It's all quiet on the Western New York front, at least when it comes to potential Buffalo Sabres roster moves ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season. It remains unclear whether general manager Jarmo Kekalainen plans to make any further additions before training camp opens in September.
Meanwhile, the Sabres are still in the headlines for some off-ice reasons, including a unique story out of Colorado involving one of the franchise's iconic logos.
NHL sent 'communication' to Colorado high school about Sabres' Goathead logo
The Sabres have a few of the best logos in league history, including their traditional blue and gold design with a bison and crossed saber swords as well as the black and red Goathead, which currently serves as the club's alternate home jersey.
Kyle Newman of the Denver Post reported Thursday that Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colorado "received a communication" from the NHL in March about its use of the Sabres' Goathead logo for its sports teams. It uses the same design with green accents.
School administration sent a letter to residents this week saying it won't sell any items with the logo while reviewing its options and deciding whether a new design is necessary, per Newman.
"We recognize that the Buffalo has been a source of pride and identity for our community for generations," the Cherry Creek School District, which oversees Smoky Hill High School, wrote. "The Smoky Hill spirit is about far more than a single image. It reflects the tradition, resilience, and pride of our students, staff, alumni, and families."
The report didn't include any further details about the NHL's correspondence with the district.
Buffalo wore its Goathead jerseys 15 times during the 2025-26 season, most frequently for its "Throwback Thursday" games, and there was a push from fans for the organization to wear them for a playoff game, though league rules limit use to primary uniforms in the postseason.
Former Buffalo head coach Don Granato joins Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff
Don Granato served as Sabres head coach from March 2021 through April 2024. He compiled a 122-125-27 record (.495 points percentage) and nearly ended the club's recently eradicated playoff drought in 2022-23, when the Blue and Gold missed the postseason by a single point.
The 58-year-old Illinois native owns a long history within the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, and he most recently led the Team USA staff at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
Now he's off to Columbus, where he'll serve as an assistant coach under bench boss Rick Bowness.
"Don Granato is very smart, hardworking, and has spent a lifetime in this game as a player, head coach, assistant coach and scout, and his experiences will greatly benefit Rick, our staff and most importantly, our players," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said.
Bowness added: "I am very excited about the staff we have put together. I've known Donny for many years and have great respect for him as a coach, but more importantly as a person."
Granato has built a strong reputation as an effective developer of young talent. He'll be tasked with bringing the best out of Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli and Denton Mateychuk, among others, upon arriving to the organization.
Coincidentally, the Blue Jackets and Sabres face off in each team's first game of the 2026-27 campaign, Oct. 1 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
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