Logan Stanley has been adjusting to life in Buffalo since being acquired by the Sabres on March 6. The 27-year-old defenseman, who previously played his entire professional career with the Winnipeg Jets organization, said after Tuesday’s practice at KeyBank Center that he has found it easy to settle in thanks to a welcoming team environment. “It’s an awesome group,” Stanley said. “Everyone’s kind of a similar age, and they’ve been really good to me and welcoming, and that’s made it easy, too.”
Stanley’s transition comes as the Sabres continue their strong run in the Atlantic Division. The need for a reliable third defensive pair was evident before the trade deadline, and so far Stanley and Zach Metsa have filled that role effectively. In their time together at five-on-five play, they have not allowed any goals against and have limited opponents’ high-danger scoring chances.
Stanley praised his partner Metsa for helping him adjust: “Mets has been great,” he said. “I know it’s his first year, but he plays like he’s been in the league for 10 years. Lots of poise, confidence. Just his hockey IQ, I think, is through the roof, and he’s been easy to read off of and play with. And he’s pretty vocal out there, which always helps, too.”
Head coach Lindy Ruff also commented on Metsa’s contribution: “Watching him skate, he skated really well,” Ruff said during practice when discussing player updates.
Off the ice, assistant equipment manager George Babcock was recognized for working his 2,500th game with the team last Thursday. The players presented Babcock with a snowmobile trailer after Tuesday’s practice as a gesture of appreciation for his dedication over many years. Ruff said about Babcock: “Who gets to have a career in one place that’s 2,500 games? That is pretty special… He’s a Sabre through and through… I’m awfully proud of what he’s done through the years here with all the guys that have gone through that dressing room.”
The Sabres begin a four-game homestand Wednesday night against the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center.
