Buffalo native Dennis Gilbert excited to join hometown Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. — New Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dennis Gilbert, a Buffalo native, said returning to play for his hometown team always seemed to be part of his long-term NHL plan.

“It’s obviously very exciting for my family and I, and it’s always something you hope to see happen one day,” Gilbert said. “I think at this point in my career, it’s the right time for it, and I hope I can come in and help out.”

Now that he has the chance to play for the coach he grew up with in Buffalo, Gilbert said the opportunity is even more special.

“There were a lot of connections, but with Lindy, it’s really cool,” Gilbert said. “The city was just incredible. I had days off for playoff games and it was a special time and there’s a super passionate fan base here. I think when you think about those times, you think about the players, but you think about Lindy a lot and I think it’s a super exciting time for the organization and it definitely makes signing here at this point a little more special.”

Gilbert signed with the Sabres to a one-year contract when free agency opened Monday.

Gilbert previously played for St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute, the Buffalo Junior Sabres and the University of Notre Dame. Most recently, Gilbert played for the Calgary Flames, where he scored seven points and recorded 12 fights in just 82 games. He said that more than anything, he prides himself on being a defensive player first.

“I try to be extremely tough to play against and you can look at that in a variety of ways,” Gilbert said. “Obviously, I’ve always been willing to fight in my career and that’s something that’s not going to change. You can do things that are tough to play against but it’s not just about fighting. It’s being super physical, it’s after the whistle, it’s taking guys out, it’s checking if someone is going after someone on your team and they can’t even connect, but you go up to them and say something to them or you get in their face. It’s all part of it.”

“There’s so much talent, speed and skill on this team,” Gilbert said. “Hopefully with age, maturity and some of the guys that have come in, including myself, we can try to bring some of that anger and that wrath and keep it that way.”