Camp notebook | Crevier gets acclimated, UPL stays in the moment

Louis Crevier got a proper introduction to Buffalo sports fans Thursday night, when he and the Sabres attended the Bills' inaugural game at Highmark Stadium.

“It was quite an experience, to be honest,” Crevier said after Friday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter.

The Sabres acquired the 6-foot-8, right-shot defenseman, a native of Quebec City, from the Blackhawks in the Bowen Byram trade. He’ll soon get his first taste of sellout crowds at KeyBank Center, too, but for now, Crevier has a couple days to get comfortable on the ice with his new teammates.

Crevier has skated on a pair with fellow righty Conor Timmins to start camp – the Sabres have shown the same lines these first two practices – and is impressed with the amount of talent on Buffalo’s blue line: Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, Owen Power, etc.

“I’m excited to learn from these guys over the season,” he said. “When we played against the Sabres last year, it was really tough games, so I’m really happy to be with them today. They’re on another level, I’d say.”

While the long-limbed Crevier brings a defense-first approach, he sees the way Buffalo’s defensemen like to jump into plays, cycle around and create chaos in offensive zone. He had 25 points (7+18) in 78 games last season and blasted the NHL’s fourth-hardest shot at 102.83 mph (NHL Edge), also recording 124 hits and blocking 95 shots.

Crevier had played parts of the previous two seasons, but Chicago’s roster situation created a full-time opportunity and he seized it. He credits the Blackhawks’ mental skills coaches for taking the training wheels off, so to speak, and unlocking the player Buffalo sees now.

“Before, I was a little bit too nervous, and I started, I always say, ‘caring less’ in a good way,” explained the former seventh-round pick. “Just go out and play.”

Shoulder surgery limited Crevier’s offseason training, but he’s been a full participant in practice and is optimistic about the Oct. 1 season opener. His play will dictate his role this season, coach Lindy Ruff said, but the 25-year-old should be a major piece for the 2026-27 Sabres (and beyond).

Now, here’s more from Friday’s practice.

• Camp notebook | Tage aims for 50, Dahlin enjoys normal summer
• Benson talks contract, winning in Buffalo

Power-play possibilities

The Sabres began working on their power play Friday morning with these units:

No surprises on the first unit, with five guys who worked together in the playoffs, but the second unit had some new looks.

• Noah Ostlund, whose power-play time as a rookie came on the right flank, manned the net-front spot – Jason Zucker’s sports hernia injury creates an opening there.
• The left-shot Josh Norris, also a mainstay on the right flank in his career, worked on the left side.
• Jiri Kulich and his great shot, despite missing most of last season, should see early chances on the man advantage.

Luukkonen talks trade rumors

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen saw his name in trade rumors as the Sabres reportedly explored possible goalie additions this summer. Signed through 2028-29, and now with partial no-trade protection, he’s intentional about not getting too caught up in the noise.

“I mean, it’s business, I guess. I’ve been part of those conversations before,” Luukkonen said. “… You can’t really do anything about that; you focus on the moment. I’m really happy to be here, I’m really happy to be with these guys and just be ready to win. I want to be here, grounded here and help the team win here.”

The Sabres’ three-goalie roster and Alex Lyon’s solid play meant fewer starts for Luukkonen last season, but he was excellent in his 34 appearances: a 22-9-3 record, .909 save percentage and 2.52 goals-against average. It wasn’t all smooth sailing – Luukkonen had a preseason injury and some rough early performances, then another injury that cost him a trip to the Olympics.

“Even in my short period here. I’ve got a lot of respect for how hard he’s worked,” Ruff said. “He’s come off injuries, and he’s [had] some ups and downs during seasons that he’s been able to battle through and play good hockey for us.”

As of now, Buffalo is expected to break camp with the same trio of Luukkonen, Lyon and Colten Ellis. Though he admits to wanting a more everyday role, Luukkonen has team success top of mind.

“Every goalie wants to play as much as they can,” he said, “but in the end, it’s about winning. And that’s the best stat you can have as a goalie: to win games.”

Sweating out last night

Sabres players were well received when shown on the Highmark Stadium video board Thursday night.

“It’s just a great thing about being in Buffalo: You’ve got two sports teams that interact with each other,” Ruff said. “That reception our boys got, I thought, was special.”

They followed the night out with a lengthy practice; at the end, the players sprinted several laps around the rink, changing directions on a dime when Ruff blew the whistle.

“I thought the practice was really good,” the coach said. “I don’t know if it was that late for them; it’s kind of a typical game-night turnaround – except I don’t think you have the (beer) horns on game nights. I was actually jealous.”

Practice sound

Up next

Camp continues with the Blue & Gold Scrimmage on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at KeyBank Center. Claim your free tickets here.