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Dennis Gilbert signs with Buffalo Sabres; excited to play for his hometown team

Theo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Sabres added more local talent by signing Buffalo native Dennis Gilbert as NHL free agency began Monday.

Flames Blue Jackets Hockey

Paul Vernon/AP

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Gilbert, right, controls the puck in front of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Justin Danforth during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. The Blue Jackets won 3-1. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

“There’s always something in the back of your mind that you hope for at some point. I think at this point in my career, it’s the right time for that,” Gilbert said.

Playing in his hometown venue is one thing, but Gilbert says playing for the legendary Lindy Ruff is a bonus.

He remembers what it was like when Ruff led the Sabres to the playoffs.

Tyler Myers, Lindy Ruff

David Duprey/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff talks to Tyler Myers during a hockey practice in Buffalo, New York, Friday, April 16, 2010. The Sabres will face the Boston Bruins in Game 2 of a first-round NHL playoff game on Saturday. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

“The city was just amazing. I had days off from school for the playoff games,” Gilbert said.

Bruins-Sabres Hockey

David Duprey/AP

Buffalo Sabres fans cheer on the Boston Bruins during the third period of a first-round NHL playoff hockey game in Buffalo, New York, Friday, April 23, 2010. The Sabres won 4-1. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

The possibility of Gilbert’s childhood dream coming true couldn’t have been better scripted.

However, the 27-year-old is ready to prove himself against some big names on the Sabres defense.

“I’m a defensive-minded player, I try to be extremely difficult to play against,” Gilbert said. “I’ve been able to fight my way through my career, and that’s something that’s not going to change.”

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