Too much news to keep track of in Buffalo sports (and Rochester, too!), so we’ve gathered it all up for you. Here are some of the biggest stories of the week:
Mar 1, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Brian Gionta (12) carries the puck while Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) defends during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
-With the Olympics closing up over the weekend, there was hope that Brian Gionta would make it back the NHL soon. He didn’t wait long, signing a one-year, one-way contract with the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Now clad in black and gold, Gio is already on the stat sheets: two assists in his first game with his new team.
- Evander Kane is already making an impact in San Jose (Photo: Marcus White)
-The Buffalo Sabres sent LW Evander Kane to the San Jose Sharks on Monday for a conditional first-round pick, prospect Dan O’Regan (now an Amerk), and a fourth-round selection in the 2020 draft. Kane also had two assists in his debut on Tuesday.
- Vontae Davis is the newest Buffalo Bill.
-To the gridiron; the Bills made an addition to their team in the form of veteran CB Vontae Davis. Davis last played for the Colts, and has signed a one-year contract with Buffalo. He is expected to immediately start opposite 2nd-year player Tre’Davious White, who is looking to build on an impressive 2017 himself.
Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) stiff arms Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Nigel Bradham (53) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
-Former Jaguars Running Back Chris Ivory has been on tour this week, and stopped in Buffalo to meet with the Bills on Monday. While he wouldn’t be expected to compete for a starting position (held tightly right now by LeSean McCoy), he’d add depth in the backfield where Mike Tolbert and company are all free agents to-be. Ivory was inactive for both of the Jaguars’ final two playoff games this year, and had just one carry for two yards against the Bills on Wild Card Weekend.
Baker Mayfield testing out a blue jersey. (Photo: MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World file)
-With the NFL combine this week, it was reported that top prospect Baker Mayfield will have a ‘formal interview’ with the Buffalo Bills on Friday night. There has been a tidal wave of future Quarterback speculation (both free agency oriented and draft-centric), but Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane have both said that there are no plans (as of yet) to unload Tyrod Taylor. “He’s on our roster now,” more or less.
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-And some sad news this week, former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly announced that his oral cancer has returned, requiring some reconstructive jaw surgery. The Kelly Tough / #kellytough inspiration previously had a bout in 2013, but has been cancer-free since September 2014.
Below is a clip from our very own Rochester Press Box featuring Jim Kelly from back in 2015. In the Unfinished Business segment, Jim offers some great advice:
“Make a difference today for someone who is fighting for tomorrow.”
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