BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- The Sabres arrive for the start of training camp with a renewed sense of optimism but that’s nothing new this time of year. The team made a lot of changes to the roster in the offseason but there were significant changes behind the scenes. 

“I think there’s an open line of communication. If you have something that’s bothering you, you can get it off your chest,” Jack Eichel said on Thursday. “Phil(Housley) has been great the last few weeks with us and having our input and seeing what we think. It’s a bit a change for us but it’s a good one.”

Phil Housley enters his second season as the Sabres head coach. This offseason he looked at changes that needed to be made and put an emphasis on accountability. 

“There’s are a lot of players in the locker room that needed to change, myself included,” Housley said. “They’ve put themselves in a vulnerable position at times and listen to feedback and criticism they didn’t like to hear. If you’re going to make a difference and want to change the direction of this franchise we have to change as people and it’s good to see they were able to do that over the summer.” 

Veteran Zach Bogosian is getting set for his 3rd season in Buffalo and believes the team has grown and matured. 

“The guys who have been together for the last few years have broke down some barriers and had some conversations that we haven’t had in the past and that’s something that’s going to be good for us as a group.” 

The teams first organized training camp practice is Friday at Harborcenter and is open to the public.