Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Right after the Buffalo Sabres traded for Logan Stanley late Thursday night, he started making his way from Winnipeg to Western New York.
Stanley had to sit and watch the games on Saturday and Sunday, because of visa issues that didn't get resolved until Tuesday afternoon. The Sabres were playing the San Jose Sharks that night, and head coach Lindy Ruff asked Stanley if he wanted to play.
The big 6-foot-7 and 231-pound defenseman did make his debut, playing 15:51 of ice-time, blocking a shot, registering a hit and earning seven minutes worth of penalty minutes.
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We were able to speak with Stanley on Sunday during the first intermission. The defenseman remembered playing against the Sabres in December while still with the Jets, and he was very impressed then.
When he found out he was traded to Buffalo, it left him with mixed emotions.
"I think excitement was a big one, obviously emotional," admitted Stanley. "I had been in Winnipeg for a long time (six years), met some great people and had some great relationships with teammates."
Winnipeg made Stanley the 18th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, which was held in Buffalo. That was the season the Sabres took one of their biggest first-round busts in team history, Alex Nylander.
Stanley is no shrinking violet, when it comes to rough play, He admits watching the Tampa Bay Lightning game made him hungry to join his new teammates.
"It looked like a lot of fun," Stanley said. "I think we have them again at home once before the season's over."
Trust me when I tell you, Stanley was taking notes during that game, and some of the Lightning are going to be awful uncomfortable for the rematch on April 6, which is Dyngus Day.
Stanley had never had more than one goal in a season, and had five career goals in 202 NHL games entering this season. However, he has nine goals in 60 games this year, to go with 12 assists for 21 points.
He attributes the improvements to his overall game to having better offense.
"I think confidence is huge in this league, and I think last year was a good step for me," Stanley said. "This year, I got off to a good start, my confidence grew, and I think my game's in a good place right now."
Stanley is glad he's part of what general manager Jarmo Kekalainen wants in Buffalo, which is for the team to be more physical.
"I've watched how they've played a little bit, and they play fast and make plays," he noted. "I think it's going to be a lot of fun to just try to get to know the guys and help any way I can.
With not seeing them as much, Stanley admits he didn't realize and appreciate how good of a group they really have.
"It's been awesome coming in, and really looking forward to the future and a playoff push here," he added.
Stanley had seen the whole game against the Nashville Predators and one period against the Lightning when he spoke with him Sunday. He was really enjoying how the fans were reacting to the team.
"I think this is a great sports town and passionate fans," Stanley noted. "To see the Sabres having success this year, people are coming out and supporting, which is awesome. And the building is going to be rocking the rest of the year."
Stanley feels he is a better skater, because he worked hard on it in the offseason.
Luke Schenn and Tanner Pearson have also been cleared by immigration, but they didn't play on Tuesday. Stanley says it's so much easier to get to know new teammates when some old ones are traded with you.
"I didn't know many guys coming in, so tons of familiar faces around is going to be nice," he admits.
The Sabres have, arugably, the best top-four defensive group in the National Hockey League, and it's something Stanley already knew.
"It's going to be exciting," he said. "We were in here with Winnipeg a couple of months ago, and you could see the skill and the speed they play with. Hopefully I'll learn some stuff from them too."
Stanley was really impressed with how the players stuck up for each other and showed some good team toughness.
Things have not been going well for Winnipeg, as they are 27th in the NHL with a points percentage of .492. He says it's great to be in a room bursting with energy.
"I think the amount of energy is a little bit refreshing for me. It's young and fast and skilled, and I don't know if some of them know just how good they are quite yet," Stanley said. "It's an amazing group, and I'm happy to be a part of it."
Stanley admits he didn't know his visa would come through Tuesday afternoon, so he only had about three-and-a-half hours to get ready for the game.
"A couple cups fo coffee and kick the soccer ball around, and go out and try to have fun with it," Stanley said after Tuesday's win.
"I was definitely nervous, and by the second period, I calmed down a little bit and it only can go up from here."
The team didn't have an on-ice practice on Wednesday. They'll host the Washington Capitals on Thursday.
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