Expected Buffalo | The Podcast

In this episode of the Expected Buffalo podcast, I decided to take a break from discussing Connor Hellebuyck, despite the high interest in that topic. Instead, I focused on the upcoming season and the pressing question of how the team will replace Alex Tuch, who was a significant contributor last season with 33 goals and 66 points. With training camp just around the corner, I explored the current roster, noting that the team has largely retained its forward group, with the addition of younger players like Ostlubd, Helenius, and Kulich. I acknowledged Tuch's importance on and off the ice, emphasizing that his absence will be felt, particularly in leadership and scoring. I highlighted Jack Quinn as a key player who may step up to fill Tuch's role, discussing his potential for growth after a respectable season. Additionally, I touched on the importance of special teams, particularly the penalty kill, where Tuch's absence leaves a significant gap. I raised questions about who will take on those responsibilities and how the team will manage the minutes lost.Thank you for listening, and don't forget to check out our end-of-cottage-season sale! 01:18 - Replacing Alex Tuck: Overview 03:19 - Jack Quinn's Role and Expectations 09:31 - The Kids Group: Kulich, Ostlund, and Helenius 16:31 - Benson's Impact and Future 19:44 - Special Teams and Penalty Kill Concerns 23:20 - Committee Approach to Replacing Tuch

In this episode of the Expected Buffalo podcast, I dive into the latest developments surrounding Connor Hellebuyck and his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets. With training camp just a few weeks away, Hellebuyck has publicly acknowledged his desire to be moved, putting pressure on the Jets to act. I discuss the implications of this announcement, including the potential for a trade before camp opens, and reflect on how the Jets' offseason strategy may have led to this situation. I take listeners back to the NHL Draft, where the Sabres had a significant offer on the table involving their fourth overall pick, but ultimately, the deal did not materialize. As we move through the summer, I outline the challenges the Sabres face in acquiring Hellebuyck, including the need for a goaltender with term and the complexities of salary cap management. Throughout the episode, I explore various trade scenarios, potential players involved, and the competition from other teams like San Jose, New Jersey, and Carolina. I emphasize the importance of finding the right package that meets both the Sabres' and Jets' needs while navigating the intricacies of player contracts and no-trade clauses. 01:00 - Hellebuyck's Trade Request 02:30 - Winnipeg's Dilemma 04:00 - Sabres' Interest in Hellebuyck 05:30 - Draft Day Offers 07:00 - July 1st Trade Talks 08:30 - Current Trade Landscape 09:30 - Goaltender Needs 12:00 - Cap Space Challenges 18:00 - Center Position Concerns 21:00 - Evaluating Trade Packages 24:00 - Competition for Hellebuyck

In this episode of Expected Buffalo, I return after a month-long break, feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into hockey discussions. I touch on the quiet state of the league, particularly after the 4th of July, and discuss some minor trades, including the Sabres' trade of Stiven Sardarian to the Carolina Hurricanes. I also highlight concerns regarding a few prospects in the Sabres' system, particularly focusing on Poltapov and Kleber. I finally present my article on Olen Zellweger, discussing his fit within the Sabres' system, his offensive upside, and the concerns surrounding his defensive play. I compare him to Crevier, emphasizing the need for a rotation among defensemen as we head into the season. As we look around the league, I mention the status of players like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck, who remain with their respective teams despite trade rumors. 02:00 - Prospect Updates and Trades 04:30 - Concerns Over Prospects in the System 07:00 - Recent Prospect Rankings and Discussions 10:30 - Zellweger Article Overview 19:30 - League Updates and Player Status 22:00 - Expected Scouting and Future Plans 25:00 - Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events

We're now a few weeks past the start of free agency, and it has gone quiet for the most part in the NHL. In this episode, we discuss the breakdown of Louis Crevier at expectedbuffalo.com. Also, get into some chatter on a few rumors still circulating. 2:45 - Crevier Breakdown 19:25 - Never-ending Hellebuyck rumors 26:35 - Patrick Kane 29:00 - Jack Quinn

With the Fourth of July passing, we move into cottage season on the NHL calendar. There may still be a few moves around the league, but history dictates that most teams are done changing their rosters. The Buffalo Sabres didn't make any significant additions, but still had roster holes to fill. Did they do enough? 3:53 - Roster Departures 11:36 - Roster Additions 21:06 - What didn't happen 25:31 - Still on the board (Patrick Kane) 29:50 - Current team 36:57 - What now?

The 2026 NHL Draft weekend is over, and now we're heading into the free agent market opening on July 1st. We recap draft weekend for the Buffalo Sabres, including the situation with Connor Hellebuyck. Then we shift the focus to free agent options. 1:30 - NHL Draft Weekend 5:33 - Connor Hellebuyck 13:39 - Free Agent Options

Let's catch up on the latest with the Buffalo Sabres with the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft less than 24 hours away. 2:45 - Fourth Overall Pick 13:35 - Trade rumors 21:20 - Peyton Krebs Sponsor: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

It's time for our annual mock offseason episode. Anthony plays the role of the other NHL general managers, and Chad assumes the role of Buffalo Sabres general manager.

As we get into the meat of the NHL offseason, I was joined this week by Owen Parker of WGR550 to discuss the Buffalo Sabres summer plans. 3:30 - Goaltending 16:00 - Alex Tuch 22:45 - Biggest offseason need 28:00 - Byram contract 34:15 - Ryan McLeod Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres even the series with the Montreal Canadiens at 2-2 with a 3-2 victory in Game 4. Konsta Helenius had a strong debut, Owen Power was good as well, and Zach Benson came through again with the game-winning goal. Now the Sabres come back to Buffalo, all even for Game 5. Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller & Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres lost big to the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 6-2 and now are facing a must-win Game 4 on Tuesday night. They got another strong game from Zach Benson and Josh Doan. While Tage Thompson snapped his goal drought, they still need more from him, Alex Tuch, and other depth on the roster. Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres picked up a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens to take Game 1 of the series. We discuss some observations from the game and key players. Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres will face the Montreal Canadiens in round two of the NHL playoffs. We quickly discuss the Sabres wrapping up the series against the Bruins Friday night and then dive into a preview of the round two series. 5:16 - Sabres vs Canadiens season series 11:38 - Goaltenders 16:10 - Special Teams 20:23 - Roster depth vs roster depth Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres took two from the Bruins in Boston and came back to Buffalo with a chance to end the series at home in Game 5. 1:50 - Game 4 9:03 - Benson and Doan 13:35 - Power and Byram 20:51 - Game 5 Lineup 25:45 - Game 5 Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Sabres go into Boston and take Game 3 to go up 2-1 in the series. Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

Sabres score four times in the final 10 minutes of the third period to come back and take Game 1 from the Boston Bruins. Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres win the Atlantic Division and will face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. 1:40 - Season reflection 8:55 - Bruins Matchup 25:45 - Sabres questions going into the playoffs Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres moved closer to locking up the Atlantic Division with another win. Anthony Sciandra is back this week to break down the team with two games remaining. 2:00 - Sabres vs Jackets 8:06 - Goaltending 23:30 - Third pair 28:04 - Special Teams 35:08 - Playoff Matchup Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller & Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres pick up a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning to get back into the mix for the Atlantic Division title. Sponsored by One Pie Pizza and Hiller & Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres have struggled to find wins over their last seven games and have dropped to third place in the Atlantic Division with five games remaining. 1:50 - Playoff Clinch 6:45 - Numbers behind the last 7 games 24:32 - Defense 35:10 - Upcoming Schedule Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller & Comerford