A lot has happened with the Buffalo Sabres over the last few days. Instead of putting all of this into three separate pieces, I’ll just combine it all together for one big recap.
Don Granato and Matt Ellis clear Covid protocol
After the concerning news of Matt Ellis and Don Granato being out last night due to Covid-19 protocols, the Sabres got some good news today. Both cleared protocols and were able to rejoin the team in Boston. They’ll be behind the bench tomorrow when they face the Bruins.
Scouting staff changes
During his media availability before the game yesterday, Kevyn Adams confirmed changes to his scouting staff. Jeremiah Crowe is the new director of pro scouting and Jerry Forton is the director of amateur scouting.
Adams also indicated that he’ll be adding some other people to the scouting staff as part of his restructuring. He also confirmed interviewing candidates for the assistant general manager position. Jason Karmanos still appears to be the front-runner in that regard.
Men’s NCAA Tournament
The men’s NCAA tournament kicks off today. Two Sabres prospects will be competing. The top seed Wisconsin Badgers are playing Bemidji State as I type this out. Linus Weissbach is part of that high-scoring club.
Ryan Johnson and Minnesota Gophers are also a one seed in the west region. They’ll open the tournament against Omaha tomorrow at 10 PM on ESPNU.
Notre Dame and Michigan had to withdraw from the tournament in the last 24 hours due to positive Covid cases. He probably wouldn’t have played with Strauss Mann as the starter, but that ends the season for Sabres’ prospect Eric Portillo as a member of the Wolverines.