because of their recent losing streak. Even after 11 pointless games they're still only two points below the Edmonton Oilers and six points behind the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes who both have a game in hand on Buffalo.
Hope y'all had a great All-Star break.
The Buffalo Sabres were off for eight days save for Zemgus Girgensons and the front office. While his teammates were spending time away from the ice tasting normalcy, Girgensons was busy rubbing elbows with an elite group of players in Columbus, OH for the All-Star festivities.
And while his players were off on their break, Sabres GM Tim Murray and his scouting staff were in the field taking in junior and college games. Murray, it's assumed, also had his phone attached to one ear as trade-deadline season is set to kick in.
If there's a player that as close to untradeable as one can get on a last place team, Girgensons is the one for the Sabres organization. As for the rest (save for Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorove, maybe,) there will be waves of emotions rising and falling as the NHL heads towards the March 2 trade deadline. If that's not enough, they'll be riding those emotional waves while trying to play the game of hockey on a last place team that comes back from an eight-day All-Star break with a west coast trip on the heels of a 11-game losing streak.
It's no surprise that the Sabres are in last place, but what's surprising is that they've managed fall to the bottom of the league only because of their recent losing streak. Even after 11 pointless games they're still only two points below the Edmonton Oilers and six points behind the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes who both have a game in hand on Buffalo.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Phil Varone nets two for Buffalo in a 5-2 loss at Carolina
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
One by one, the parade of Rochester Americans heading up to the big club went by him this year. First bottom-six forward Johan Larsson. Then checking line center, Tim Schaller. Then former first round pick Mikhail Grigorenko, followed by another first-rounder, Joel Armia.
Through it all, Phil Varone just continued to do for the Rochester Americans what he's been doing since joining the Sabres organization in 2011, playing hard and racking up points.
A 2009 draft pick of the San Jose' Sharks (147th overall,) the 5'10" 186 lb. Varone maxed out his OHL eligibility in 2011 and decided to turn pro instead of heading to college. In 242 regular season games since signing with the Amerks that year he has 48 goals and 129 assists for 177 points (.73 points/game.)
He lead the team in points (52) and assists (41) his rookie season, did it again in 2013-14 (61 points and 43 assists) and was leading the team in those categories (29 points, 21 assists) once again before being called up on Sunday.
You'd think his resume would have gotten him more than two call-ups and a total of 11 NHL games to date, but he seems to have been somewhat forgotten. Or maybe underestimated.
One by one, the parade of Rochester Americans heading up to the big club went by him this year. First bottom-six forward Johan Larsson. Then checking line center, Tim Schaller. Then former first round pick Mikhail Grigorenko, followed by another first-rounder, Joel Armia.
Through it all, Phil Varone just continued to do for the Rochester Americans what he's been doing since joining the Sabres organization in 2011, playing hard and racking up points.
A 2009 draft pick of the San Jose' Sharks (147th overall,) the 5'10" 186 lb. Varone maxed out his OHL eligibility in 2011 and decided to turn pro instead of heading to college. In 242 regular season games since signing with the Amerks that year he has 48 goals and 129 assists for 177 points (.73 points/game.)
He lead the team in points (52) and assists (41) his rookie season, did it again in 2013-14 (61 points and 43 assists) and was leading the team in those categories (29 points, 21 assists) once again before being called up on Sunday.
You'd think his resume would have gotten him more than two call-ups and a total of 11 NHL games to date, but he seems to have been somewhat forgotten. Or maybe underestimated.
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