Matthew Fairburn
@matthewfairburn.bsky.social
Writing about the Buffalo Sabres and NHL for The Athletic. Occasionally writing about the Buffalo Bills as well.
Konsta Helenius burst onto the scene for the Sabres in the playoffs. Here’s a look at how the Sabres scouted and developed Helenius with some insight from Buffalo AGM Jerry Forton and others
Why the Sabres believe Konsta Helenius is built for the NHL’s biggest moments
All you had to do was watch the Sabres in the Stanley Cup playoffs to see Helenius' upside.
nytimes.com
Zach Benson became a household name, a fan favorite and earned a $50 million contract this spring. But what did the Sabres see when they scouted him? A look at the process with Jerry Forton
Inside the Sabres’ scouting of Zach Benson: Analytics, offensive upside and more
Benson has been in the NHL since he was 18 and recently signed a seven-year contract with the Sabres.
nytimes.com
Part 2 of a Sabres summer scouting series with insight from Buffalo AGM Jerry Forton. This one dives into the process that led the Sabres to Jiri Kulich and why he could be a “game changer” for the organization. Free to read:
Inside the Sabres’ scouting of Jiri Kulich: Why he can be a ‘game-changer’
When the Sabres watched Kulich, they saw a player who was among the best in his draft class at shooting off the pass.
nytimes.com
Spent some time with Sabres AGM Jerry Forton to revisit the scouting process behind Buffalo’s emerging young core. This series of stories on the Sabres’ recent draft hits starts with Noah Ostlund “The guy played to win all the time.” Free to read:
Inside the Sabres’ scouting of Noah Östlund: ‘He just makes other players better’
Östlund, an undersized Swedish center, started to stand out to the Sabres in November of his draft year.
nytimes.com
Some initial thoughts on the Sabres’ 84-game schedule, free to read:
Sabres 2026-27 schedule: 6 thoughts on Buffalo’s road back to playoffs
The Sabres’ regular-season schedule was released Thursday. Here are the highlights.
nytimes.com
The Amerks have filled out their coaching staff. They hired Scott Moser as an assistant coach. He's coached at the University of Vermont and also coached Slovakia in five world juniors. The Amerks also hired Neil Conway as goaltending coach. He comes from the Youngstown Phantoms.
Are the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets a trade match for Connor Hellebuyck? Breaking down fit, cost and more, with @theathletic.com's Sabres writer, @matthewfairburn.bsky.social ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
Are the Sabres and Jets a trade match? Breaking down fit, cost and more (Gift Article)
Could the Sabres and Jets still be a fit in a Connor Hellebuyck trade? We break it all down.
nytimes.com
The Sabres' hope opener this season will be on Oct. 3 against the Chicago Blackhawks and old friend Bowen Byram. Buffalo plays in Columbus for the Blue Jackets' home opener on Oct. 1.
The Red Wings announced that Steve Yzerman is transitioning to a senior advisor role. The team is now searching for a new head of hockey operations.
Are the Sabres and Jets a trade match for Connor Hellebuyck? Breaking down the fit, cost and more with our Jets writer @WPGMurat
Are the Sabres and Jets a trade match? Breaking down fit, cost and more
Could the Sabres and Jets still be a fit in a Connor Hellebuyck trade? We break it all down.
nytimes.com
The Sabres announced they hired John Davidson as a senior advisor. He worked with Jarmo Kekalainen in Columbus and St. Louis, where he was president of hockey operations.
The Sabres made a minor league trade, acquiring forward Zac Funk from the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Tyler Kopff. Funk played mostly in the ECHL last season.
The Sabres have made it official. They have signed Peyton Krebs to a four-year contract worth $4.5 million per year
Buffalo Sabres re-sign forward Peyton Krebs to 4-year contract extension
The Sabres and Krebs have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a four-year contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.
nytimes.com
What is the best free-agency fit for Patrick Kane? Blackhawks reunion or Sabres homecoming? @ByScottPowers, Mark Lazerus and I broke that down at The Athletic. Free to read:
What is the best free-agency fit for Patrick Kane? Blackhawks reunion or Sabres homecoming?
Kane is a Buffalo native and a Chicago icon, so either would be fitting for the twilight of one of the best careers in modern NHL history.
nytimes.com
New @TheAthletic Sabres depth chart analysis: 5 lingering questions about Buffalo's forward lines
Sabres depth chart analysis: 5 lingering questions about Buffalo’s forward lines
The Sabres already have 14 forwards with Peyton Krebs left to sign. Figuring out the forward lines will be an adventure.
nytimes.com
Sabres F Peyton Krebs has elected for arbitration.
Spoke to Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen about the offseason to date, how he views Buffalo’s competitive window and more. “I think we’re in a great spot where we don’t have to be busy on July 1.”
Sabres GM Jarmo Kekäläinen on Buffalo’s competitive window, free agency and more
Kekäläinen is confident in this Sabres roster, but he’s still open to the right trade or signing.
nytimes.com
Emptying the notebook on Sabres development camp. 10 thoughts on what I saw and heard from Buffalo’s prospects
What we saw and heard from Sabres prospects at 2026 development camp
Daxon Rudolph and Ilia Morozov, Buffalo's 2026 first-round picks, took part in their first development camp.
nytimes.com
Another AHL signing for the Sabres. Team announced a one-year, two-way deal for LW Aidan McDonough.
Jake Richard looking like Mario Lemieux in the Sabres' three-on-three development camp scrimmage is becoming an annual summer tradition. Just completed his hat trick.
After a quiet first day of free agency, Jarmo Kekalainen expressed confidence in the Sabres’ roster. Thoughts on Buffalo’s patient approach to the offseason
Sabres free agency thoughts: Did Buffalo do enough to build on playoff run?
Sabres GM Jarmo Kekäläinen expressed confidence in what the team has but left the door open for more moves.
nytimes.com
Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen speaking on a quiet first day of free agency: "We’re still open for business for sure if there’s an opportunity to make our team better. But by no means are we desperate to add anything right now." Said it has to be the perfect fit on ice and cap wise.
The Sabres signed Conor Sheary and Dennis Gilbert to one-way contracts worth $850,000. They also signed Jason Polin and Trevor Kuntar to two-way contracts.
Sabres traded Devon Levi and a seventh-round pick to the Oilers in exchange for a 2028 third-round pick.
Sabres announce Olen Zellweger’s extension. Three years with an AAV of $3.1 million.
Sabres re-signing Beck Malenstyn to six-year contract
Sabres re-sign Beck Malenstyn to 6-year, $17.5 million extension: Sources
It's a hefty raise for Malenstyn, who just played the final season of a two-year contract worth $1.35 million per year.
nytimes.com
Full breakdown of the Sabres' draft class here:
Buffalo Sabres NHL Draft picks tracker: Grades, fits and analysis
Corey Pronman evaluates the Sabres at the 2026 NHL Draft.
nytimes.com
Sabres assistant GM Jerry Forton said the organization views Prokhor Poltapov as a "plug and play" prospect who can fit into Buffalo's middle six whenever he decides to come over. And Forton thinks he could come over after one more year in Russia.
In the sixth round, the Sabres take Dylan Dumont, a winger from Drummondville in the QMJHL. Had 28 goals last season.
